Director, Automation

 Director, AutomationLocation: This position is currently remote. A future transition to an on-site location on the U.S. East-Coast/Mid-West is anticipated as the project progresses, with an expected timeline in 2027. This is a full-time role with a Monday–Friday schedule from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.What you will get: The full-time base annual salary for this position is expected to range between $203,400 to $237,300. In addition, below you will find a comprehensive summary of the benefits package we offer:Performance-related bonus.Medical, dental and vision insurance.401(k) matching plan.Life insurance, as well as short-term and long-term disability insurance.Employee assistance programs.Paid time off (PTO).Compensation for this role will be determined by the candidate’s qualifications, skills, experience, and relevant knowledge.What will you do:We are seeking a Director, Automation Lead to develop and execute the automation, digital systems, and operational technology (OT) strategy for an assigned U.S. growth investment project supporting small molecule drug substance manufacturing. This role serves as the primary automation leader throughout facility design, construction, commissioning, qualification, validation, start-up, and operational handover, ensuring systems are reliable, compliant, scalable, and ready to support GMP manufacturing from day one.Lead the automation workstream for an assigned U.S. growth investment project, ensuring alignment with project milestones, operational requirements, and GMP expectationsDefine the automation strategy, architecture, and digital manufacturing roadmap, including control systems, system integration, data flows, historians, MES, and reporting solutionsPartner with Engineering, Manufacturing, MSAT, Quality, IT/OT, CSV, and EHS teams to ensure automation requirements are incorporated into facility, process, and equipment designProvide leadership for automation-related commissioning, qualification, computer system validation (CSV), and start-up readiness activitiesManage automation vendors, system integrators, and external partners to ensure quality execution, on-time delivery, and effective risk managementEnsure automation systems meet regulatory, GMP, data integrity, cybersecurity, and lifecycle management requirementsIdentify and mitigate automation, digital, and operational technology risks while providing strategic recommendations to project leadership and governance teamsEstablish the long-term automation support model, including organizational capability, training, knowledge transfer, and operational handover to the future site teamWhat we are looking for:Bachelor's degree in Automation Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Chemical Engineering, Life Sciences Engineering, or a related technical discipline; advanced degree preferred12+ years of experience leading automation, OT, or digital manufacturing initiatives within pharmaceutical, API, biotechnology, chemical, or other...