Global Automation Senior Principal Engineer

Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine; Leiden; On-site; EUR 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A global health company in the Netherlands is seeking an Automation Senior Principal Engineer in their Innovative Medicine Supply Chain. The role involves leading design inputs for automation systems and collaborating with cross-functional teams to optimize manufacturing processes. Candidates should have a strong background in industrial automation, proven experience in a regulatory environment, and excellent leadership skills. An inclusive workplace encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds, offering opportunities for part-time or full-time work.

Qualifications

• Minimum 15 years of experience in a manufacturing environment.
• At least 10 years in an Automation, OT or IT role within a pharmaceutical environment.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English; additional languages are a significant advantage.

Responsibilities

• Lead automation-related requests across global sites.
• Ensure robust design and promote standardization.
• Collaborate with automation leads across plants.

Skills

Industrial automation systems

Stakeholder management

Strong communication skills

Innovation

Strategic mindset

Education

BS. Degree in Engineering, Science or related discipline

Tools

PLCs

SCADA

DCS

Job description

At Johnson & Johnson,we believe health is everything. Our strength in healthcare innovation empowers us to build aworld where complex diseases are prevented, treated, and cured,where treatments are smarter and less invasive, andsolutions are personal.Through our expertise in Innovative Medicine and MedTech, we are uniquely positioned to innovate across the full spectrum of healthcare solutions today to deliver the breakthroughs of tomorrow, and profoundly impact health for humanity.Learn more at jnj.com.

As guided by Our Credo, Johnson & Johnson is responsible to our employees who work with us throughout the world. We provide an inclusive work environment where each person is considered as an individual. At Johnson & Johnson, we respect the diversity and dignity of our employees and recognize their merit.

Job Function

Supply Chain Engineering

Job Sub Function

Automation Engineering

Job Category

Scientific/Technology

All Job Posting Locations

Beerse, Antwerp, Belgium, Geel, Antwerp, Belgium, Latina, Italy, Leiden, South Holland, Netherlands, Ringaskiddy, Cork, Ireland

Job Description

Innovative Medicine Supply Chain (IMSC) is seeking a highly motivated individual to join the Global Engineering & Technology (GET) Automation organization at Johnson & Johnson as Automation Senior Principal Engineer in support of Synthetics and Biotherapeutics. This is a unique opportunity to make a significant impact in a global role based at one of our major manufacturing locations (Beerse/Geel, Belgium; Cork, Ireland; Leiden, The Netherlands; Latina, Italy; Schaffhausen, Switzerland; Gurabo, Puerto Rico; Athens, Georgia, USA). We welcome both part-time applicants (80% of a working week)/individuals returning to the workplace after a career break, as well as full-time.

As part of the Johnson & Johnson family of companies, our Purpose is ‘We blend heart, science and ingenuity to profoundly change the trajectory of health for humanity.’ We are guided by the values in Our Credo. We build an inclusive environment where a diverse set of backgrounds, perspectives and experiences are valued and each one of our people feels that they belong and can reach their potential.

Position Summary

The GET (Global Engineering & Technology) organization operates as an integrated team in the delivery of Process Engineering, Project Execution, Maintenance and Automation solutions. We operate in a standard, coordinated and consistent manner in support of the current and future requirements of our Manufacturing and Manufacturing Science and Technology (MSAT) and in partnership with key internal/external network.

As the GET, Automation Senior Principal Engineer, they will lead early design inputs to process automation control & design for strategic projects and network studies in IMSC and support troubleshooting activities on critical activities both internally and externally.

Joining our global engineering group, you will have the opportunity to collaborate with individuals who consistently demonstrate strong work behaviors from various functions and sites within IMSC. This dynamic and inspiring work environment offers endless possibilities for personal and professional growth.

Responsibilities And Impact You Will Have

• Lead the intake, scoping, prioritization, and resolution of automation-related requests across global sites
• Ensure robust, fit-for-purpose design and promote standardization where it adds value
• Provide expert input and alignment on key design decisions for automation systems and infrastructure
• Actively collaborate with automation leads across synthetic and biotherapeutic plants
• Identify opportunities for harmonization, share solutions, and best practices
• Foster a culture of collaboration to reduce duplication and accelerate implementation
• Maintain strong connections with industry experts (internal and external, e.g. ISPE) and thought leaders to bring cutting-edge solutions into the organization
• Ensure alignment with enterprise-wide strategies, compliance requirements, and technology roadmaps
• Collaborate with External Supply teams to prioritize support and resolve issues for high-impact programs and partners

Qualifications

Education: BS. Degree in Engineering, Science or related discipline.

Experience And Skills

• A minimum of 15 years of experience in a manufacturing environment, preferably within the biopharmaceutical or pharmaceutical industry, including at least 10 years of proven experience in an Automation, OT or IT role within a pharmaceutical or GMP-regulated manufacturing environment.
• Proven track record in leading cross-functional teams and driving global initiatives in automation and process control.
• Deep understanding of industrial automation systems, including PLCs, SCADA, DCS, and integration with MES and IT systems.
• Expertise in ISA S95 and S88 standards and their application within the Global Supply Chain.
• Knowledge of cGMP regulations related to Automation & Computer System Validation (CSV), including 21 CFR Part 11 and EU GMP Annex 11 in an FDA regulated environment.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to influence across global teams and external partners.
• Demonstrated ability to drive innovation, develop business cases, and lead feasibility studies.
• Familiarity with industry standards and networks such as ISPE, GAMP, and Industry 4.0 technologies.
• Strategic mindset with hands‑on capability to support design, implementation, and troubleshooting of automation solutions.
• Intellectual curiosity to challenge the status quo, influence without authority, and cultivate an inclusive and collaborative culture.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English, additional languages (Dutch, Spanish, Italian, German) would be a significant advantage.
• This position may require up to 25% of domestic and international travel.

Preferred Skills

ISA 95