Sr. Manager, Automation & Electrical (Onsite)

POSITION SUMMARY

This is a key leadership opportunity for an experienced engineer who thrives at the intersection of technical expertise and team development. The Sr. Manager Automation & Electrical is responsible for hands-on support and troubleshooting as well as leading a team of automation & electrical engineers technicians and external consultants ensuring execution and availability of production systems at Partner Therapeutics (PTx) cGMP manufacturing plant. PTx manufactures Leukine (sargramostim) a therapeutic glycoprotein at its Lynnwood Washington facility.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Functional:

• Leads automation and electrical operations overseeing power distribution sitewide UPS automation networks and control systems to ensure reliability and regulatory compliance.
• Manages complex automation projects from design through implementation including capital planning budgeting and scheduling.
• Develops and executes preventive maintenance programs for electrical systems inspections and testing to maximize uptime and performance.
• Implements and optimizes MES Data Historian PLC HMI and SCADA systems to enhance production efficiency and data integrity.
• Directs and schedules engineering teams for maintenance troubleshooting repair and calibration of automated systems.
• Ensures departmental capabilities and resources align with performance targets and operational commitments.
• Oversees automation process support including software updates discrepancy resolution and compliance with cGMP standards.
• Provides subject matter expertise for manufacturing information networks and control systems (Allen-Bradley PLCs ControlLogix CompactLogix AVEVA PI MS SQLServer iFIX SCADA AB Panelview VMware Physical and virtual server infrastructure).
• Leads design and implementation of automated control systems ensuring adherence to engineering specifications regulatory requirements and project timelines.
• Plans and allocates labor and facility resources for the Automation and Electrical Engineering Department.
• Specifies instrumentation and collaborates cross-functionally with Manufacturing Quality and Facility Services teams.
• Manages vendor activities for equipment repairs modifications and installations; deliver training for operations and automation staff.
• Drives lifecycle management and continuous improvement escalating issues implementing preventive measures and applying industry best practices.
• Stays current with emerging technologies and compliance standards leveraging insights to improve systems and processes.
• Ensure sfull regulatory compliance including SOPs GMP OSHA/WISHA and Company policies; complete all required training within deadlines.
• Follows cGMP standards and procedures to accurately document the operation and maintenance of equipment and systems in the cGMP production environment using the Asset Management System (AMS) database and other applicable data repositories.
• Successfully completes all required Quality and Compliance training within required timeframes.

People Leadership:

• Builds develops inspires motivates and leads a diverse professional team of Partners and external consultants. Sustains high performance that is strongly aligned and coordinated with other functional groups across the organization; ensures Partner engagement by creating a culture of inclusion execution and an environment within which they can excel and continuously improve.
• Manages and develops the performance of direct reports by setting clear SMART goals provides and seeks timely performance feedback recognizes and rewards high achievers and holds team members accountable for underperformance. Leads by example and promotes PTxs core Values: Learn Prepare Innovate Collaborate Lead to continually improve the Quality Culture at PTx.
• Holds Team accountable for compliance to all safety and quality regulations ensures all team members directly or indirectly support cGMP activities and have the necessary education knowledge and skills to perform their job in accordance with applicable procedures and regulations.
• Cultivates and maintains strong collaborative working relationships with customer and partner departments (Mfg. QA QC Engineering HSE Security Finance Materials management etc.)
• Works proactively and in close collaboration with upline Leadership Team and People & Culture to recruit hire grow and retain a diverse team of talent.

KNOWLEDGE SKILLS ABILITIES

Required:

• CMMS/AMS Systems: Experienced in managing and utilizing computerized maintenance and asset management systems.
• Electrical Systems: Strong knowledge of low (120V480V) and medium (12kV) voltage equipment including transformers switchgear circuit breakers emergency generators ATS UPS power factor correction grounding systems MCCs VFD/ASD smart MCCs relays and electrical protection systems.
• Instrumentation & Control: Expertise in industrial instrumentation design specification and maintenance for 24V DC systems cabling panels indicators wireless communication and field devices. Skilled in process instrumentation (flow level temperature analyzers weighing systems).
• Automation & Networks: Proficient in manufacturing information networks and control systems (Allen-Bradley PLCs ControlLogix CompactLogix AVEVA PI SQL servers iFIX SCADA AB PanelView). Excellent knowledge of instrumentation and calibration processes.
• Project & Resource Management: Skilled at managing multiple projects and resources simultaneously with strong organizational and prioritization abilities.
• GMP Compliance: Deep understanding of GMP quality systems (change control deviation reporting SOP-driven environments) and operational excellence principles.
• Policy & Standards Development: Proven ability to create and implement policies procedures and standards aligned with U.S. and international GMP regulatory requirements.
• Leadership & Collaboration: Expert at fostering trust collaboration and stakeholder engagement. Resourceful in leveraging internal and external networks to resolve issues and drive results.
• Analytical & Strategic Thinking: Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills with a track record of developing strategic solutions.
• Soft Skills: Action-oriented adaptable positive and comfortable with change. Skilled in giving/receiving feedback and working across diverse teams.
• Communication: Excellent written and oral English skills; adept at delivering clear persuasive presentations and leading effective meetings.
• Technical Proficiency: Advanced in MS Word Excel PowerPoint Outlook; quick to adopt new job-specific applications.
• Strong safety mindset. General knowledge of safe work practices for manufacturing and construction. Good grasp of safe electrical work practices NFPA70E and general knowledge of NFPA70.

Preferred:

• Preferred automation process knowledge and experience includes utility operations (pure water systems compressed air steam and clean steam etc.) building automation systems (HVAC dynamic room pressurization chillers etc.) Autoclaves CIP systems fermenters TFF Centrifuge LC HPLC and/or other filtration systems.
• Formal project management training.
• Recent experience with workforce planning and operational budgeting.
• Software application experience with AutoCAD Smartsheet MS Project and SharePoint.

PEOPLE LEADERSHIP QUALIFICATIONS

Required:

• Demonstrated commitment to fostering the professional growth and development of others especially technical personnel such as highly skilled engineers and early-stage technicians.
• Strong leadership skills including demonstrated ability to drive accountability and build a culture of trust compliance efficiency and continuous improvement.
• Skilled at active listening conflict resolution and team building.
• Proficiency in standard recruiting and hiring protocols; recent practical experience with the hiring processes as both a hiring manager and interviewer.

Preferred:

• Formal people leadership training including advanced coaching and giving-and-receiving-feedback skills.
• Formal interview training.
• Experience working collaboratively with HR/People & Culture functions to recruit hire grow and retain talent.

EXPERIENCE & EDUCATION

Required:

• High School Diploma or GED.
• 12 years progressively responsible experience as a practicing professional involved in the support design and/or implementation of instrumentation and control systems preferably in the biopharmaceutical pharmaceutical food or other batch processing industries. (Bachelors degree or equivalent in related field may substitute for 2 years of professional experience.)
• 5 years in People Leadership roles. People Leadership qualification includes experience in recruiting making hiring decisions setting SMART Goals growing high performers and addressing performance concerns.

Preferred:

• B.S. in Electrical Engineering (preferred) Mechanical Engineering Chemical Engineering or a combination of technical training and relevant work experience.

PTx is committed to the principles of competitive and pay equity for all of our Partners. The current pay range for this position is $166000 - $185000: Offers are made within the base pay range applicable at the time. Your salary will vary depending on several factors including your qualifications and experience.

In addition to medical dental vision FSA/DCA HRA disability and life insurance coverage all full-time regular Partners enjoy a casual and Hybrid or Remote workplace program for many roles. We offer a terrific compensation/benefits/perks package which includes pre-IPO options annual cash bonuses 401k matching free parking or Seattle-area ORCA pass tuition assistance plus rewards for achievement and contribution. To support a healthy work-life balance we also provide a gym subsidy wellness participation programs and a generous vacation sick and holiday paid time off program in addition to a paid shutdown between the Christmas and New Years holidays.

Partner Therapeutics is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race color religion sex age national origin veteran status marital status sexual orientation gender identity disability or any other category prohibited by local state or federal law. This policy applies to all aspects of employment including recruitment placement promotion transfer demotion compensation benefits social and recreational activities and termination.