Group Manager - Automation & Instrumentation

This job is with Pfizer, an inclusive employer and a member of myGwork – the largest global platform for the LGBTQ+ business community. Please do not contact the recruiter directly.

Use Your Power for Purpose

Whether you are involved in the design and development of manufacturing processes for products or supporting maintenance and reliability, engineering is crucial to ensuring customers and patients receive the medicines they need, precisely when they need them. By collaborating with our forward-thinking engineering team, you will contribute to delivering medicines to the world more swiftly by envisioning new possibilities and taking decisive action.

Role Summary

Lead and develop a high-performing automation team by setting objectives, providing feedback, and supporting professional growth. Manage vendor relationships and oversee contractor activities to ensure project alignment. Drive automation enhancements to improve productivity, quality, and safety. Oversee automation projects from start to finish, ensuring timely delivery and budget adherence. Administer PI Historian, including security, archives, point configuration, and system health monitoring. Implement cybersecurity controls to protect manufacturing automation systems. Serve as Subject Matter Expert for Industrial Control Systems Local Area Network (CLAN) and PI System.

What You Will Achieve

Key Responsibilities

Oversee daily operations of manufacturing automation systems (PLC, DCS, SCADA, BMS, PMS, EMS, CLAN, cybersecurity, data historian, etc.).

Design, develop, and support commissioning of pharmaceutical DCS systems (Emerson DeltaV).

Develop and implement automation solutions in line with S88 standards.

Design system architecture, specifications, control strategies, and libraries.

Support manufacturing operations and DeltaV system.

Manage deviations, root cause analysis, and CAPAs.

Drive continuous improvement and support operations.

Commission automation equipment and provide system administration.

Support computer system validation and documentation.

Collaborate with operations, process teams, vendors, and technology providers.

Manage industrial controls : design, installation, configuration, maintenance, reliability, and security.

Analyze network / server functions, develop action plans, and generate reports.

Manage firewall rules in CLAN network.

Oversee AVEVA PI system installation, upgrades, configuration, and performance optimization.

Ensure preventive and corrective maintenance of servers, switches, firewalls, and databases.

Manage data and configuration backups for CLAN-connected equipment.

Serve as SME for automation systems during internal and external audits.

Develop strategic roadmaps for automation, digital manufacturing, and Industry 4.0 initiatives.

Direct and execute capital projects related to automation.

Oversee lifecycle of all automation and control systems.

Promote good data management practices (ALCOA principles) and data analytics.

Implement robust cybersecurity protocols for OT and ICS.

Manage relationships with vendors, contractors, and service providers.

Provide technical expertise and troubleshooting support.

Collaborate with manufacturing, IT, QA, and engineering teams.

Ensure change control for system changes.

Ensure technologies are practical, operator-friendly, and reliable.

Act with integrity and encourage reporting of integrity issues.

Here Is What You Need (Minimum Requirements)

Graduate in Electronics and Instrumentation Engineering / Electronics and Communication Engineering or equivalent with specialization in Instrumentation.

14+ years' experience in automation / instrumentation, servers, industrial networks, cybersecurity, and AVEVA PI System.

Proficiency in programming / troubleshooting control systems (DCS / PLC), especially DeltaV DCS, BMS, EMS, PMS, Siemens, Allen Bradley PLCs, WinCC, iFIX SCADA.

Experience in network infrastructure, virtualization, and communication protocols (Devicenet, Ethernet / IP, Fieldbus, Profibus, Modbus TCP, Profinet, IO link).

Hands-on experience with ICS-specific firewalls and security tools.

Experience with patch management and ICS software / firmware updates.

Understanding of secure ICS architecture and ability to train on security best practices.

Experience in Data Historian Systems (AVEVA OSI PI System).

Knowledge of GAMP / GMP and documentation in regulated environments.

Experience designing and commissioning DeltaV DCS projects for GMP sites.

Thorough understanding of Batch S88 standards.

Understanding of pharmaceutical / biopharmaceutical processes.

Familiarity with SDLC and pharma quality management.

Teamwork and coordination skills.

Knowledge of US cGMP (21 CFR Parts 210, 211), local safety / environmental regulations, electronic batch records, and electronic signatures (21CFR Part 11).

Ability to communicate with site and global functions.

Bonus Points If You Have (Preferred Requirements)

Master's degree with relevant pharmaceutical experience

Experience across various domains such as IT systems, electrical engineering, robotics, and automated systems within a Clinical or Regulatory environment

Demonstrated competencies in cross-functional leadership, including diligence, strategy development, conflict resolution, analysis, communication, and business / organizational awareness

Strong project planning skills

Ability to manage the performance of direct reports through goal setting, ongoing assessment, and coaching.

Experience in conducting regular one-on-one mentoring and training sessions on operations, individual development plan (IDP), and performance reviews

Strong collaboration skills with other process automation teams, engineering, and global IT teams

Experience in developing and maintaining project budgets and providing updates for financial reporting cycles

Work Location Assignment : On Premise

Pfizer is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable equal employment opportunity legislation in each jurisdiction in which it operates.

Engineering