Automation Engineering Manager Fix Term Contract

West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc; Tempe (AZ); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Milestone bonus

Job summary

West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. seeks an Automation Engineering Manager on a fixed-term contract in Tempe, AZ. The role focuses on developing and deploying a digital or automation strategy to meet customer needs, manage programs and coordinate with vendors.

The position is hybrid with on-site work three days per week; includes a $1,000 milestone bonus and benefits during the 9‑month term.

Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years of experience in manufacturing, engineering, automation and/or information technology in an automated production manufacturing operations environment.
• Experience with complex manufacturing OT IT systems integration.
• Proven success leading day-to-day project activities across multidisciplinary teams (operations, data scientists, solution architects).
• Extensive operations experience in Med device/regulated sector/Drug delivery manufacturing.
• Multistakeholder complex program management experience.
• Experience in Azure DevOps.
• Some validation experience – computer systems, equipment and process.

Responsibilities

• Provide engineering leadership to ensure plant, machinery and processes operate optimally.
• Lead and schedule tools and supplies for departments; oversee engineering projects.
• Administer maintenance management software and ensure OSHA/regulatory compliance.
• Drive Lean Manufacturing initiatives and cost-effective quality improvements.
• Lead meetings with customers and automation suppliers to align requirements.
• Develop project scope, timelines, savings and cost estimates; prepare justifications.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

OT/IT systems integration

Azure DevOps

Vendor coordination

Communication

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Computer Science and/or Information Systems, Manufacturing Automation and Technology

Tools

Azure DevOps

Maintenance management software

Job description

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Title: Automation Engineering Manager Fix Term Contract

Requisition ID: 75689

Date: Sep 17, 2026

Location: Tempe, AZ, US, 85283

Description: At West, we’re a dedicated team that is connected by a purpose to improve patient lives that has been at the center of our Company for more than a century. Our story began when Herman O. West solved the problem of supplying penicillin in mass quantities to the US Government during World war 2. Through our work to deliver thousands of lifesavings and life‑enhancing injectable medicines to millions of patients daily, West’s indelible mark on the healthcare industry has just begun. A name started our story. How will you help write our future?

There’s no better place to join an inclusive community of professionals with opportunities for lifelong learning, growth and development. Supported by benefit programs, we empower the physical, mental, emotional and financial health of our team members and their families.

We believe in giving back to help those in need in the communities where we live and work. And are equally committed to creating a healthier environment and planet through our sustainability efforts.

This position is a fixed-term contract projected to last 9 months. The position offers benefits, training, and full-time hours. A $1,000 bonus will be offered for 12 & 24 weeks for those that complete these milestone dates.

This is a hybrid position requiring the team member to be onsite for a minimum of 3 days per week. No relocation is provided for this opportunity.

Job Summary

This role will focus on the development and deployment of an automation or digital strategy that encompasses the selection and use of the most appropriate digital or automation solution that brings the greatest benefit to our business. The role will involve capturing the best digital or automation solution helping to scope out the most prudent digital solution to meet customer needs, managing programs, and working with outside vendors where appropriate to deliver on time and within budget. It will be expected that you build a strong collaborative mindset with stakeholders and manage expectations realistically and effectively. You will also be required to foster positive synergistic external relationships with other manufacturers, vendors, research bodies, industry groups, and public bodies.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide engineering assistance to assure plant, machinery and processes are at an optimum level.
• Provide assistance and make recommendations to Division Engineering on a timely basis.
• Administrator of the maintenance management software.
• Ensure plant is in compliance with OSHA and local, state and federal environmental regulations.
• Routinely evaluate and review employee performance.
• Write validation, user requirements, equipment specification and other documents as needed.
• Promote and support a Lean Manufacturing environment within the facility.
• Improve processes and procedures to manufacture a quality product at a minimum cost.
• Quotes new automation lines, engineering services, etc. for new and existing customers. Develops suppliers and maintain audit. Develops design concepts for new Automation.
• Provide leadership to engineers. Provide and schedule tools and supplies for departments. Assume responsibility for various engineering projects as assigned.
• Facilitate meetings with the customer both on and off site to determine the needs, requirements, and customer specifications. Establishes relationships with customer and automation suppliers in pursuit of win‑win results and ongoing business.
• Provide and schedule training for the department. Purchases tooling related equipment in accordance with the company policy.
• Responsible for project cost accounting and delivering projects on schedule and at budget.
• Provides a “Customer Service” attitude when interacting with internal and external customers while accomplishing work, production, and achieving quality standards.
• Maintain machine and plant equipment drawings.
• Manage and oversee the functioning of the site engineering groups.
• Develop initial project scope, timeline, savings and cost estimations.
• Write PER (Project Expenditure Request) and project justification documents.
• Develop equipment requirements.
• Research new technologies and methodologies to use in the plant.
• Present justification to management and/or customer to attain approvals.
• Lead project teams and team meetings as required.
• Performs other duties as assigned based on business needs.
• Conforms with and abides by all regulations, policies, work procedures, instruction, and all safety rules.
• Exhibits regular, reliable, punctual and predictable attendance.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Computer Science and/or Information Systems, Manufacturing Automation and Technology required

Work Experience

• Minimum 8 years of experience in manufacturing, engineering, automation and/or information technology in an automated production manufacturing operations environment required and
• Experience with complex manufacturing OT IT systems integration required and
• Proven success implementing complex manufacturing OT IT systems integration. required and
• Proven experience leading day-to-day project activities across multidisciplinary teams (e.g., operations experts, data scientists, solution architects, etc.) to ensure timely execution of project deliverables and outcomes required and
• Extensive operations experience – preferably in Med device/regulated sector/Drug delivery and containment manufacturing required and
• Multistakeholder complex program management. You have solid working experience as a Senior Project or Senior Program Manager in complex global projects required and
• Experience in Azure Dev Ops required and
• Some validation experience – computer systems, equipment and process required and

Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Deep knowledge of manufacturing processes, and relevant technologies.
• Developed understanding of OT technologies
• Strong people leadership and influencing capability
• Strong organizational skills, the ability to perform under pressure and management of multiple priorities with competing demands for resources
• Strong analytical, critical thinking and problem‑solving skills
• Some knowledge of Artificial Intelligence and its application in manufacturing
• Able to comply with the company’s safety and quality policies at all times

License and Certifications

• Manufacturing\Lean Six Sigma Certification-IASSC or Agile preferred
• Program and Project Management\Certified Project Management Professional (PMP)-PMI Knowledge of Agile and Waterfall methodologies preferred

Travel Requirements

20%: Up to 52 business days per year

Physical Requirements

Sedentary-Exerting up to 10lbs/4kgs of force occasionally, and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time.

Additional Requirements

• Ability to communicate, read, write and present across all levels of the organization (from production operators to Sr Management)
• High levels of integrity when conducting the professional affairs of the organization and dealing with sensitive and confidential data
• Able to operate with calmness and clarity of thought while under pressure.
• Able to uphold the goals and culture of the organization.
• An understanding of strategic business objectives and the ability to drive results toward those objectives.
• Openness to, and the ability to deal with, rapid change in business needs, process and technology.
• Able to routinely use standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines
• Must be able to communicate effectively with written and oral skills, make quick decisions, interpret data, read and write, speak in front of groups, express and exchange ideas, understand direction and adhere to procedures
• Organizational skills will enable planning, prioritization and achievement of goals especially of importance for the successful execution of related activities
• Position operates in a professional office environment. May stand or sit for extended periods of time
• Read and interpret data, information and documents
• Must maintain the ability to work well with others in a variety of situations
• Must be able to multi-task, work under time constraints, problem solve, and prioritize
• Ability to make independent and sound judgments
• Observe and interpret situations, analyze and solve problems

Shift

Monday - Friday Day Shift

West embraces diversity and equality of opportunity. We foster an environment where all individuals are safe, treated fairly, valued and respected. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status or other applicable legally protected characteristics. Where permitted by law, employment with West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. or any of its subsidiary or affiliate companies, is contingent upon the satisfactory completion of post-offer background screening and/or drug screening. #LI-SL1