Automation & MES Delivery Lead
Lonza
Summary
Join Lonza's growing automation team in Vacaville and play a key role in delivering innovative automation solutions for major capital projects. This position offers the opportunity to influence the future of biopharmaceutical manufacturing by implementing world-class automation systems that support the production of life-changing therapies.
Job description
What you will do
- Lead the technical design, development, and implementation of automation solutions for large CAPEX projects, ensuring successful delivery against scope, budget, and schedule.
- Collaborate with Manufacturing, MSAT, Quality Assurance, Engineering, and external partners to deploy reliable and compliant automation systems.
- Drive continuous improvement and adoption of Lonza's automation standards, best practices, and technology strategies.
- Provide technical leadership for software configuration, control system development, hardware specifications, and control panel design activities.
- Manage and coordinate engineering contractors, system integrators, and equipment vendors throughout project execution.
- Support FATs, SATs, commissioning, startup activities, and engineering turnover while ensuring robust documentation and revision control.
- Influence strategic automation initiatives by evaluating emerging technologies and providing expertise on equipment selection, system architecture, and industry trends.
What we are looking for
- Bachelor's degree in Bioengineering, Engineering, or a related technical discipline; advanced degrees and CAP certification are advantageous.
- Proven experience delivering automation and control system solutions within biopharmaceutical, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or other regulated manufacturing environments.
- Strong knowledge of PLC, DCS, SCADA, and process automation systems, including lifecycle management and validation considerations.
- Experience supporting commercial manufacturing operations, including aseptic processing, mammalian cell culture, CIP, and SIP applications.
- Demonstrated experience leading complex projects and effectively manage multiple stakeholders, vendors, and cross-functional teams.
- Experience with MES, historian platforms, and ERP integrations, ideally including OSIsoft PI and SAP environments.
- Strong communication, problem-solving, and leadership skills with a passion for innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Bioengineering, Engineering, or a related technical discipline
- Proven experience delivering automation and control system solutions within biopharmaceutical, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or other regulated manufacturing environments
- Strong knowledge of PLC, DCS, SCADA, and process automation systems, including lifecycle management and validation considerations
- Experience supporting commercial manufacturing operations, including aseptic processing, mammalian cell culture, CIP, and SIP applications
- Demonstrated experience leading complex projects and effectively manage multiple stakeholders, vendors, and cross-functional teams
- Experience with MES, historian platforms, and ERP integrations, ideally including OSIsoft PI and SAP environments
- Strong communication, problem-solving, and leadership skills
Benefits
- Performance-related bonus
- Medical, Dental & Vision
- 401(k) Matching
- Life Insurance
- Short-term Disability
- Long-term Disability
- Employee Assistance Programs
- Paid Time Off
Company overview
Lonza is a pioneering global Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) and a world leader in pharmaceutical manufacturing services. Founded in 1897 in Switzerland, the company has evolved into the first and original CDMO, now operating as one of the largest Western CDMO networks with approximately 19,000 employees across more than 30 sites spanning five continents. Lonza specializes in transforming therapeutic discoveries into life-saving and life-enhancing treatments for patients worldwide. The company's comprehensive services span from early development to drug substance and drug product manufacturing, covering established and emerging technologies including mammalian biologics, small molecules, highly potent APIs, bioconjugates, mRNA, microbial products, and cell and gene therapies. With a focus on cutting-edge science, smart technology, and lean manufacturing, Lonza serves a diverse customer base ranging from emerging biotechs to global pharmaceutical companies, delivering integrated solutions throughout the entire treatment lifecycle.