Company Description

AbbVie's mission is to discover and deliver innovative medicines and solutions that solve serious health issues today and address the medical challenges of tomorrow. We strive to have a remarkable impact on people's lives across several key therapeutic areas – immunology, oncology, neuroscience, and eye care – and products and services in our Allergan Aesthetics portfolio. For more information about AbbVie, please visit us at www.abbvie.com. Follow @abbvie on X, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn and Tik Tok.

Job Description

The Manager of Automation and Controls is responsible for leading automation, control systems and instrumentation activities within GMP pharma manufacturing environment. This role ensures that automation systems are compliant, validated, reliable and aligned to regulatory requirements while supporting safe, efficient and high-quality production. The manager leads a team of automation professionals and partners closely with quality, manufacturing engineering, IT and external vendors. This position will also be responsible to manage workload and maintain/improve internal matrix.  We are seeking a driven and technical oriented Manager- Automation and Controls to lead site design, implementation and maintenance of automation, controls systems and industrial networks to ensure safe, reliable and efficient operation. This role manages projects and technologies related to PLC, SCADA, DCS and instrumentation while driving continuous improvement, standardization and best practices.

This role will lead and implement a site strategy in compliance with regulatory and AbbVie global expectations, champion key site initiatives, and contribute to the global Center of Excellence. Execute a vision of world class data governance that serves our patients by managing the site’s efforts at driving best practices within the data lifecycle.

This role is responsible for leading the design, implementation, maintenance and optimization of control systems and automation technologies across the facility.

Responsibilities:

Leadership & Team Management

Lead, mentor, and develop a team of automation and controls engineers and techniciansEstablish team priorities, performance goals, and training plansManage external system integrators, OEMs, and automation vendors

Automation & Control Systems

Oversee design, configuration, programming, commissioning, and lifecycle management of PLC, SCADA, DCS, HMI, and MES-integrated systemsSupporting automation for pharmaceutical processes including batch, continuous and utilities systemsDevelop and maintain automation standards, templates, and best practices

GMP Compliance & Validation

Ensure automation systems comply with FDA, EMA, and global regulatory requirementsLead or support CSV activities including URS, FRS, SDS, FAT, SAT, IQ, OQ, and PQEnsure data integrity compliance (ALCOA+) and 21 CFR Part 11 requirementsSupport regulatory inspections and internal audits

Project Management

Lead automation scope for capital projects, expansions, and tech transfersManage project schedules, budgets, and risk related to automation deliverablesCoordinate automation activities across engineering, quality, IT, and manufacturing

Operational Support

Provide escalation support for automation system issues impacting productionDrive root cause investigations and CAPAs related to automation failuresSupport shutdowns, startups, and continuous improvement initiatives

Cybersecurity & IT Integration

Partner with IT and Quality to maintain secure industrial control systemsImplement cybersecurity best practices aligned with ISA/IEC 62443Support system backups, disaster recovery, and change control

Continuous Improvement & Digitalization

Identify opportunities to improve process reliability, efficiency, and data visibilitySupport digital manufacturing initiatives, including advanced analytics and MES integrationEvaluate emerging automation technologies for regulated environments
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation, Controls Engineering, or related field12–15+ years of experience in automation and controls within a pharmaceutical or regulated manufacturing environment3–5+ years of people management experienceStrong experience with PLC, SCADA, DCS, and batch control systemsProven experience with GMP validation and regulatory compliancePLC/DCS platforms (e.g., Rockwell, Siemens, Emerson, FoxBoro)Batch control systems and recipe managementIndustrial networking and system integrationCSV documentation and change management systemsDemonstrated knowledge of 21 CFR Part 11, ISA, Data Integrity requirements for automated systems in the pharmaceutical industry

Preferred

Experience with biologics, sterile manufacturing, or cell and gene therapyFamiliarity with MES, historians, and manufacturing execution systemsKnowledge of GAMP 5, ISA-88, ISA-95PMP or similar project management certificationSome familiarity with Industry 4.0 technologies and digital transformation
Additional Information

Applicable only to applicants applying to a position in any location with pay disclosure requirements under state or local law: ​

The compensation range described below is the range of possible base pay compensation that the Company believes in good faith it will pay for this role at the time of this posting based on the job grade for this position. Individual compensation paid within this range will depend on many factors including geographic location, and we may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range. This range may be modified in the future. ​

We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick), medical/dental/vision insurance and 401(k) to eligible employees.​

This job is eligible to participate in our short-term incentive programs. ​

Note: No amount of pay is considered to be wages or compensation until such amount is earned, vested, and determinable. The amount and availability of any bonus, commission, incentive, benefits, or any other form of compensation and benefits that are allocable to a particular employee remains in the Company's sole and absolute discretion unless and until paid and may be modified at the Company’s sole and absolute discretion, consistent with applicable law. 

AbbVie is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to operating with integrity, driving innovation, transforming lives and serving our community.  Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled. 

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