Director of Process Controls

IPS-Integrated Project Services; Pennsylvania; On-site; USD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

IPS-Integrated Project Services seeks a Director of Process Controls to lead the US Process Automation department, guiding instrumentation and control system design, installation, and startup across complex life sciences projects. You will ensure alignment with engineering standards and regulatory requirements, shaping the function’s strategic direction and technical standards.

The role requires leading senior engineers, coordinating with project teams, and delivering robust control systems on

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical or Chemical Engineering or Process Automation.
• 15+ years of experience in process instrumentation and controls within life sciences.
• Proven expertise in instrumentation and process control system design, implementation and integration.
• Knowledge of automation platforms such as Rockwell, Siemens, Emerson DeltaV or other DCS/SCADA systems.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate with project managers and directors to determine scope, complexity, and scheduling requirements.
• Lead automation teams across multi-site projects and ensure technical excellence.
• Develop and enforce IPS standards, procedures, and regulatory compliance.
• Plan and manage department workload, staffing, and training.
• Support business development through proposals and client interactions.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Instrumentation & controls

Process automation

Regulatory compliance

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or Process Automation

Tools

Rockwell

Siemens

Emerson DeltaV

DCS/SCADA

Job description

At IPS, we are global leaders in developing innovative solutions for the consulting, architecture, engineering, project controls, procurement, construction management, and CQV of technically complex facilities, primarily in the life sciences industry. We are looking for a Director of Process Controls to lead our US based Process Automation department. This position can be located in any of IPS' US office locations (CA/KS/NC/MD/PA/NJ/MA). In this role, you will lead a high‑performing team of instrumentation and controls professionals to deliver robust process solutions across complex life sciences projects. Your focus will be on guiding the design, documentation, installation, and startup of instrumentation and control systems—from concept through construction and commissioning—ensuring alignment between engineering design and field implementation. You will shape the strategic direction of the process controls function, develop technical standards, drive project planning, and ensure compliance with industry regulations. You will also lead the delivery of instrument and control system packages, support construction‑phase readiness, and serve as a key liaison between engineering, construction, and commissioning teams.

Additional Responsibilities include:

Responsibilities

• Coordinate with Project Managers and discipline Directors to determine scope, complexity, and planning and scheduling requirements of projects.
• Assign appropriate personnel to provide cost‑effective engineering and technical support.
• Define an appropriate cost‑effective workflow and level of design detail to achieve project goals.
• Estimate work hours to generate project deliverables and support the design team.
• Ensure the quality, accuracy, consistency, and completion of overall work as to process instrumentation and controls engineering principles, compliance with established IPS standards, procedures, codes, and ordinances; adherence to project schedules; and provide adequate training, technical and administrative guidance, and instruction to personnel within the department.
• Support the development of strategic business plans in concert with overall company planning efforts involving technical/regulatory activities required to achieve long‑range and annual goals and objectives.
• Assist in ongoing strategic planning for the entire company.
• Perform various personnel functions that involve hiring, performance appraisal, salary position recommendations, and employee development.
• Plan and schedule work for the department, ensuring the proper and effective distribution of assignments and manpower, space, and facilities for subsequent performance of duties.
• Liaise for inter‑office labor, work sharing, and outsourcing to consultants.
• Evaluate and initiate the necessary training of the I&C/process controls discipline to ensure pertinent technical competence, acceptable social/communication skills, and personal development of leadership.
• Determine labor, resource, and financial needs of the unit.
• Develop departmental policies and technical standards and procedures.
• Assist in the development and coordination of divisional and inter‑departmental policies, procedures, and standards.
• Regularly review productivity/quality reports to ensure top performance.
• Participate in business development by seeking out new projects with existing or new clients.
• Contribute to the preparation and delivery of sales presentations and proposals.
• Handle special projects as assigned.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Process Automation, or a related field.
• 15+ years of experience in process instrumentation and controls within the pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical, or life sciences industries.
• Proven expertise in instrumentation and process control system design, implementation, and integration.
• Knowledgeable regarding automation platforms such as Rockwell, Siemens, Emerson DeltaV, or other DCS/SCADA systems.
• Strong knowledge of cGMP, 21 CFR Part 11, GAMP 5, and industry regulations.
• Demonstrated experience in leading automation teams and executing complex, multi‑site projects.

Equal Opportunity Employment

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment at IPS without regard to race, creed, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic predisposition or carrier status, veteran, marital, or citizenship status; or any other status protected by law. IPS is proud to be an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer.