Senior Engineer, Automation Controls – Facilities & Engineering

AstraZeneca plc; California (MD); On-site; USD 147,000 - 220,000; Full time

Job summary

AstraZeneca plc is seeking a Senior Engineer, Automation Controls to lead facilities and process automation in a pharmaceutical environment. You will drive projects, validation, and capital investments while ensuring systems meet GMP and regulatory standards.

You will provide expert technical guidance, oversee complex programs, and enhance operational efficiency across critical facilities, labs, and production areas, with emphasis on asset ownership and cross-functional collaboration.

Qualifications

• 7–10 years in automation/controls, validation, facilities engineering, and capital projects.
• Experience in pharmaceutical or regulated industries.
• Strong knowledge of GMP, FDA regulations, and compliance standards.
• Proven success leading automation/controls processes, asset ownership, and engineering projects.

Responsibilities

• Guide technical teams in automation/controls development, validation, and engineering solutions.
• Own asset management for automation/control systems across facilities, labs, and production areas.
• Lead validation strategies, protocols, and documentation for automation/controls assets.
• Ensure reliability of electrical components, software, and field devices; implement maintenance programs.
• Direct design, installation, and commissioning of systems/equipment; ensure GMP compliance.
• Manage automation/controls upgrades, expansions, and new installations; oversee budgets and schedules.
• Prepare and review documentation for validation and capital projects; generate detailed reports.

Skills

Automation controls

Validation

Facilities engineering

Capital projects

Project management

Communication

Multi-priority

Cell Therapy experience

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Electrical preferred)

Master's degree preferred

Job description

We are seeking a Senior Engineer, Automation Controls to lead facilities and process automation within a pharmaceutical environment. This role drives engineering projects, validation, and capital investments while ensuring systems meet GMP and regulatory standards. You’ll provide expert technical guidance, oversee complex projects, and enhance operational efficiency across critical facilities, labs, and production areas.

Accountabilities

• Leadership & Oversight: Guide technical teams in automation/controls development, validation, and engineering solutions; mentor junior staff; collaborate cross‑functionally to align projects with organizational goals.
• Facilities Management: Serve as asset owner for automation/control systems across critical facilities, labs, and production areas; drive strategies for upgrades and efficiency improvements; ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental standards.
• Validation Management: Lead validation strategies, protocols, and documentation for automation/controls assets; ensure compliance with FDA, EMA, and internal standards; manage complex validation projects from design through reporting.
• Automation/Controls Oversight: Ensure reliability of systems including electrical components, software, and field devices; implement maintenance and inspection programs; uphold industry and regulatory standards.
• Engineering Leadership: Direct design, installation, and commissioning of systems/equipment; ensure GMP compliance; develop preventive and predictive maintenance programs to maximize reliability.
• Capital Projects Management: Manage automation/controls upgrades, expansions, and new installations; oversee budgets, schedules, and stakeholder/vendor coordination to deliver projects on time and within budget.
• Documentation & Reporting: Prepare and review documentation for validation, engineering procedures, and capital projects; generate detailed reports ensuring accuracy and compliance.
• Compliance & Safety: Maintain adherence to regulatory requirements and industry standards; enforce safety protocols and emergency response plans; conduct audits and inspections to address issues proactively.
• Continuous Improvement: Identify and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve reliability; stay current with industry trends, technology, and regulatory changes.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Electrical preferred); Master’s a plus.
• 7–10 years in automation/controls, validation, facilities engineering, and capital projects.
• Experience in pharmaceutical or regulated industries.
• Strong knowledge of GMP, FDA regulations, and compliance standards.
• Proven success leading automation/controls processes, asset ownership, and engineering projects.
• Strong project management, problem‑solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities under pressure.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Electrical Engineering preferred, or a related engineering field; Master’s degree preferred.
• 7-10 years of experience in automation/controls software and equipment systems, with background in qualification/validation, facilities engineering, and capital projects. Significant experience in a pharmaceutical or regulated industry is preferred.
• Extensive knowledge of GMP, FDA regulations, and other relevant compliance requirements.
• Proven experience in leading complex automation/controls processes, asset ownership, engineering projects, and capital investments.
• Strong project management skills with experience in budgeting, scheduling, and resource allocation.

Desirable Skills

• Cell Therapy experience.

Working Conditions

• Office and on‑site facilities environment, with occasional travel.
• May require evening or weekend work for urgent projects.

AstraZeneca is a place where every day brings new challenges. We lead from the front to ensure everyone's voice is heard on site while building trust and respect with our teams. Our adaptable nature allows us to draw on diverse expertise across functions to overcome obstacles. We champion ideas from anyone on our site with a drive to see things through. Our supportive team environment ensures we succeed together by looking out for each other. With opportunities for growth beyond your role in a stable company committed to eliminating emissions by 2025, AstraZeneca is where you can make a real impact.

The annual base pay for this position ranges from $146,721.60 - $220,082.40. Hourly and salaried non‑exempt employees will also be paid overtime pay when working qualifying overtime hours. Base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job‑related knowledge, skills, and experience. In addition, our positions offer a short‑term incentive bonus opportunity; eligibility to participate in our equity‑based long‑term incentive program (salaried roles), to receive a retirement contribution (hourly roles), and commission payment eligibility (sales roles). Benefits offered included a qualified retirement program [401(k) plan]; paid vacation and holidays; paid leaves; and, health benefits including medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans. Additional details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment. If hired, employee will be in an “at‑will position” and the Company reserves the right to modify base pay (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.

Our mission is to build an inclusive environment where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and employees. In furtherance of that mission, we welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of their protected characteristics. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please complete the corresponding section in the application form.