About this opportunity
Meet Life Sciences lists this Associate Director Automation Engineering opportunity in indianapolis, Indiana. Review the employer’s description below for duties, qualifications and application requirements.
Job description
Associate Director Automation Engineering
We are seeking an experienced Associate Director – Automation Engineering to lead and develop a high-performing process control organization supporting a large-scale biologics manufacturing facility. This senior leadership role has significant influence across operations, project delivery, compliance, and site start-up.
During an exciting greenfield build and multi-year start-up phase (2025–2028), this role will be instrumental in shaping the automation strategy, building a new team, and implementing robust GMP-compliant control systems to support reliable and efficient biologics manufacturing.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Team Development
Lead, coach, and develop a team of process control engineers and consultants
Own performance management, development planning, succession planning, and resourcing
Build a strong, collaborative automation culture aligned with GMP expectations
Automation & Process Control Oversight
Ensure reliable, compliant automation systems supporting daily biologics manufacturing operations
Set and reinforce standards for automation engineering deliverables and technical rigor
Coordinate and prioritise process control activities across operations and projects
Project Delivery & Site Start-Up
Provide automation leadership during design, delivery, commissioning, qualification, and start-up of a greenfield facility
Partner cross-functionally to implement systems, business processes, and site standards required for GMP manufacturing
Adapt leadership approach in a dynamic, fast-growing start-up environment
Operational Excellence & Compliance
Ensure automation systems operate in a continuous state of compliance
Track, monitor, and report key functional performance indicators
Demonstrate strong commitment to environmental, health, and safety standards
Business & Financial Management
Develop and deliver the Automation Engineering business plan
Review and manage budgets and financial performance against targets
Requirements
10+ years’ experience in biopharma engineering, automation, IT, operations, or manufacturing
Proven experience in automation engineering within a biologics or GMP manufacturing environment
Strong people leadership experience, including coaching, performance management, and team building
Experience delivering highly automated greenfield manufacturing sites
Hands‑on knowledge of SCADA, DCS, and MES platforms (e.g. DeltaV, Rockwell, Syncade)
Experience as part of a site or plant leadership team
Demonstrated success in recruiting, retaining, and developing high‑performing technical teams
Seniority Level: Director
Employment type: Full‑time
Industries: Pharmaceutical Manufacturing and Biotechnology Research
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Worksite address
indianapolis, IN, 46262, US
Who can apply
Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.