Director, Global Automation & MES (w/ remote consideration)

Director, Global Automation & MES

Location: Portsmouth, NH or Walkersville, MD (Remote may be considered)

Overview

A leading global life sciences organization is seeking a Director, Global Engineering Automation (Americas). This role provides strategic and technical leadership for major capital projects across the region, ensuring successful delivery on schedule, within scope, and to global engineering standards. The Director acts as a key regional and global expert, driving automation strategy from ideation through decommissioning and partnering with internal and external stakeholders to ensure consistent results worldwide.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead regional Automation & MES teams to deliver automation aspects of capital projects on time and on budget.
• Partner with cross-functional teams (Engineering Project Management, Operations, Validation, QA) to define automation design requirements across multiple concurrent projects.
• Lead, mentor, and develop global automation team members.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with technology suppliers and third-party contractors; manage agreements to balance delivery risk and cost efficiency.
• Develop and enforce global strategy for standardizing Automation & MES systems in collaboration with Global Engineering Platforms.
• Drive innovation in automation and MES to enhance plant operations, throughput, and compliance.
• Collaborate with Centers of Excellence to ensure best-in-class solutions across all projects.

What You’ll Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or related field (Master’s preferred).
• 10 years of experience in API/biopharmaceutical or small-molecule facility design and operations (cGMP manufacturing, pilot plants, labs).
• 10 years of experience with process control systems (PCS/DeltaV), PLCs, EBR, and MES systems (e.g., Syncade).
• 8 years leading and managing capital project automation in industrial environments.
• Experience with near-shore or offshore collaboration models.
• Experience integrating Automation systems with MES and ERP platforms (e.g., Syncade, SAP).
• Strong communication, leadership, and stakeholder-influencing skills—especially in high-pressure situations.
• Ability to navigate cultural differences and deliver global outcomes.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Willingness to travel up to 30%; valid passport required.

What’s Offered

• Base salary range: $155,000–$238,000, depending on experience.
• Performance-based bonus.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) matching.
• Life, short-term, and long-term disability insurance.
• Employee assistance programs.
• 15 days PTO.
• Learning and career development opportunities.