Lead Automation Engineer

Lead Automation Engineer

At Kenvue, we realize the extraordinary power of everyday care. Built on over a century of heritage and rooted in science, we're the house of iconic brands - including NEUTROGENA®, AVEENO®, TYLENOL®, LISTERINE®, JOHNSON'S® and BAND-AID® that you already know and love. Science is our passion; care is our talent.

Our global team is ~ 22,000 brilliant people with a workplace culture where every voice matters, and every contribution is appreciated. We are passionate about insights, innovation and committed to delivering the best products to our customers. With expertise and empathy, being a Kenvuer means having the power to impact millions of people every day. We put people first, care fiercely, earn trust with science and solve with courage – and have brilliant opportunities waiting for you! Join us in shaping our future–and yours.

Role reports to: Site Leader & Make Product Owner

Location: North America, United States, Pennsylvania, Lititz

Work Location: Fully Onsite

The Lead Automation Engineer provides technical leadership and hands‑on automation expertise to support manufacturing operations. This role leads complex automation and digitalization projects end‑to‑end, ensuring solutions meet business needs, regulatory requirements, and operational excellence standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as a technical authority for automation systems supporting manufacturing operations.
• Provide automation and digitalization support across capital projects, new product introductions, process improvements, and troubleshooting initiatives.
• Act as a key contributor to manufacturing investigations and quality events, developing short‑ and long‑term solutions to prevent recurrence.
• Lead automation projects from concept through post‑implementation, including:
• Project scope definition and user requirements
• Appropriation requests, schedules, and budgets
• Qualification and validation planning
• Equipment specifications and documentation reviews
• Manage the purchase, installation, and start‑up of equipment and automation systems, ensuring adherence to compliance, cost, and timeline commitments.
• Own project execution across all phases: Concept, Planning, Design, Implementation, and Post‑Implementation.
• Lead project teams, including internal stakeholders, external consultants, and contractors.
• Accountable for automation project capital plans, monthly and quarterly spend, cash‑flow forecasting, contingencies, and scope control.
• Act as area owner for the Long‑Range Financial Plan (LRFP) and integrate automation initiatives with the 5‑Year Asset Replacement Plan.
• Develop, review, and approve Computer System Validation (CSV) documentation in compliance with company, corporate, and regulatory requirements.
• Ensure automation systems comply with applicable standards and best practices.
• Utilize formal project management tools, including:
• Project timelines and kickoff meetings
• Risk and mitigation logs
• Issue, action, and decision logs
• Change management logs and stabilization plans
• Perform complex assignments that may require the development of new or improved processes, systems, or technologies.
• Collaborate cross‑functionally with Engineering, Operations, Quality, IT, and Leadership to drive successful outcomes.
• Perform other related duties as required to support manufacturing and business objectives.

What We're Looking For

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a directly related technical field.
• Minimum 6 years of IT and/or Automation experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Proven ability to lead internal and external technical resources within a collaborative, matrixed organization.
• Demonstrated experience managing large capital projects within defined schedule and budget constraints.
• Strong hands‑on expertise with:
• PLC‑based control systems
• SCADA systems
• Industrial electronic control systems
• Working knowledge and application of ISA‑88 and ISA‑95 standards for batch control and MES implementations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Proven FPX project delivery results; FPX and/or PMP certification preferred.
• Experience managing and leading engineering teams.
• Strong understanding of Isolated Computing Environments (ICE Networks).
• Advanced troubleshooting skills for complex automation software systems.
• Ability to design, modify, and optimize factory floor control architectures.
• Experience working effectively in highly matrixed environments.
• Familiarity with Allen‑Bradley, B&R, and AVEVA platforms.

What's in it for you

Annual base salary for new hires in this position ranges:

$110,500.00 - $156,000.00

This takes into account a number of factors including work location, the candidate's skills, experience, education level & other job-related factors.

• Competitive Benefit Package*
• Paid Company Holidays, Paid Vacation, Volunteer Time & More!
• Learning & Development Opportunities
• Kenvuer Impact Networks
• This list could vary based on location/region

*Note: Total Rewards at Kenvue include salary, bonus (if applicable) and benefits. Your Talent Access Partner will be able to share more about our total rewards offerings and the specific salary range for the relevant location(s) during the recruitment & hiring process.

Kenvue is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment based on merit without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

If you are an individual with a disability, please check our Disability Assistance page for information on how to request an accommodation.