Automation Engineering Manager – Drug Product Manufacturing Lead

About the role

The Automation Engineering Manager, Drug Product Manufacturing Lead provides technical and organizational leadership for drug product automation at Johnson & Johnson's Wilson site. Reporting to the Site Automation Lead, this role oversees automation strategy, design, delivery, qualification, and lifecycle management across formulation, aseptic filling, inspection, device assembly, packaging, robotics, and material handling.

Key responsibilities

• Lead, coach and develop the drug product automation team and extended delivery organization, including engineers, system integrators, OEM teams and contractors.
• Define and implement automation strategy, architecture, standards, software practices and lifecycle roadmap.
• Provide end‑to‑end engineering leadership from concept through design, FAT/SAT, construction support, commissioning, qualification, start‑up and steady‑state support.
• Serve as technical design authority for automation solutions supporting formulation, aseptic filling, inspection, assembly, packaging, robotics and material handling.
• Review and approve control strategies, specifications, architectures, FAT/SAT protocols and qualification documentation.
• Ensure compliance with cGMP, GAMP 5, data integrity, cybersecurity and validation requirements.
• Manage project cost, schedule, scope, resources and risk, and report key performance metrics.
• Partner with Manufacturing, Process Engineering, Quality, CS Validation, OT Infrastructure, MES, BAS, Utilities, Procurement and Digital teams.

Required profile

• Minimum Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Science or related field.
• At least 8 years progressive industrial automation and controls engineering experience in pharmaceutical or biopharmaceutical manufacturing.
• Proven leadership experience directing automation and controls engineers, contractors, OEM teams and suppliers.
• Demonstrated experience with sterile/aseptic drug product manufacturing automation.

Required skills

• Deep knowledge of ISA‑95 Level 1/2 automation systems: PLC, DCS, SCADA/HMI, batch control, machine and motion control.
• Experience with vision/inspection systems, robotics, industrial networks and communication protocols.
• Understanding of OT infrastructure, cybersecurity controls and validation (cGMP, GAMP 5).
• Ability to develop and maintain design standards, libraries and engineering practices.