Global Automation & Digital Manufacturing Leader

Allergan; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 250,000 - 380,000; Full time

Job summary

AbbVie seeks a Director, Global Automation Engineering to lead automation architecture, process control, and digital infrastructure across the global manufacturing network. The role carries financial accountability for automation spend and directs a matrixed team of engineers worldwide.

Responsibilities include strategy development, capital project oversight, governance of DCS/PLC/BAS systems, and ensuring regulatory compliance (FDA/EMA) across sites.

Qualifications

• 20+ years of automation engineering with increasing leadership responsibility.
• Significant pharma/biopharma manufacturing experience required; biologics and small molecule exposure preferred.
• Proven track record leading automation on large-capital projects ($50M+) in enterprise settings.
• Experience managing matrixed teams across multiple sites/time zones.
• Hands-on experience with DCS, PLC, batch automation, SCADA, OSI-PI, EMS, BAS, and related control technologies.
• Deep knowledge of GxP regulatory requirements (21 CFR Part 11, EU Annex 11) and CQV/commissioning practices.

Responsibilities

• Serve as enterprise automation authority and senior engineering leader for automation, process control, and digital infrastructure.
• Own automation strategy and Factory of the Future initiatives across global sites.
• Govern standards, vendor qualification, FAT/SAT, CQV to ensure regulatory compliance and readiness.
• Provide governance for automation architecture, cybersecurity, data integrity, and OT/IT convergence.
• Lead people development, budgeting, and governance for a large, global automation organization.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Executive presence

Budget management

Regulatory compliance

OT cybersecurity

DCS/PLC/BAS

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical/ Chemical Engineering or CS

Master's degree or equivalent

Job description

AbbVie seeks a Director, Global Automation Engineering to lead automation architecture, process control, and digital infrastructure across the global manufacturing network. The role carries financial accountability for automation spend and directs a matrixed team of engineers worldwide.

Responsibilities include strategy development, capital project oversight, governance of DCS/PLC/BAS systems, and ensuring regulatory compliance (FDA/EMA) across sites.