Manager, Automation and Controls

Company Description

Abb Vie's mission is to discover and deliver innovative medicines and solutions that solve serious health issues today and address the medical challenges of tomorrow. We strive to have a remarkable impact on people's lives across several key therapeutic areas - immunology, oncology, neuroscience, and eye care - and products and services in our Allergan Aesthetics portfolio. For more information about Abb Vie, please visit us at  Follow @abbvie on X, Facebook, Instagram, You Tube, Linked In and Tik Tok () .

Job Description

The Manager of Automation and Controls is responsible for leading automation, control systems and instrumentation activities within GMP pharma manufacturing environment. This role ensures that automation systems are compliant, validated, reliable and aligned to regulatory requirements while supporting safe, efficient and high-quality production. The manager leads a team of automation professionals and partners closely with quality, manufacturing engineering, IT and external vendors.

This position will also be responsible to manage workload and maintain/improve internal matrix.  We are seeking a driven and technical oriented Manager
- Automation and Controls to lead site design, implementation and maintenance of automation, controls systems and industrial networks to ensure safe, reliable and efficient operation. This role manages projects and technologies related to PLC, SCADA, DCS and instrumentation while driving continuous improvement, standardization and best practices.

This role will lead and implement a site strategy in compliance with regulatory and Abb Vie global expectations, champion key site initiatives, and contribute to the global Center of Excellence. Execute a vision of world class data governance that serves our patients by managing the site's efforts at driving best practices within the data lifecycle.

This role is responsible for leading the design, implementation, maintenance and optimization of control systems and automation technologies across the facility.

Responsibilities:

Leadership & Team Management

+ Lead, mentor, and develop a team of automation and controls engineers and technicians

+ Establish team priorities, performance goals, and training plans

+ Manage external system integrators, OEMs, and automation vendors

Automation & Control Systems

+ Oversee design, configuration, programming, commissioning, and lifecycle management of PLC, SCADA, DCS, HMI, and MES-integrated systems

+ Supporting automation for pharmaceutical processes including batch, continuous and utilities systems

+ Develop and maintain automation standards, templates, and best practices

GMP Compliance & Validation

+ Ensure automation systems comply with FDA, EMA, and global regulatory requirements

+ Lead or support CSV activities including URS, FRS, SDS, FAT, SAT, IQ, OQ, and PQ

+ Ensure data integrity compliance (ALCOA+) and 21 CFR Part 11 requirements

+ Support regulatory inspections and internal audits

Project Management

+ Lead automation scope for capital projects, expansions, and tech transfers

+ Manage project schedules, budgets, and risk related to automation deliverables

+ Coordinate automation activities across engineering, quality, IT, and manufacturing

Operational Support

+ Provide escalation support for automation system issues impacting production

+ Drive root cause investigations and CAPAs related to automation failures

+ Support shutdowns, startups, and continuous improvement initiatives

Cybersecurity & IT Integration

+ Partner with IT and Quality to maintain secure industrial control systems

+ Implement cybersecurity best practices aligned with ISA/IEC 62443

+ Support system backups, disaster recovery, and change control

Continuous Improvement & Digitalization

+ Identify opportunities to improve process reliability, efficiency, and data visibility

+ Support digital manufacturing initiatives, including advanced analytics and MES integration

+ Evaluate emerging automation technologies for regulated environments

Qualifications

+ Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation, Controls Engineering, or related field

+ 12-15+ years of experience in automation and controls within a pharmaceutical or regulated manufacturing environment

+ 3-5+ years of people management experience

+ Strong experience with PLC, SCADA, DCS, and batch control systems

+ Proven experience with GMP validation and regulatory compliance

+ PLC/DCS platforms (e.g., Rockwell, Siemens, Emerson, Fox Boro)

+ Batch control systems and recipe management

+ Industrial networking and system integration

+ CSV documentation and change management systems

+ Demonstrated knowledge of 21 CFR Part 11, ISA, Data Integrity requirements for automated systems in the pharmaceutical industry

Preferred

+

Experience with biologics, sterile manufacturing, or cell and gene therapy

+ Familiarity with MES, historians, and manufacturing execution systems

+ Knowledge of GAMP 5, ISA-88, ISA-95

+ PMP or similar project management certification

+ Some familiarity with…