AstraZeneca

Automation Associate Principal SME

AstraZeneca$146K — $220K *
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Fluent in English.
  • Bachelor's degree in engineering or equivalent experience (5+ years).
  • Over 10 years in the automation field.
  • Strong expertise in SCADA/PLC or DCS systems.
  • Proficient in specification, procurement, installation, start-up, and commissioning processes.
  • Exceptional communication skills for influencing across functions.
  • Experience with IT and OT architectures, integration with IT systems, or OT cybersecurity.

Responsibilities

  • Lead the OT scope for global engineering projects, ensuring stakeholder alignment.
  • Provide technical leadership and design assurance throughout the project lifecycle.
  • Clearly communicate project requirements to vendors and external partners.
  • Ensure project systems align with AstraZeneca’s global automation strategy.
  • Drive digital transformation by implementing Industry 4.0 technologies.
  • Manage OT project delivery across the USA and globally.
  • Collaborate with engineering peers in a dynamic project setting.

Benefits

  • Qualified retirement programs.
  • Paid time off, including vacation and holidays.
  • Health, dental, and vision coverage.
Full Job Description

In this role, you will provide technical leadership across the full project lifecycle, from concept development through detailed design, system selection, installation, and commissioning. You will define and lead theOperational Technology (OT) scope within global engineering projects, ensuring systems are designed and delivered in line with AstraZeneca’s global automation strategy.

You will work closely with project teams, site stakeholders, vendors, manufacturing operations, quality, and IT to deliver high-impact automation solutions that supportIndustry 4.0Smart Factories, and Autonomous Manufacturing. This role offers the chance to influence complex projects, strengthen global engineering standards, and contribute directly to the future of connected, data-enabled manufacturing.

What You’ll Do
  • Lead OT scopeacross global engineering projects, ensuring alignment with site and project stakeholders
  • Providetechnical leadership and design assurance from concept through detailed design and equipment/system selection
  • Communicate project and site requirements clearly tovendors and external partners
  • Ensure systems are specified and delivered in line withAstraZeneca’s global automation strategy
  • Drivedigital transformation by supporting the implementation of Industry 4.0 technologies
  • Manage delivery of the OT aspects of engineering projects in theUSA and globally
  • Collaborate with local and international engineering peers in a dynamic project environment
  • OverseeOutside Service Partners (OSPs) supporting OT delivery
  • Build strong partnerships withProject ManagersTechnical ManagersManufacturing OperationsQualityIT, and Global Engineering teams

Minimum Requirements
  • Fluent English
  • Bachelor’s degreein an engineering-related discipline, or equivalent experience of 5+ years
  • 10+ years in the automation field
  • Strong expertise in eitherSCADA/PLC or DCS
  • Experience acrossspecification, procurement, installation, start-up, and commissioning
  • Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence and collaborate across functions
  • Experience in one or more of the following:
    • IT and OT architecturesin manufacturing environments
    • Integration with IT systems
    • Warehouse Control Systems, AGVs, or Robotics
    • OT cybersecurity
    • Engineering standards development and governance

Preferred Background
  • Experience inpharmaceutical manufacturing such as APIBiotechnologyOral Solid DosageFormulation and FillPackaging, or Medical Devices
  • Understanding ofGMP regulations, regulatory expectations, and current industry practices
  • Experience in anotherregulated industry is also valuable

The annual base pay (or hourly rate of compensation) for this position ranges from $146,721.60 - $220,082.40. Our positions offer eligibility for various incentives—an opportunity to receive short-term incentive bonuses, equity-based awards for salaried roles and commissions for sales roles. Benefits offered include qualified retirement programs, paid time off (i.e., vacation, holiday, and leaves), as well as health, dental, and vision coverage in accordance with the terms of the applicable plans.

Date Posted

05-Jun-2026

Closing Date

19-Jun-2026

About AstraZeneca

AstraZeneca is a British-Swedish multinational pharmaceutical company that specializes in the research, development, and manufacturing of prescription drugs. The company was formed in 1999 through the merger of Astra AB and Zeneca Group plc. AstraZeneca's products are used to treat a wide range of medical conditions, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, and diabetes. The company has operations in over 100 countries and employs more than 76,000 people worldwide. AstraZeneca is committed to developing innovative medicines that improve the health and well-being of people around the world.
Learn more about AstraZeneca
Size
83,100 employees
Market Cap
$211.5 billion
Industry
Net Income
$3.1 billion
Founded
1999
5 Year Trend
+10.2%
Revenue
$26.6 billion
NASDAQ

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