Automation Engineering Manager Fixed Term Contract

West Pharmaceutical Services; Tempe (AZ); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

West Pharmaceutical Services seeks a Senior Project/Program Manager to drive automation and digital initiatives in Tempe, AZ. You will lead multi‑disciplinary teams, coordinate with customers and vendors, and ensure on‑time, on‑budget delivery of complex OT/IT projects within a regulated manufacturing setting.

The role requires extensive experience across manufacturing operations, strong leadership, and proficiency in Azure DevOps, Lean Six Sigma, and PMP practices.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field required.
• Extensive experience managing complex OT/IT manufacturing programs.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage multi-stakeholder projects.
• Experience in regulated manufacturing environments (med device/drug delivery) preferred.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide engineering leadership to ensure plant, machinery and processes operate at optimum levels.
• Lead and coordinate cross-functional project teams across disciplines.
• Manage project cost accounting and ensure delivery on schedule and budget.
• Develop project scope, timelines and cost estimations; prepare project justification documents.
• Engage with customers and suppliers to align requirements and deliver solutions.
• Ensure compliance with safety, quality, and regulatory standards.
• Maintain site engineering drawings and documentation.
• Lead meetings with customers and vendors to drive outcomes.

Skills

People leadership

Influencing capability

Project management

Stakeholder management

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Communication skills

Team leadership

Education

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

Lean Six Sigma Certification (IASSC)

Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification

Tools

Azure DevOps

Job description

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.

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

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.