Head of Automation (Biotech)
Today, Lonza is a global leader in life sciences operating across five continents. While we work in science, there's no magic formula to how we do it. Our greatest scientific solution is talented people working together, devising ideas that help businesses to help people. In exchange, we let our people own their careers. Their ideas, big and small, genuinely improve the world. And that's the kind of work we want to be part of.
Lonza in Vacaville is seeking a Head of Automation to lead the Automation Group within Site Engineering, overseeing process automation for one of the world's largest mammalian cell culture facilities. This role is responsible for system design, development, and continuous improvement of automation infrastructure, supporting manufacturing operations and technology transfers. The position manages key automation systems, including DCS, MCS, PLCs, MES, and integrations with LIMS and SAP.
Key responsibilities:
Set the strategic direction and priorities for long-term automation improvements.
Ensure global compliance of the Vacaville Process Automation systems, including Health Authority inspections.
Coordinate the timely completion of large capital projects and CAPAs.
Lead and develop high-performing teams that value collaboration.
Define policies to align Automation priorities and strategies with overall site and Lonza objectives.
Provide leadership and mentorship to managers and SMEs, including performance management and career development.
Develop and implement staffing strategies for critical projects, using both internal resources and external consultants.
Prepare regular reports on automation-engineering activities, including schedules, budgets, and resource needs.
Review and approve policies and procedures for validating process automation systems.
Represent Automation in the development of site budgets and long-range capital plans.
Collaborate with other Lonza Process Automation organizations to share standard methodologies and strategic direction.
Key requirements:
Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Computer, or Chemical Engineering is preferred.
Proven experience in leading and managing complex projects within Biotechnology/Pharmaceutical manufacturing.
Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and develop a diverse technical staff.
In-depth knowledge of biopharmaceutical process operations, process control, and CGMP guidelines.
Experience with Siemens APACS controllers, Aveva Archestra, and Inbatch products and familiarity with ISA S88 batch standards and validation requirements for equipment, utilities, and process systems.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
We recognize that attracting, developing, and retaining the best talent is key to our strategy and success as a company. As a result, we aim for flexibility in structuring competitive compensation offers to ensure that we are able to attract the best candidates. As required by law in this state, the quoted salary range for this position is $179,000-$305,000. We use broad salary ranges that reflect the competitive market for similar jobs, provide sufficient opportunity for growth as you gain experience and expand responsibilities; while also allowing for differentiation on performance based on the breadth of our ranges, most new hires will start at the company between the lower and the middle part of the applicable range. We tailor our offers within the range based on job-related factors, including organizational needs, internal equity, market data, geographic area and the selected candidate's experience, education, industry knowledge, location, technical and/or communication skills and other factors that may prove relevant during the selection process. This range is only inclusive of base salary, and base pay is just one component of Lonza's total compensation package for employees. Full-time employees are eligible to receive a performance-related bonus, as well as a comprehensive benefits package including medical and dental coverage, 401k plan, life insurance, short-term and long-term disability insurance, an employee assistance program, paid time off (PTO), and more.
Every day, Lonza's products and services have a positive impact on millions of people. For us, this is not only a great privilege, but also a great responsibility. How we achieve our business results is just as important as the achievements themselves. At Lonza, we respect and protect our people and our environment. Any success we achieve is no success at all if not achieved ethically.
People come to Lonza for the challenge and creativity of solving complex problems and developing new ideas in life sciences. In return, we offer the satisfaction that comes with improving lives all around the world. The satisfaction that comes with making a meaningful difference.
Lonza is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a qualified individual with disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
