Sr Manager Frontline Automation

Company: Lonza Biologics Porri--o SLU
Location: Vacaville
Posted on: June 1, 2025

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.Lonza in Vacaville is seeking a Senior Manager of Frontline Automation to lead the Frontline Automation Team within Site Engineering, supporting manufacturing operations across CCP1 and CCP2. This role is responsible for ensuring reliable, fit-for-purpose automation systems to meet production demands, while driving continuous improvement and system maintenance. The position oversees key frontline automation support and interfaces closely with operations, playing a critical role in talent development, cross-functional collaboration, and execution of automation strategy within one of the industry's leading biologics manufacturing facilities.Key responsibilities:

• Lead and manage a team of automation engineers, ensuring the automation systems for CCP1 and CCP2 are fit for purpose.
• Provide 24/7 operational monitoring and support to the manufacturing facility.
• Successfully implement continuous improvement changes and maintain automation systems.
• Coordinate support for process technical transfers, significant engineering changes, and on-floor testing.
• Develop and coordinate group objectives, aligning them with department and site goals.
• Prepare and communicate reports on group activities, schedules, resource needs, and budget updates to senior management.
• Attract, train, develop, and retain high-performing team members, encouraging a positive, team-centric environment.
• Ensure the manufacturing facility is in a continuous state of readiness for production and GMP audits.Key requirements:
  • Bachelor's or equivalent experience in Mechanical, Electrical, Computer, or Chemical Engineering.
  • Proven experience leading automation projects and teams.
  • Fundamental understanding of project management, including scheduling, budgets, and prioritization.
  • High level of technical skills and knowledge of current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMPs) as they apply to biopharmaceutical manufacturing facilities or equivalent regulation.
  • Knowledge of Batch manufacturing concepts (S88, recipes, phases etc.) and OPC communication protocols.
  • Solid understanding and experience with Automation/Control Systems preferred (Honeywell, POMS, Rockwell PlantPaX and PharmaSuite, Aveva/Schneider Electric System Platform).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.
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Keywords: Lonza Biologics Porri--o SLU, Oakland , Sr Manager Frontline Automation, Executive , Vacaville, California