Sr. Manager, Automation
Thermo Fisher Scientific•Greenville, NC
•Onsite
About The Position
As the Sr. Manager, Automation, you will lead a team of automation and controls engineering leaders responsible for supporting manufacturing operations, capital projects, and digital/automation strategy across the site. This role is highly visible and part of the succession pipeline for future leadership, with a strong focus on automation systems lifecycle management, reliability, and obsolescence mitigation.
Requirements
- 10+ years of experience in pharmaceutical manufacturing with strong focus on automation systems in sterile environments
- 5+ years of leadership experience managing engineering teams, including people leaders
- Proven experience managing automation systems lifecycle (URS, design specs, FAT/SAT, commissioning, validation)
- Demonstrated experience leading automation obsolescence strategies
- Strong experience with PLC/SCADA/DCS platforms in GMP environments
- Experience supporting capital projects (CapEx) and system migrations
- Deep expertise in automation systems supporting aseptic processing environments
- Strong knowledge of GAMP 5, 21 CFR Part 11, Annex 11, and data integrity principles (ALCOA+)
- Experience with automation cybersecurity and IT/OT integration
- Strong problem-solving and root cause analysis in control systems
- Ability to balance strategic leadership with technical expertise
- Strong cross-functional collaboration
- Experience with lifecycle asset management and obsolescence risk mitigation
Nice To Haves
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Automation, Electrical, or related discipline (highly preferred)
- Advanced degree preferred
- Exposure to business development technical support preferred
Responsibilities
- Lead and develop a team of ~5 automation/controls engineering managers
- Serve as site SME for automation systems supporting sterile fill/finish (PLC, SCADA, DCS, HMI, historians, and integrations)
- Own automation systems lifecycle management, including design, configuration, validation, maintenance, upgrades, and retirement
- Lead site-wide automation obsolescence program, including risk assessments, asset lifecycle tracking, and upgrade planning
- Oversee automation deliverables across lifecycle phases: URS, functional/design specs, FAT/SAT, installation, startup, and validation handoff
- Drive troubleshooting of complex automation issues, root cause analysis, and system reliability improvements
- Support CapEx projects, including new equipment integration, control system design, and platform standardization
- Partner with business development on technical capabilities, automation strategies, and digital readiness for new programs
- Collaborate with process engineering, validation, IT/OT, maintenance, quality, and operations to ensure compliant and reliable systems
- Mentor and develop future leaders in automation and digital manufacturing
Benefits
- Competitive salary and benefits package
- Opportunities for professional development and career advancement
- Collaborative and innovative work environment
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Manager
Number of Employees
5,001-10,000 employees
