Automation Team Lead

GSK•King of Prussia, PA

About The Position

We make and supply medicines and vaccines all around the globe and our teams own every production stage, from creating quality products at our manufacturing sites to designing effective supply forecasting and regulatory inspections; all powered by digital, data and analytics. We operate at impressive scale, producing over 1.7 billion packs of medicine and 767 vaccine doses in 2021. We continue to modernize, so we can launch even more new products at speed whilst turbo-charging delivery across our entire portfolio through our relentless focus on quality, safety, and service. The way we work will change. For some, the shift in technology and products will be revolutionary. Our R&D pipeline demands a new kind of supply chain, and we need the very best minds and capability to help us on our journey to make more complex products, harnessing the power of automation and robotics so we can work smarter together. As a Lead Automation Engineer, you will support building operations through both supervisory and individual contribution. Supervise a small team of automation engineers. Provide engineering and technical support for process control systems in the Biopharmaceutical Operations facility. Evaluate and develop technology, plan and implement modifications and upgrades to control systems, provide technical support, and assist in night shift troubleshooting activities during processing operations. This role will provide YOU the opportunity to lead key activities to progress YOUR career. These responsibilities include some of the following: Individual Contribution Provide all aspects of technical stewardship of various types of automation systems. These system types may include all or some of the following: process controls systems (Emerson DeltaV), building automation systems (Siemens), manufacturing execution systems (Emerson Syncade), and PLC systems (Allen Bradley). Collaborate with building stakeholders throughout the automation lifecycle: gather system/end user requirements; complete design, implementation, and testing/validation of changes; maintain documentation; maintain and monitor various systems. Support site technology related to systems integration and digital transformation initiatives. Stay current with developments in the field of controls and manufacturing execution systems. Supervisory Contribution Supervise a small sub-team of automation engineers. Of each direct report: measure individual performance, provide performance related feedback, engage in employee development, and maximize throughput. Responsible for sub-team's overall performance. Lead your team in delivery of value stream, Process Controls team, & site objectives. Oversee the effective implementation of automation solutions that generate the desired functionality and benefit to GSK. Develop engineers on your team technically and professionally. Lead problem solving of all types. Maximize sub-team output, ensure compliance of all types, and maintain a high level of performance. Lead by example and consistently display key professional behaviors and characteristics including, but not limited to: customer focus, initiative, active accountability, composure, integrity, and teamwork. As the leader of a sub-team, act as an effective primary point of contact for customers and stakeholders by providing high availability and ensuring your reports are adequately informed & aligned with messaging, priorities, & expectations. Actively collaborate with other sub-team leaders within the Process Controls team to ensure coordination of cross-sub-team efforts and optimal team resource allocation. Maintain strong lines of communication - clear, transparent, and timely - with the Process Controls Manager. Escalate issues appropriately. Effectively cascade and implement team standards, strategy, ways of working, and philosophies to your sub-team. Contribute to site digitalization initiatives in multiple areas: network integration, data management, delivery & visualization, interface with business IT systems & personnel, and champion a culture that values the use of technology to make things easier. Work in a way that models respect for safety and EHS, quality compliance, data integrity, and engineering standards.

Requirements

BS/BA in engineering, life sciences, biology or equivalent technical discipline OR 8+ years of manufacturing experience in an engineering or production role in lieu of a technical degree
4+ years of automation or controls experience
Experience in designing, programming, start-up, and troubleshooting of process control systems and instrumentation (Emerson DeltaV or Allen Bradley PLC)
Experience in diagnosing problems, generating options, prioritizing issues, selecting optimal solutions, and implementing decisions/resolving problems.
Experience working on a cross-functional team with examples of leading, motivating and providing feedback to others.

Nice To Haves

Experience leading a technical team with direct reports is strongly preferred.
Experience in the design, programming, and troubleshooting of Emerson Syncade is strongly preferred.
Experience in systems/account administration, network design, and server troubleshooting is strongly preferred.
Experience working in a GMP environment is strongly preferred.
Experience in the design, programming, start-up, and troubleshooting of PLC (Allen Bradley) systems is preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide all aspects of technical stewardship of various types of automation systems.
Collaborate with building stakeholders throughout the automation lifecycle: gather system/end user requirements; complete design, implementation, and testing/validation of changes; maintain documentation; maintain and monitor various systems.
Support site technology related to systems integration and digital transformation initiatives.
Stay current with developments in the field of controls and manufacturing execution systems.
Supervise a small sub-team of automation engineers.
Of each direct report: measure individual performance, provide performance related feedback, engage in employee development, and maximize throughput.
Responsible for sub-team's overall performance.
Lead your team in delivery of value stream, Process Controls team, & site objectives.
Oversee the effective implementation of automation solutions that generate the desired functionality and benefit to GSK.
Develop engineers on your team technically and professionally.
Lead problem solving of all types.
Maximize sub-team output, ensure compliance of all types, and maintain a high level of performance.
Lead by example and consistently display key professional behaviors and characteristics including, but not limited to: customer focus, initiative, active accountability, composure, integrity, and teamwork.
Act as an effective primary point of contact for customers and stakeholders by providing high availability and ensuring your reports are adequately informed & aligned with messaging, priorities, & expectations.
Actively collaborate with other sub-team leaders within the Process Controls team to ensure coordination of cross-sub-team efforts and optimal team resource allocation.
Maintain strong lines of communication - clear, transparent, and timely - with the Process Controls Manager.
Escalate issues appropriately.
Effectively cascade and implement team standards, strategy, ways of working, and philosophies to your sub-team.
Contribute to site digitalization initiatives in multiple areas: network integration, data management, delivery & visualization, interface with business IT systems & personnel, and champion a culture that values the use of technology to make things easier.
Work in a way that models respect for safety and EHS, quality compliance, data integrity, and engineering standards.