Associate Director, Automation AMER

What you will do:

• Lead the automation and MES workstream for multiple large-scale CAPEX projects, ensuring delivery against scope, schedule, budget, quality, and safety objectives.
• Manage cross-functional project teams and collaborate with Manufacturing, MSAT, Quality Assurance, Engineering, and external partners to develop and implement automation solutions.
• Direct the design, development, configuration, and rollout of automation systems, including DCS, SCADA, PLC, MES, instrumentation, historians, and associated data systems.
• Develop and implement automation and electronic batch record standards that leverage Lonza best practices and support long-term operational excellence.
• Oversee software development, testing, documentation, validation, revision control, and equipment integration activities throughout the project lifecycle.
• Support construction, commissioning, startup, FATs, SATs, and engineering turnover activities while providing advanced troubleshooting expertise and ensuring GMP compliance.
• Provide technical leadership and project management oversight to consultants, contractors, and vendors while contributing to site automation strategy and continuous improvement initiatives.
• What we are looking for:
• Bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Experience leading full lifecycle automation projects, including MES implementations, from concept and design through commissioning, validation, startup, and operational handover.
• Excellent project management, communication, leadership, and troubleshooting
• Must have hands-on experience with Rockwell Automation platforms, including FactoryTalk and related control technologies, in a manufacturing environment.
• Extensive experience delivering automation solutions involving MES, PLC, DCS, SCADA, instrumentation, historians, and data systems.
• Strong understanding of cGMP manufacturing environments, validation requirements, commissioning activities, and quality systems.
• skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders and drive successful project outcomes.
• Ability to travel as needed.
• About Lonza
• At Lonza, our people are our greatest strength. With 30+ sites across five continents, our globally connected teams work together every day to manufacture the medicines of tomorrow. Our core values of Collaboration, Accountability, Excellence, Passion and Integrity reflect who we are and how we work together. Everyone’s ideas, big or small, have the potential to improve millions of lives, and that’s the kind of work we want you to be part of.
• Innovation thrives when people from all backgrounds bring their unique perspectives to the table. At Lonza, we offer equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you’re ready to help turn our customers’ breakthrough ideas into viable therapies, we look forward to welcoming you on board.
• Ready to shape the future of life sciences? Apply now.