Sr. Manager, Automation Engineer

Bachem AG•Vista, CA

3d•$139,280 - $191,510

About The Position

The Sr. Manager, Automation Engineering leads the automation engineering function supporting manufacturing, utilities, facilities, and capital projects within a regulated pharmaceutical manufacturing environment. This role provides leadership and technical direction for the automation team and is responsible for automation strategy, engineering standards, project execution, system compliance, and continuous improvement of automation and digital manufacturing technologies. In partnership with Manufacturing, Engineering, Facilities, Quality, Validation, Maintenance, IT/OT, and Global Automation teams, the incumbent ensures automation systems are reliable, compliant, scalable, and aligned with business objectives. This role also oversees resources, budgets, vendors, and project priorities to support safety, quality, operational efficiency, reliability, and long-term site performance.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field; or equivalent years of qualified work experience in lieu of degree
10+ years of qualified automation, controls, engineering, or manufacturing systems experience
3+ years of experience leading engineers, technical teams, project teams, or automation programs
Experience in pharmaceutical, biotechnology, chemical, life sciences, or other regulated manufacturing environments
Experience with SCADA/HMI platforms such as Ignition, FactoryTalk View ME/SE, WinCC, Copadata Zenon, PlantPAX, iFIX, or similar systems
Experience with PLC, DCS, BMS, process control systems, batch control, recipe management, instrumentation, and industrial automation architecture
Experience with industrial communication protocols and network topology, including Ethernet/IP, Profinet, BACnet/IP, BACnet MSTP, serial communications, and related OT network technologies
Experience with OSI PI, MSSQL, historian systems, reporting systems, and manufacturing data integration
Experience with cGMP, commissioning, qualification, validation, change control, data integrity, 21 CFR Part 11, and validated computer systems
Working knowledge of ISA, IEEE, NEC, UL 508A, FDA requirements, and industry codes as they relate to chemical, pharmaceutical, or related facilities
Experience leading automation scope for capital projects, strategic investment projects, equipment installations, system upgrades, and lifecycle replacement programs
Experience managing automation vendors, system integrators, contractors, and external service providers
High level of safety awareness.
Strong technical knowledge of automation, controls, instrumentation, batch programming, PLCs, DCS, SCADA, BMS, IT/OT networks, historians, databases, and manufacturing technologies.
Strong knowledge of batch processing, recipe management, process automation, equipment automation, and utility system automation.
Ability to lead complete automation project lifecycles from design, planning, budgeting, implementation, commissioning, qualification, validation, and turnover.
Ability to manage, coach, mentor, and develop automation engineers and technical team members.
Experience with electrical and programming troubleshooting, including ability to guide teams through complex technical investigations.
Ability to safely work with or direct work involving electrical circuits up to 480VAC.
Strong knowledge of GMP documentation, SOPs, protocols, change control, deviations, CAPAs, and inspection-readiness expectations. High level of safety awareness. Ability to manage vendors, contracts, project schedules, budgets, and technical deliverables.
Strong written and oral communication skills, including ability to communicate technical matters to senior leaders and cross-functional stakeholders.
Ability to prioritize competing demands, manage resources, and deliver results in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
Detail-oriented with strong problem-solving, root-cause analysis, and decision-making skills.
Ability to influence across functions and build partnerships with Manufacturing, Quality, Validation, Facilities, Maintenance, IT/OT, and global teams.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in relevant field preferred
Experience working with global engineering, automation standards, centers of excellence, or multi-site technology harmonization (preferred)

Responsibilities

Lead and manage the automation engineering team responsible for automation systems supporting batch processing tanks, solvent recovery systems, filter dryers, HPLCs, filtration systems, lyophilizers, ultra-low freezers, HVAC, solvent distribution and recovery systems, compressed air, purified water, wastewater systems, BMS, SCADA, PLC, historian, and related manufacturing and utility systems.
Provide leadership and technical oversight for automation scope within strategic investment projects, capital projects, process improvements, equipment installations, upgrades, and system expansions from concept through design, implementation, commissioning, qualification, validation, and turnover to operations.
Develop, own, and execute the site automation strategy, including automation standards, system lifecycle management, technology roadmaps, obsolescence planning, platform harmonization, and alignment with Global Automation and Center of Excellence strategies.
Ensure compliant design, implementation, qualification, change control, documentation, and lifecycle support of automation systems in accordance with company policies, cGMP expectations, FDA requirements, data integrity principles, cybersecurity requirements, and applicable industry standards.
Partner with Manufacturing, Engineering, Facilities, Maintenance, Validation, Quality, IT/OT, and external vendors to troubleshoot automation issues, improve system reliability, reduce downtime, optimize process performance, and support production needs.
Develop team capability through coaching, mentoring, performance management, succession planning, training, and creation of procedures, job aids, standards, SOPs, and technical guidance for automation systems and practices.
Manage automation department planning, resource allocation, vendor coordination, project priorities, budget inputs, schedules, risks, and stakeholder communication to ensure business objectives and project milestones are met.