Global Automation Manager

ESI•Piscataway, NJ

12d

About The Position

The primary purpose of the Global Automation Manager position is to lead and manage the design, developing and implementing of all process control systems, automation and data acquisition systems for new processes, factories and machines. This position will manage the entire controls stack, from sensor selection and safety-instrumented functions to PLC/DCS programming, and data, while partnering closely with chemical-process engineers, production, EHS, and R&D teams to deliver repeatable, world-class manufacturing performance. This role is part of the Global Process Engineering Group (GPEG) and is responsible for overseeing all process control systems, automation and data acquisition systems for new processes and existing processes. The position provides technical leadership and strategic direction to ensure operational excellence and innovation in process control developments. The position requires strong expertise in PLC/DCS systems, SCADA, HMI development, instrumentation, batch control, process data systems, industrial networking, safety interlocks, alarm management, control philosophy development, and manufacturing digitalization. The role should also bring familiarity with modern digital manufacturing tools, advanced process control, model-based control, soft sensors, process data models, and appropriate AI/ML applications that improve process robustness, operator decision-making, anomaly detection, and batch-to-batch consistency. The ideal candidate will combine deep automation and controls expertise with practical chemical/process engineering judgment, including the ability to understand reaction chemistry, process hazards, heat and mass transfer, fluid handling, equipment selection, and manufacturing scale-up constraints.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Automation Engineering or Electrical engineering is required with >15 years experience in Process automation engineering or a Master’s degree with a minimum of 10 years experience.
At least 3 years in a leadership or managerial role.
Degree in Chemical Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
Strong experience in chemical, process, or industrial manufacturing environments.
Broad engineering knowledge covering process safety, mechanical systems, utilities, and controls.
Experience supporting capital projects and managing technical interfaces.
Proven experience leading engineering teams in an operational environment.
Ability to prioritize engineering work based on risk, value, and business impact.
Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills.
Experience working within capital governance and maintenance/reliability frameworks.
Excellent communication skills with both technical and non‑technical stakeholders.
Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
High levels of accountability, integrity, and professionalism.
Comfort working in a global, matrixed organization.

Nice To Haves

A degree or strong demonstrated background in Chemical Engineering, Process Control, Process Systems Engineering, or a related chemical/process manufacturing discipline is strongly preferred.
Candidates who can bridge automation, chemical process understanding, and equipment design will be prioritized.

Responsibilities

Lead and manage the design and implementation of process control, automation and data acquisition systems for (new) processes and machines.
Define automation standards for PLCs, HMIs, SCADA, DCS, instrumentation, control panels, data historians, alarms, interlocks, and batch systems
Collaborate cross-functionally with other departments to ensure seamless technology transfer and process integration.
Partner with R&D, process engineering, and operations to translate chemistry and process knowledge into practical automation strategies for safe, repeatable scale-up.
Provide process engineering input for equipment and utility design, including selection and sizing of automated valves, control valves, pumps, flowmeters, piping, instrumentation, reactors, mixers, and safety devices.
Develop control philosophies that reflect process chemistry, operating windows, reaction risks, cleaning requirements, batch sequencing, and abnormal-condition response.
Lead automation concepts for novel or first-of-kind processes where the process is still evolving and the automation strategy must support experimentation, learning, and eventual manufacturing standardization.
Lead design and implementation of process control, automation, and data acquisition systems (PLCs, HMIs, SCADA, DCS, instrumentation, control panels, historians, alarms, interlocks, batch systems)
Specify and configure control platforms (Rockwell, Siemens, DeltaV) and industrial networks (EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, Modbus)
Translate PFDs/P&IDs into I/O lists, control narratives, and cause-and-effect matrices
Apply ISA-88 principles for batch recipes, phases, and equipment/control modules
Partner with R&D, process engineering, and operations to translate chemistry into safe, repeatable automation strategies for scale-up
Provide input on equipment/utility design (valves, pumps, flowmeters, reactors, mixers, safety devices)
Support scale-up from lab recipes through pilot to full production automation
Develop compliant code, batch logic, alarm strategies, and historian interfaces
Lead FAT/SAT, start-up, and on-site commissioning
Drive root cause analysis and continuous improvement using process data and first-principles troubleshooting
Perform LOPA/SIL verifications and design safety-instrumented functions
Ensure compliance with NFPA 70/79, UL 508A, and IEC 61511
Integrate hazard, flammability, and cleanability requirements into interlock design
Deploy data tools (OSI PI, SQL, Python) to monitor KPIs and improve OEE
Support integration with MES, LIMS, ERP, and reporting systems
Apply AI/ML and advanced process control (MPC, cascade control, SPC) where appropriate, with attention to data quality and cybersecurity
Manage automation workstreams on CAPEX projects (scope, budget, schedule, vendor coordination)
Lead cross-functional initiatives and mentor team members
Ensure compliance with safety protocols and regulatory standards