Senior Automation Engineer

Introduction to role:

Are you ready to architect and elevate automation that keeps our critical facilities running safely efficiently and sustainablyso life-changing medicines reach patients without interruption Do you thrive at the intersection of modern controls data and on-the-ground problem solving moving from strategy to hands-on action when the site needs you most

In this role you will be responsible for the performance and resilience of building management PLC and SCADA systems across HVAC utilities and critical mechanical processes. Your decisions will safeguard product quality drive compliance and unlock measurable energy and carbon reductions. multi-functionalross-functional teams through upgrades and validations compress downtime with smart planning and use diagnostics and data to eliminate chronic issues.

You will lead proofs-of-concept for next-generation technologiesfrom AI/ML predictive maintenance to digital twins and IoTtranslating promising ideas into robust validated capabilities. As a technical authority and mentor you will build capability across the site align partners behind change and create durable standards that scale.

Accountabilities:

Automation System Architecture & Performance: Be responsible for the full lifecycle of automation and control systems for HVAC utilities and critical mechanical processesfrom strategic architecture and roadmapping to hands-on solving during high-priority eventsto ensure uptime compliance and optimal performance.

Innovation & Emerging Technology: Evaluate and pilot AI/ML-driven predictive maintenance digital twins and IoT sensors; lead proofs-of-concept that translate into reliable control strategies and Industry 4.0 applications delivering tangible value in reliability efficiency and sustainability.

Project Leadership & Integration: Lead end-to-end upgrades modifications and capital installations for automation systems; align improvements with mechanical requirements and GAMP 5 standards; own commissioning validation and qualification (IQ/OQ/PQ); and deliver secure robust integration between automation platforms enterprise applications and facility controls.

Compliance & Risk Management: Provide GxP oversight and ensure alignment to FDA 21 CFR Part 11 data integrity and GAMP 5 validation protocols; author and maintain URS FDS schematics and SOPs; lead change controls and deviations; and act as SME during internal and regulatory audits.

Sustainability & Continuous Improvement: Identify and implement automation-led energy optimization and carbon reduction opportunities; improve reliability and performance through software/hardware upgrades and control tuning; and embed smart controls that advance corporate sustainability goals.

Technical Leadership & Knowledge Transfer: Deliver training on BMS PLCs and automation systems; coach mechanical and operations teams in solving and guidelines; handle vendors and service agreements; and maintain comprehensive configuration and version control documentation.

Rapid Support & Sophisticated Tooling: Harmonise with partners; leverage diagnostic tools and automation software to take on and optimize performance; provide timely response to urgent automation issues; and use Generative AI tools to streamline documentation and accelerate PLC logic prototyping and improvement.

Essential Skills/Experience:

Automation System Architecture & Performance:

• Full lifecycle ownership of automation and control systems supporting HVAC utilities and critical mechanical processesfrom strategic architecture decisions to hands-on solving when critical systems demand it

• Development and execution of comprehensive improvement roadmaps for automation systems including software/hardware upgrades and system hardening initiatives

• Technical authority for Siemens Desigo CC BMS Allen-Bradley PLCs and SCADA systemsensuring reliability integration and optimal performance

• Configuration optimization and tuning of control loops PID parameters actuators valves dampers and process instrumentation

• Software version control backup strategies and programming logic improvements to enhance uptime and enable disaster recovery

• Configuration maintenance and solving of Variable Frequency Drives (Yaskawa Allen-Bradley ABB Honeywell) and instrumentation (temperature transmitters flow meters differential pressure transmitters).

Innovation & Emerging Technology:

• Evaluation and piloting of emerging automation technologies including AI/ML-driven predictive maintenance digital twin implementations and IoT sensor integration

• Leadership of proof-of-concept initiatives for next-generation control strategies and Industry 4.0 applications

• Continuous technology scouting staying with automation industry trends and bringing forward recommendations that provide competitive advantage

• Development of automation-driven solutions for energy optimization and carbon reduction aligned with corporate sustainability initiatives

Project Leadership & Integration:

• End-to-end leadership of automation system upgrades modifications and capital installations

• Multi-functional partnership with engineering and facilities teams to ensure automation improvements align with mechanical system requirements and GAMP 5 standards

• Ownership of commissioning validation and qualification (IQ/OQ/PQ) for automation-controlled systems to maintain GxP compliance

• Secure integration management between automation platforms enterprise applications and facility controls.

Compliance & Risk Management:

• GxP Compliance Leadership: Provide oversight for all automation systems ensuring strict alignment to FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements data integrity standards and GAMP 5 validation protocols.

• Document Authoring & Management: Be responsible for the development of critical technical documentation including User Requirement Specifications (URS) Functional Design Specifications (FDS) system schematics and standard operating procedures (SOPs).

• Quality System Execution: Handle site-level Change Control processes lead deviation investigations and provide authority Domain Expertise (SME) during internal and regulatory audits.

• Operational Standards: Implement to and drive continuous improvement of maintenance and calibration documentation safety laws and Good Engineering Practices (GEPs)

Sustainability & Continuous Improvement:

• Drive automation system efficiency and find opportunities for energy optimization and carbon reduction.

• Implement automation-driven enhancements to improve system reliability performance and sustainability.

• Support corporate sustainability initiatives by integrating smart automation controls into mechanical utilities.

• Collaborate with internal and external partners to promote sustainable engineering practices.

Technical Leadership & Knowledge Transfer:

• Development and delivery of technical training programs for staff on BMS PLC programming and automation systems

• Technical mentorship and coaching for the mechanical team on automation standard methodologies and fixing strategies

• Vendor management including solution evaluation contract negotiation and coordination for equipment repairs and service agreements

• Maintenance of comprehensive documentation: automation configurations software version control system updates and solving knowledge bases.

Other Responsibilities:

• Exhibit strong written and verbal communication skills to collaborate efficiently with team members management and external partners.

• Use niche diagnostic tools and automation software to fix optimize and enhance system performance.

• Be available to respond to emergency automation issues ensuring rapid solving and resolution

• Leverage Generative AI tools to streamline the development of technical documentation draft standard operating procedures (SOPs) and assist in the rapid prototyping or optimization of PLC code logic

Desirable Skills/Experience:

• Bachelors or Masters degree in Electrical Mechanical Chemical Controls or Automation Engineering

• 8 years of experience delivering BMS/PLC/SCADA solutions in supervised manufacturing healthcare or critically important facilities

• Prior experience in pharmaceutical or biotech GxP environments including hosting or supporting health authority inspections

• Proficiency with Rockwell Studio 5000/RSLogix FactoryTalk and Siemens Desigo CC sophisticated configuration

• OT/ICS cybersecurity knowledge (ISA/IEC 62443) network segmentation firewalls and secure remote access for automation systems

• Data historian and analytics experience (e.g. OSIsoft PI) to drive predictive insights and performance dashboards

• Familiarity with ISA-88/ISA-95 standards batch controls and enterprise integration patterns

• Experience implementing ISO 50001 energy management practices and metering strategies

• Validated Lean and Kaizen leadership to reduce downtime improve OEE and optimize energy use

• PMP or equivalent project management certification; strong vendor and contractor leadership across multi-phase capital projects

When we put unexpected teams in the same room we unleash bold thinking with the power to inspire life-changing -person working gives us the platform we need to connect work at pace and challenge perceptions. We work five days per week from the office. But that doesnt mean were not flexible. We balance the expectation of being in the office while respecting individual flexibility. Join us in our unique and ambitious world.

The annual base pay (or hourly rate of compensation) for this position ranges from $138917 to $ positions offer eligibility for various incentivesan opportunity to receive short-term incentive bonuses equity-based awards for salaried roles and commissions for sales roles. Benefits offered include qualified retirement programs paid time off (i.e. vacation holiday and leaves) as well as health dental and vision coverage in accordance with the terms of the applicable plans.

Why AstraZeneca:

Here diverse problem-solvers gather around the same table to turn challenging ideas into practical solutions that help patients sooner. You will work with cutting-edge controls AI/ML and digital twins while collaborating across disciplines to keep our sites safe reliable and agile. We pair ambition with supportvaluing kindness alongside driveso you can test learn and scale innovations that reduce waste strengthen compliance and advance our commitment to a zerocarbon future. Your expertise will shape how our sites run today and how we build the next generation of sustainable intelligent facilities.

Call to Action:

Ready to lead high-impact automation that keeps vital operations running and accelerates sustainable outcomes for patientsstep forward and make your mark with us today!

Date Posted

Closing Date

Our mission is to build an inclusive environment where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and furtherance of that mission we welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates regardless of their protected characteristics. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation please complete the corresponding section in the application form.