Sr. Automation Project Manager - Facility Startup

Job Description

Senior Automation Project Manager – Facility Startup

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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.

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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.

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Key Responsibilities

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

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

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• PMP or equivalent project management certification
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• Hands-on experience with DeltaV Batch DCS or comparable platforms (Honeywell Experion, Rockwell PlantPAx, etc.)
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• Experience leading C&Q activities for greenfield or major capital automation projects
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• Background in building automation teams, standards, and procedures for new manufacturing sites
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• Familiarity with electronic validation/test management systems (e.g., Kneat)
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Base salary + additional hourly compensation based on billable hours performance. The salary range above assumes 1880 billable hours a year (5 weeks of vacation).