Automation Lead US

UCB S.A.; Atlanta (GA); Hybrid; USD 184,000 - 242,000; Full time

Job summary

UCB is building a state-of-the-art biologics campus in Georgia, USA, seeking an Automation Lead US who will shape the automation strategy for a new facility. You will collaborate across engineering, manufacturing, quality, and digital teams to design, build and prepare the site for commercial operations, with up to 20% travel.

The role requires 12+ years in automation within regulated manufacturing, leadership of automation teams, and experience delivering large-scale capital projects.

Qualifications

• Masters degree in Engineering, Automation, Biotechnology, or related field.
• 12+ years of automation experience in regulated manufacturing environments.
• Experience leading automation teams, functions, or major project workstreams.
• Experience delivering automation for large-scale capital manufacturing projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead automation delivery across design, construction, startup and operational readiness.
• Define automation strategy for a new biologics manufacturing facility.
• Ensure systems meet quality, compliance and cybersecurity requirements.
• Guide automation vendors, system integrators and engineering partners.
• Drive digital manufacturing and advanced data capabilities.
• Build and develop a high-performing automation organization.

Skills

Automation leadership

Team leadership

Digital manufacturing

Regulatory compliance

Education

Master's degree in Engineering/Automation/Biotechnology

Job description

Make your mark for patients

UCB is embarking on one of the most significant investments in its history through the development of a new state-of-the-art biologics manufacturing campus in Georgia, USA.

Designed to power the future of biologics, this new facility will strengthen UCB's global manufacturing network, expand supply capabilities for future medicines, and support our long-term ambition of bringing innovative treatments to patients around the world. The project combines cutting-edge technology, sustainability, digital innovation, and operational excellence to create a future-ready manufacturing ecosystem.

As a true greenfield initiative, it offers a unique opportunity to help design, build, and launch a world-class biologics manufacturing facility from the ground up while working within a diverse international team spanning the United States and Europe.

We are looking for an Automation Lead US who is strategic, visionary, collaborative and innovative to join us in our Internal Manufacturing team. This hybrid position is based in Atlanta, Georgia and requires up to 20% domestic & international travel.

About the role

You will lead the automation strategy and delivery for UCB's new biologics manufacturing facility in Georgia. You will play a critical role in designing, building and preparing a state-of-the-art manufacturing campus for commercial operations. Working across engineering, manufacturing, quality and digital teams, you will help create a modern, connected and future-ready manufacturing environment.

Who you'll work with

You will be working in a team that collaborates closely with engineering, manufacturing, quality, validation, digital technology and operations colleagues. You will also partner with external engineering firms, system integrators and technology suppliers to ensure automation solutions are delivered safely, compliantly and efficiently.

What you'll do

• Lead automation delivery across design, construction, startup and operational readiness.
• Define automation strategy for a new biologics manufacturing facility.
• Ensure systems meet quality, compliance and cybersecurity requirements.
• Guide automation vendors, system integrators and engineering partners.
• Drive digital manufacturing and advanced data capabilities.
• Build and develop a high-performing automation organization.

Interested? For this role we're looking for the following education, experience and skills

Minimum Requirements

• Master's degree in Engineering, Automation, Biotechnology, or related field.
• 12+ years of automation experience in regulated manufacturing environments.
• Experience leading automation teams, functions, or major project workstreams.
• Experience delivering automation for large-scale capital manufacturing projects.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting a greenfield biologics manufacturing facility.
• Experience delivering automation from design through commercial startup.
• Biotechnology or pharmaceutical manufacturing experience.
• Experience integrating automation with manufacturing execution and enterprise platforms.
• Knowledge of advanced manufacturing, industrial data, and digital technologies.
• Experience building and developing high-performing automation organizations.
• Experience supporting regulatory inspections and audit readiness activities.

The reasonably anticipated salary range for this position is $184,000-$241,500 per year. The actual salary offered will take into account related knowledge, skills, experience and location among other factors and may fall outside the expected range.

Are you ready to ‘go beyond’ to create value and make your mark for patients? If this sounds like you, then we would love to hear from you!

About us

UCB is a global biopharmaceutical company, focusing on neurology and immunology. We are over 9.000 people in all four corners of the globe, inspired by patients and driven by science.

Why work with us?

At UCB, we don’t just complete tasks, we create value. We aren’t afraid to push forward, collaborate, and innovate to make our mark for patients. We have a caring, supportive culture where everyone feels included, respected, and has equal opportunities to do their best work. We ‘go beyond’ to create value for our patients, and always with a human focus, whether that’s on our patients, our employees, or our planet. Working for us, you will discover a place where you can grow, and have the freedom to carve your own career path to achieve your full potential.

At UCB, we’ve embraced a hybrid-first approach to work, bringing teams together in local hubs to foster collaborative curiosity. Unless explicitly stated in the description or precluded by the nature of the position, roles are hybrid with 40% of your time spent in the office.

UCB is an equal opportunity employer.All employment decisions will be made without regard to any characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. UCB invites you to voluntarily self-identify during the application process. Provision of self-identification information is entirely voluntary and a decision to provide or not provide such information will not have any effect on your application for employment, your employment with UCB, or otherwise subject you to any adverse treatment. Any information you provide will be considered confidential and will be kept separate from your application and/or personnel file and will only be used in accordance with applicable laws, orders, and regulations.

Should you require any adjustments to our process to assist you in demonstrating your strengths and capabilities contact us on [e-mail] for application to US based roles. Please note should your enquiry not relate to adjustments; we will not be able to support you through this channel.