Sr. Automation Engineer

West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc; Tempe (AZ); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. is seeking a Sr. Automation Engineer in Tempe, AZ to guide the engineering team toward quality products and efficient operations.

The role emphasizes hands-on troubleshooting, project leadership, and cross-functional collaboration to implement sustainable manufacturing processes. Required are a strong automation background, CAD and SAP experience, and 5+ years in the field with 2+ years of supervisory responsibility.

Qualifications

• Requires a bachelor’s degree in engineering or science; master’s preferred.
• 5+ years of experience in automation engineering and 2+ years in a supervisory role.
• Strong CAD and SAP experience; ability to mentor and lead teams.

Responsibilities

• Mentor and may lead an engineering team to achieve site goals.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop sustainable manufacturing processes.
• Troubleshoot, repair, and improve automated equipment; perform engineering studies.
• Lead RCCA initiatives and drive data-driven improvements.
• Develop project scope, timelines, savings, and cost estimations.
• Write validation, user requirements, and equipment specifications.

Skills

Automation engineering

Leadership

Problem solving

CAD

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Science

Master's degree in Engineering or Science

Tools

SAP

CAD software

Job description

Title: Sr. Automation Engineer

Location: Tempe, AZ, US, 85288

Description

At West, we’re a dedicated team that is connected by a purpose to improve patient lives that has been at the center of our Company for more than a century. Our story began when Herman O. West solved the problem of supplying penicillin in mass quantities to the US Government during World War 2. Through our work to deliver thousands of life‑saving and life‑enhancing injectable medicines to millions of patients daily, West’s indelible mark on the healthcare industry has just begun. A name started our story. How will your help write about our future?

There’s no better place to join an inclusive community of professionals with opportunities for lifelong learning, growth and development. Supported by benefit programs, we empower the physical, mental, emotional and financial health of our team members and their families.

We believe in giving back to help those in need in the communities where we live and work. And we are equally committed to creating a healthier environment and planet through our sustainability efforts.

Job Summary

In this role, you will effectively plan and guide Engineering team, ensuring quality product and operational efficiencies are met.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Mentor and may lead engineering team to achieve site and department goals in a fast-paced environment.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop and implement sustainable manufacturing processes and systems.
• Technical and hands‑on automated equipment troubleshooting, repair, and improvements.
• Perform and document engineering studies and evaluations.
• Analyze data to drive improvements, determine prioritization, and identify opportunities.
• Lead and provide mentorship in root cause and corrective action (RCCA).
• Assess and perform/schedule technical training, including electromechanical systems, pneumatics, servos, PLCs, schematic reading/interpretation, new technology, etc.
• Champion high‑visibility projects. Develop project scope, timeline, savings, and cost estimations.
• Quote new automation lines, engineering services, etc. Develop design concepts for new automation.
• Write validation, user requirements, equipment specification, and other documents as needed.
• Establishes relationships with customer and automation suppliers in pursuit of win?win results and ongoing business.
• Provide engineering assistance to assure plant, machinery, and processes are at an optimum level.
• Routinely evaluate and review employee performance.
• Promote and support a Lean Manufacturing environment within the facility.
• Research new technologies and methodologies to use in the plant.
• Provide a “Customer Service” attitude when interacting with internal and external customers while accomplishing work, production, and achieving quality standards.
• Perform other duties as assigned based on business needs.
• Conform with and abides by all regulations, policies, work procedures, instruction, and all safety rules.
• Exhibit regular, reliable, punctual and predictable attendance.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education

• Bachelor's Degree In Engineering or Science field required
• Master's Degree In Engineering or Science field preferred

Work Experience

• Minimum 5 years 5-8 years of experience required and
• 2+ years of managerial or supervisory experience in manufacturing environment required and
• Strong automation background and experience with CAD and SAP systems a plus. preferred

Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of manufacturing processes, workflows, production equipment and industrial techniques.
• Must have effective problem solving and interpersonal skills.

License and Certifications

• Manufacturing\Six Sigma Green Belt Certification Six Sigma green belt Upon Hire preferred or
• Manufacturing\Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Six Sigma black belt Upon Hire preferred

Travel Requirements

10%: Up to 26 business days per year

Physical Requirements

Sedentary-Exerting up to 10lbs/4kgs of force occasionally, and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time.

Additional Requirements

• Must be able to perform job duties as required with limited physical demands.

Shift

Monday- Friday

West embraces diversity and equality of opportunity. We foster an environment where all individuals are safe, treated fairly, valued and respected. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status or other applicable legally protected characteristics. Where permitted by law, employment with West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. or any of its subsidiary or affiliate companies, is contingent upon the satisfactory completion of post‑offer background screening and/or drug screening.