Automation Manager

HKA Enterprises; Cary (NC); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

HKA Enterprises is seeking an Automation Manager – Manufacturing Technology to lead the Focus Factory's automation team in Cary, NC. You will oversee networked data collection, monitoring, automated equipment, controls, SCADA, and computerized GMP systems to ensure reliable manufacturing operations.

Responsibilities include designing, deploying, integrating, qualifying, maintaining, and ensuring compliance of automation systems while minimizing downtime; managing projects, documentation, risk

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with automation systems in a pharmaceutical or biotech manufacturing environment.
• Experience with PLC/SCADA, OPC, and data management.
• Familiarity with IT infrastructures and maintenance management systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Focus Factory automation team overseeing data collection, monitoring, automated equipment, controls, SCADA, and GMP systems.
• Design, deploy, integrate, qualify, maintain, and ensure compliance of automation systems while minimizing downtime.
• Manage projects, documentation, risk assessments, change controls, troubleshooting, hypercare, and ongoing system support.
• Lead resources, manage contractors, promote innovation and continuous improvement, collaborate with the site Center of Excellence, and develop talent and a diverse automation workforce.

Skills

Automation design

SCADA systems

PLC programming

Data management

cGMP compliance

Project coordination

Troubleshooting

Education

Bachelor's degree in a relevant field

Master's degree

PhD

Associate's degree

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

MS Word

MS Excel

PowerPoint

PLC

SCADA

OPC

Electronic Batch Records

Job description

Automation Manager – Manufacturing Technology

Leads the Focus Factory’s automation team, overseeing networked data collection, monitoring, automated equipment, controls, SCADA, and computerized GMP systems. Responsible for the design, deployment, integration, qualification, maintenance, and compliance of automation systems while minimizing downtime. Manages projects, documentation, risk assessments, change controls, troubleshooting, hypercare, and ongoing system support. Leads resources, manages contractors, promotes innovation and continuous improvement, collaborates with the site Center of Excellence, and develops talent and a diverse automation workforce.

Role Requirements

• Applicant must have a bachelor's degree with at least 4 years of experience;
• OR a master's degree with at least 2 years of experience;
• OR a PhD with 0+ years of experience;
• OR as associate's degree with 8 years of experience;
• OR a high school diploma (or equivalent) and 10 years of relevant experience.

Knowledge of working with computers and associated applications such as MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint. Broad experience in a pharmaceutical environment with a hands‑on understanding of control and data acquisition systems, IT infrastructures, automated calibration and maintenance management systems Experience in designing and implementing PLC, SCADA, OPC, Data Management or networked automated systems and electronic batch records.

Preferred

• Prior experience in a high regulated pharmaceutical or biotech manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated experience in project management to timelines and budgets.
• Experience in troubleshooting issues to root cause and recommending and implementing effective corrective actions.

Ensure that proven practices are defined and understood by team members who have the responsibility to implement automation systems Display excellent interpersonal effectiveness and communication skills (written and oral). Manage capital projects from conceptual phases through equipment installations, cGMP compliance, commissioning, validation and continuous improvement.