Manager, Automation and Controls

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.

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 technicians
• Establish team priorities, performance goals, and training plans
• Manage 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 systems
• Supporting automation for pharmaceutical processes including batch, continuous and utilities systems
• Develop and maintain automation standards, templates, and best practices

GMP Compliance & Validation

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

Project Management

• Lead automation scope for capital projects, expansions, and tech transfers
• Manage project schedules, budgets, and risk related to automation deliverables
• Coordinate automation activities across engineering, quality, IT, and manufacturing

Operational Support

• Provide escalation support for automation system issues impacting production
• Drive root cause investigations and CAPAs related to automation failures
• Support shutdowns, startups, and continuous improvement initiatives

Cybersecurity & IT Integration

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

Continuous Improvement & Digitalization

• Identify opportunities to improve process reliability, efficiency, and data visibility
• Support digital manufacturing initiatives, including advanced analytics and MES integration
• Evaluate emerging automation technologies for regulated environments

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation, Controls Engineering, or related field
• 12–15+ years of experience in automation and controls within a pharmaceutical or regulated manufacturing environment
• 3–5+ years of people management experience
• Strong experience with PLC, SCADA, DCS, and batch control systems
• Proven experience with GMP validation and regulatory compliance
• PLC/DCS platforms (e.g., Rockwell, Siemens, Emerson, FoxBoro)
• Batch control systems and recipe management
• Industrial networking and system integration
• CSV documentation and change management systems
• Demonstrated 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 therapy
• Familiarity with MES, historians, and manufacturing execution systems
• Knowledge of GAMP 5, ISA-88, ISA-95
• PMP or similar project management certification
• Some familiarity with Industry 4.0 technologies and digital transformation

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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