Lead Automation & MES Delivery for Biopharma Projects

Lonza; Vacaville (CA); On-site; USD 160,000 - 266,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance-related bonus

Medical, dental and vision insurance

401(k) matching plan

Life insurance

short-term and long-term disability

Employee assistance programs

Paid Time Off

Job summary

Lonza in California is seeking a senior automation professional to lead the design, development, and implementation of automation solutions for large CAPEX projects, ensuring scope, budget, and schedule alignment.

The role partners with Manufacturing, MSAT, QA, Engineering, and external vendors to deploy reliable, compliant systems; you will drive best practices, validation considerations, and lifecycle management.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in bioengineering or a related technical discipline.
• Experience delivering automation and control systems in regulated manufacturing environments.
• Experience with MES and historian platforms; OSIsoft PI and SAP preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and implementation of automation solutions for large CAPEX projects.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing, MSAT, Quality Assurance, Engineering, and partners to deploy reliable, compliant automation systems.
• Drive continuous improvement and adoption of Lonza's automation standards, best practices, and technology strategies.
• Provide technical leadership for software configuration, control system development, hardware specifications, and control panel design activities.
• Manage and coordinate engineering contractors, system integrators, and equipment vendors throughout project execution.
• Support FATs, SATs, commissioning, startup activities, and engineering turnover with robust documentation and revision control.
• Influence strategic automation initiatives by evaluating emerging technologies and providing expertise on equipment selection and system architecture.

Skills

Automation design

Project leadership

Process control systems

Biopharma manufacturing

Validation and qualification

Education

Bachelor's degree in Bioengineering or related

CAP certification advantageous

Tools

OSIsoft PI

SAP

ERP integrations

SCADA

DCS

Job description

Join Lonza's growing automation team in Vacaville and play a key role in delivering innovative automation solutions for major capital projects. This position offers the opportunity to influence the future of biopharmaceutical manufacturing by implementing world-class automation systems that support the production of life-changing therapies.

This is a fully site‑based role. Working together in person supports close, real‑time collaboration and the technical precision needed to manufacture medicines to the highest quality and safety standards.

What you will get:

The full-time base annual salary for this position is expected to range between $159,750-$266,250. In addition, below you will find a comprehensive summary of the benefits package we offer:

Performance-related bonus

Medical, dental and vision insurance

401(k) matching plan

Life insurance, as well as short-term and long-term disability insurance

Employee assistance programs

Paid Time Off

Compensation for this role will be determined by the candidate’s qualifications, skills, experience, and relevant knowledge.

What you will do:

Lead the technical design, development, and implementation of automation solutions for large CAPEX projects, ensuring successful delivery against scope, budget, and schedule.

Collaborate with Manufacturing, MSAT, Quality Assurance, Engineering, and external partners to deploy reliable and compliant automation systems.

Drive continuous improvement and adoption of Lonza's automation standards, best practices, and technology strategies.

Provide technical leadership for software configuration, control system development, hardware specifications, and control panel design activities.

Manage and coordinate engineering contractors, system integrators, and equipment vendors throughout project execution.

Support FATs, SATs, commissioning, startup activities, and engineering turnover while ensuring robust documentation and revision control.

Influence strategic automation initiatives by evaluating emerging technologies and providing expertise on equipment selection, system architecture, and industry trends.

What we are looking for:

Bachelor's degree in Bioengineering, Engineering, or a related technical discipline; advanced degrees and CAP certification are advantageous.

Proven experience delivering automation and control system solutions within biopharmaceutical, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or other regulated manufacturing environments.

Strong knowledge of PLC, DCS, SCADA, and process automation systems, including lifecycle management and validation considerations.

Experience supporting commercial manufacturing operations, including aseptic processing, mammalian cell culture, CIP, and SIP applications.

Demonstrated experience leading complex projects and effectively manage multiple stakeholders, vendors, and cross-functional teams.

Experience with MES, historian platforms, and ERP integrations, ideally including OSIsoft PI and SAP environments.

Strong communication, problem-solving, and leadership skills with a passion for innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

About Lonza

At Lonza, our people are our greatest strength. With 30+ sites across five continents, our globally connected teams work together every day to manufacture the medicines of tomorrow. Our core values of Collaboration, Accountability, Excellence, Passion and Integrity reflect who we are and how we work together. Everyone’s ideas, big or small, have the potential to improve millions of lives, and that’s the kind of work we want you to be part of.

Innovation thrives when people from all backgrounds bring their unique perspectives to the table. At Lonza, we offer equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you’re ready to help turn our customers’ breakthrough ideas into viable therapies, we look forward to welcoming you on board.

Ready to shape the future of life sciences? Apply now.

• Take ownership, step forward, and enjoy meaningful responsibility
• Love solving problems and thrive in a complex, fast-moving environment
• Are curious, always looking to learn and improve
• Work collaboratively, contributing to something bigger than yourself
• Are motivated to make a difference through work that impacts customers and their patients

Why Lonza:

We are a place of unique opportunity, where your ideas, expertise and ambition can make a real difference. Here, will have the freedom to grow, the support to succeed and the chance to contribute to work that matters.

We are the makers of the medicines of tomorrow.