Senior Automation Project Manager – Facility Startup

Overview: Our client is seeking an experienced Senior Automation Project Manager to lead automation project delivery for a new facility. This individual will take ownership of the automation workstream from code handover through first demo batch, ensuring all control systems are delivered on schedule, fully GMP-compliant, and ready to support a successful startup.

This is a high-visibility role ideal for an automation professional who has personally led automation activities for at least one new facility startup within pharma or another regulated industry. The environment is fast-paced, collaborative, and suited to someone who thrives in cross-functional project leadership.

Key Responsibilities

Lead automation project management for a new facility startup, including scope, schedule, and punch-list oversight for all control system deliverables
Act as the primary liaison between process engineering, automation engineering, system integrators, construction teams, and Site Quality
Coordinate FAT/SAT execution and support Computer System Validation (CSV) to ensure systems are ready for commissioning, qualification, and startup
Identify, track, and mitigate risks related to automation scope, schedule, and quality
Provide ongoing project status updates to site leadership and key stakeholders
Support development of automation staffing plans, standards, and procedures for a new site organization
Partner closely with Site Quality to integrate CSV, data integrity, and GMP compliance strategies into project execution

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Chemical, Electrical, Controls Engineering, or related discipline
8+ years of automation engineering or automation project management experience
Proven experience leading automation workstreams for at least one new or greenfield facility startup in a pharmaceutical or regulated manufacturing environment
Strong background working with DCS/SCADA/MES vendors and system integrators
Solid understanding of ISA-88 batch standards, GMP, CSV, and data integrity principles
Demonstrated project management capability across scope, schedule, and budget
Excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder management skills

Preferred Experience

PMP or equivalent project management certification
Hands-on experience with DeltaV Batch DCS or comparable platforms (Honeywell Experion, Rockwell PlantPAx, etc.)
Experience leading C&Q activities for greenfield or major capital automation projects
Background in building automation teams, standards, and procedures for new manufacturing sites
Familiarity with electronic validation/test management systems (e.g., Kneat)

Base salary + additional hourly compensation based on billable hours performance. The salary range above assumes 1880 billable hours a year (5 weeks of vacation).

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