Head of Automation & Manufacturing Intelligence

Takeda; Thousand Oaks (CA); On-site; USD 154,000 - 243,000; Full time

Job summary

Takeda in Thousand Oaks seeks a Head of Automation to lead the automation engineering function for cGMP production. You will set the vision, drive lifecycle management, and liaise with internal teams and external vendors to deliver safe, compliant, and efficient automation solutions.

You will guide state-of-the-art technologies across cell culture, purification, filling and packaging, and cell therapy while managing budgets and leading audits with regulators.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering is required.
• 12+ years in process automation, design, and project delivery.
• 5+ years in leadership roles.
• Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Experience with GMP biopharma facilities and automation systems.
• Knowledge of major automation platforms and networks.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a vision and strategy for the Automation Group.
• Ensure lifecycle management of automated systems across sites.
• Liaise with Manufacturing, Facilities and external vendors through design to qualification.
• Drive innovation by collaborating across Takeda and external networks.
• Provide automation expertise across cell culture, purification, filling and packaging.
• Support operations with strategic direction and day-to-day troubleshooting.
• Forecast capital and expense budgets for automation programs.
• Lead site regulatory audits and defend current practices when needed.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

Allen-Bradley PLCs

Schneider Electric

Johnson Controls

DeltaV

SCADA

PI Historian

Siemens S7 PLCs

iFIX

iHistorian

Industrial Ethernet

Profibus

AS-Interface

Job description

Takeda in Thousand Oaks seeks a Head of Automation to lead the automation engineering function for cGMP production. You will set the vision, drive lifecycle management, and liaise with internal teams and external vendors to deliver safe, compliant, and efficient automation solutions.

You will guide state-of-the-art technologies across cell culture, purification, filling and packaging, and cell therapy while managing budgets and leading audits with regulators.