Automation Engineer Manager
Job SummaryThe Manager, Automation Engineering is a first-line technical leader responsible for leading a team of automation professionals while driving the reliable, efficient, and compliant operation of site automation and control systems. This role combines people leadership with hands-on engineering expertise, overseeing automation projects, system upgrades, and continuous improvement initiatives that enhance manufacturing performance, data integrity, and operational reliability.ResponsibilitiesLeadership & Team DevelopmentLead, mentor, and develop a team of automation engineers, controls specialists, and technicians.Establish performance goals, conduct evaluations, and support employee development plans.Allocate resources across projects, maintenance activities, and continuous improvement efforts.Promote automation standards, engineering best practices, and a culture of safety, accountability, and innovation.Automation Engineering & Project ExecutionServe as project lead and technical subject matter expert for automation projects, upgrades, and system integrations.Provide hands-on support for the design, programming, configuration, testing, and commissioning of PLC, HMI, SCADA, and DCS systems.Review and approve automation design documentation, control strategies, and change control records.Partner with Engineering, Operations, Maintenance, IT, and Quality teams to deliver integrated automation solutions.Ensure automation systems meet operational, reliability, cybersecurity, and regulatory requirements.Continuous Improvement & StrategyLead site automation roadmap initiatives, including modernization, digital transformation, and process optimization projects.Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, product quality, and manufacturing reliability through automation and advanced controls.Manage relationships with external vendors and system integrators.Monitor automation performance metrics and reliability KPIs to drive continuous improvement.Compliance & DocumentationEnsure automation activities comply with GMP, GAMP 5, OSHA, and applicable regulatory standards.Oversee development and approval of functional specifications, testing protocols, validation documentation, and lifecycle records.Maintain effective change management and documentation practices for automation systems.QualificationsBachelor’s degree in Electrical, Chemical, Mechanical, Automation Engineering, or a related discipline; Master’s degree preferred.7–10 years of engineering experience, including at least 2 years in a leadership or lead project role.Strong expertise in control system design and PLC/HMI programming (e.g., Allen-Bradley, Siemens), SCADA/DCS platforms, and industrial networking.Experience in regulated manufacturing environments such as pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or chemical industries preferred.Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and manage multiple concurrent projects.