Automation Manager – Project Support Team at Lonza Inc. in Vacaville, California

Job Description:

Today, Lonza is a global leader in life sciences operating across five continents. While we work in science, there’s no magic formula to how we do it. Our greatest scientific solution is talented people working together, devising ideas that help businesses to help people. In exchange, we let our people own their careers. Their ideas, big and small, genuinely improve the world. And that’s the kind of work we want to be part of.

Join the Vacaville team as the Automation Manager – Project Support Team, where you'll lead a team of automation engineers in managing major automation projects and ensuring continuous operational support for 24/7 manufacturing activities. This role involves overseeing automation initiatives, managing process and equipment validation, aligning with departmental goals, and providing technical leadership while supporting new product introductions, process transfers, and continuous improvements.

Key responsibilities:

• Lead and mentor a group of automation engineers, focusing on career development and performance management.




• Manage 24/7 operational monitoring and support to ensure flawless execution of make, assess, and release activities.




• Coordinate process and equipment validation activities, ensuring strictly determined compliance with industry standards.




• Coordinate support for technical transfers and significant engineering changes.




• Prepare and communicate reports on group activities, schedules, resource needs, and budgets to senior management.




• Ensure compliance of Process Automation systems with Health Authority inspections and cGMP standards.




• Support problem description and initial work scope submission, interacting with various technology groups.

Key requirements:

• Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Life Sciences or Engineering preferred.




• Proven expertise in automation projects and batch manufacturing concepts.




• Strong understanding of cGMP and pharmaceutical compliance.




• Experience with automation/control systems like Honeywell, POMS, and Rockwell PlantPaX.




• Ability to communicate effectively with diverse groups, including Manufacturing and Quality teams.

We recognize that attracting, developing and retaining the best talent is key to our strategy and success as a company.  As a result, we aim for flexibility in structuring competitive compensation offers to ensure that we are able to attract the best candidates.  As required by law in this state, the quoted salary range for this position is $158,000-$268,000.  We use broad salary ranges that reflect the competitive market for similar jobs, provide sufficient opportunity for growth as you gain experience and expand responsibilities; while also allowing for differentiation on performance based on the breadth of our ranges, most new hires will start at the company between the lower and the middle part of the applicable range. We tailor our offers within the range based on job-related factors, including organizational needs, internal equity, market data, geographic area and the selected candidate’s experience, education, industry knowledge, location, technical and/or communication skills and other factors that may prove relevant during the selection process. This range is only inclusive of base salary, and base pay is just one component of Lonza’s total compensation package for employees. Full-time employees are eligible to receive a performance-related bonus, as well as a comprehensive benefits package including medical and dental coverage, 401k plan, life insurance, short-term and long-term disability insurance, an employee assistance program, paid time off (PTO), and more.

Every day, Lonza’s products and services have a positive impact on millions of people. For us, this is not only a great privilege, but also a great responsibility. How we achieve our business results is just as important as the achievements themselves. At Lonza, we respect and protect our people and our environment. Any success we achieve is no success at all if not achieved ethically.

People come to Lonza for the challenge and creativity of solving complex problems and developing new ideas in life sciences. In return, we offer the satisfaction that comes with improving lives all around the world. The satisfaction that comes with making a meaningful difference.

Lonza is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a qualified individual with disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.