Automation & MES Delivery Lead

Location: Vacaville, CA (On-site)

Join Lonza's growing automation team in Vacaville and play a key role in delivering innovative automation solutions for major capital projects. This position offers the opportunity to influence the future of biopharmaceutical manufacturing by implementing world-class automation systems that support the production of life-changing therapies.

This is a fully site‑based role. Working together in person supports close, real‑time collaboration and the technical precision needed to manufacture medicines to the highest quality and safety standards.

What you will get:

The full-time base annual salary for this position is expected to range between $159,750-$266,250. In addition, below you will find a comprehensive summary of the benefits package we offer:

• Performance-related bonus

• Medical, dental and vision insurance

• 401(k) matching plan

• Life insurance, as well as short-term and long-term disability insurance

• Employee assistance programs

• Paid Time Off

Compensation for this role will be determined by the candidate’s qualifications, skills, experience, and relevant knowledge.

What you will do:

• Lead the technical design, development, and implementation of automation solutions for large CAPEX projects, ensuring successful delivery against scope, budget, and schedule.

• Collaborate with Manufacturing, MSAT, Quality Assurance, Engineering, and external partners to deploy reliable and compliant automation systems.

• Drive continuous improvement and adoption of Lonza's automation standards, best practices, and technology strategies.

• Provide technical leadership for software configuration, control system development, hardware specifications, and control panel design activities.

• Manage and coordinate engineering contractors, system integrators, and equipment vendors throughout project execution.

• Support FATs, SATs, commissioning, startup activities, and engineering turnover while ensuring robust documentation and revision control.

• Influence strategic automation initiatives by evaluating emerging technologies and providing expertise on equipment selection, system architecture, and industry trends.

What we are looking for:

• Bachelor's degree in Bioengineering, Engineering, or a related technical discipline; advanced degrees and CAP certification are advantageous.

• Proven experience delivering automation and control system solutions within biopharmaceutical, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or other regulated manufacturing environments.

• Strong knowledge of PLC, DCS, SCADA, and process automation systems, including lifecycle management and validation considerations.

• Experience supporting commercial manufacturing operations, including aseptic processing, mammalian cell culture, CIP, and SIP applications.

• Demonstrated experience leading complex projects and effectively manage multiple stakeholders, vendors, and cross-functional teams.

• Experience with MES, historian platforms, and ERP integrations, ideally including OSIsoft PI and SAP environments.

• Strong communication, problem-solving, and leadership skills with a passion for innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Ready to shape the future of life sciences? Apply now.