Senior Automation Ops Leader for GMP Manufacturing

Pfizer

Rocky Mount (NC)

Hybrid

USD 116,000 - 193,000

Full time

40 hours ago

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Benefits offered by this job

401(k) matching

Retirement contributions

Paid time off

Health benefits

Job summary

Pfizer is seeking an Automation Engineering Manager in Rocky Mount, NC, to lead automation operations, lifecycle management, and production continuity for site manufacturing systems. You will guide cross-functional teams across Operations, Engineering, and Digital partners to ensure compliant and reliable automation infrastructure.

Responsibilities include managing lifecycle, regulatory compliance, incident response, and continuous improvement of DCS/PLC/SCADA/HMI environments.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Electronic, Automation, Mechatronic, Chemical, or Computer Science Engineering.
Extensive automation engineering experience in pharmaceutical or GMP environments.
Strong knowledge of GAMP guidelines applicable to in-scope systems.
Experience leading automation teams or programs.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Excellent people management abilities.
Proficiency with MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Demonstrated experience in managing projects within timelines and budgets.
Experience in leading cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

Lead automation operations to ensure production continuity and system reliability across the site.
Serve as escalation point for automation-related production issues and coordinate resolution across teams.
Provide guidance to Operations and Engineering on automation system performance and risks.
Ensure smooth transition of systems from project delivery into business-as-usual operations.
Own automation lifecycle management ensuring systems remain compliant, validated, and fit for purpose.
Establish and enforce standards for lifecycle documentation, change management, and validation.
Oversee regulatory compliance aligned with GMP, GAMP, and audit requirements.
Drive periodic reviews, system upgrades, and proactive lifecycle planning.
Lead site-level response to major automation incidents and crises impacting production.
Ensure effective Business Continuity Plan readiness, testing, and execution.
Coordinate cross-functional and vendor support during high-severity events.
Manage control systems and automation infrastructure including DCS, PLC, SCADA, HMI, and related systems.
Drive governance of system changes, upgrades, and infrastructure improvements.
Oversee vendor engagement, system integration, and technology roadmap execution.
Lead continuous improvement initiatives to enhance automation and manufacturing systems performance and reliability.
Drive standardization of automation practices and coding standards.
Enable data-driven decision making and performance optimization.
Provide technical and operational guidance across automation activities.
Drive stakeholder engagement across Operations, Engineering, and Digital teams.