Senior Biopharmaceutical Manufacturing Automation Engineer

Lonza is seeking an experienced Automation Engineer to design, implement, and support advanced automation for biopharmaceutical manufacturing. In this role you will develop and optimize PLC/SCADA and DCS-based systems in a GMP environment, ensuring reliability, data integrity, and regulatory compliance. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams on technology transfer, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement, while supporting commissioning, qualification, and lifecycle management. This position offers exposure to cutting-edge bioprocess technologies, global projects, and strong opportunities for professional growth in a mission-driven, patient-focused organization.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and optimize automation solutions for biopharmaceutical manufacturing processes
• Develop, configure, and maintain PLC/SCADA and DCS systems in a GMP-regulated environment
• Collaborate with process engineering, QA, and operations to ensure reliable and compliant automation performance
• Lead troubleshooting, root-cause analysis, and continuous improvement of automated systems
• Author and maintain technical documentation, URS, FDS, test plans, and validation protocols
• Support system commissioning, qualification, and lifecycle management for new and existing equipment
• Ensure data integrity, cybersecurity, and integration with MES and data historians
• Provide on-call and shop-floor support to maintain high equipment uptime
• Contribute to technology transfer and scale-up activities across global Lonza sites
• Mentor junior engineers and share best practices in automation and control technologies

Required Skills

• PLC programming (Rockwell, Siemens, or similar)
• SCADA/HMI configuration and support
• DCS systems in GMP manufacturing
• GAMP 5 and computer system validation (CSV)21 CFR Part 11 and data integrity compliance
• GMP biopharma process automation (upstream/downstream/fill-finish)
• Industrial networking and control system cybersecurity
• Batch control (ISA-88) and recipe management
• MES integration and data historians
• Root cause analysis and continuous improvement (Lean/Six Sigma)