Sr. Manager, Automation Engineering

A brief overview

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.

What you will do

• 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.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field; or equivalent years of qualified work experience in lieu of degree
• Master’s degree in relevant field preferred
• 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
• Experience working with global engineering, automation standards, centers of excellence, or multi-site technology harmonization (preferred)
• 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.

Base salary range: $139,280 - $191,510

Placement of new hires in this wage range is based on several factors including education, skill sets, experience, and training.

Total Rewards

We offer all Team Members a total rewards package including competitive pay, annual performance bonus, a generous benefit package with comprehensive Medical/Dental/Vision coverage, 401(k) plan with employer contribution, and paid vacation, personal and sick days.

Corporate Social Responsibility

Bachem takes responsibility for future generations by a careful handling of resources and avoiding environmental risks. We continually improve our ecological performance and develop and implement new approaches for enhancing employees’ environmental awareness. EcoVadis has awarded Bachem Gold Medal status in their assessment of Bachem.

Bachem Americas is an Equal Opportunity Employer

As an equal opportunity employer, we celebrate the diversity of our team and are committed to building an inclusive workplace where individuals are hired and advanced based on merit, skills, and qualifications. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, or other legally protected status.