Automation Project Manager at Lonza Inc. in Hayward, California

Job Description:

Today, Lonza is a global leader in life sciences operating across three 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. 

Following our agreement with Roche to acquire the Vacaville manufacturing facility, we are now looking to recruit an Automation Project Manager for the Vacaville site! 

The Automation Project Manager is responsible for Project Management, design, development and rollout of Automation in the execution and delivery of multiple large Capital projects within Lonza, including adherence to scope, schedule and budgets, OT guidelines, engineering design and commissioning of new facilities (Basis of Design, Conceptual, Basic and Detailed Design), and leadership of cross functional teams consisting of Internal Lonza customers such as Manufacturing, MSAT, and Quality Assurance to properly identify design needs.  The Automation Project Manager will guide automation aspects of engineering anywhere from ideation to decommissioning, collaborating with cross functional teams consisting of Internal Lonza customers and External partners to achieve consistent results regionally and globally

Key Responsibilities:

• Performs all work safely and meets the requisite training requirements




• Manage and direct project teams with responsibility for multiple automation projects focusing on design, software configuration and coding, DCS or SCADA/PLC hardware specification as well as specification and selection of instrumentation and control panel design.




• Responsible for delivery of Automation scope under CAPEX projects owning scope, cost and schedule management.




• Design, development and rollout of Automation standards that maximize the value from leveraging the use existing Lonza best practice.




• General management and oversight to the software documentation effort as well as assist with development of project schedule and then assure that software development, hardware purchase and install, and validation efforts adhere to plan.



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  Construction, commissioning, startup activities:

  
  
  
  

  • Supervision and management of external engineering contractors and software/hardware vendors

  
  

  • Coordinate and manage project activities to meet scope, schedule, budget, safety, and quality requirements

  
  

  • General management and oversight to the software documentation effort

  
  

  • Own/Assist with development of project schedule and then assuring software development, hardware purchase and install, and validation efforts adhere to plan

  
  

  • Liaise where necessary with Automation Integrator, engineering contractor, and equipment vendors on the lifecycle of document preparation, approval, coding, and delivery

  
  

  • Participate in FATs and SATs to provide automation support

  
  

  • Ensuring consistency and software revision control

  
  

  • Candidate must have strong troubleshooting skills in support of startup activities

  
  

  • Responsible for assuring Engineering Turnover Packages are accurate, complete, and adhere to Quality Assurance requirements

  
  
  
  



• Provide routine project management updates in accordance with Lonza procedures




• Responsible for all controlled engineering documentation throughout the project lifecycle and provide technical input in support of equipment procurement, bid package preparation, bid evaluation, and vendor selection.




• Project Close-out activities involving completion of technical close-out reports and summary of assets in accordance with Lonza financial recognition requirements




• Keep abreast of technical developments that may have application in the Pharma / biotech industry and promote the use of those that provide strategic business benefits.




• Develop and continuous improvement of technical global standard for electronic batch recording.




• Ongoing development of site automation strategy that delivers the site goals and objectives




• Perform other duties as assigned. 

Key Requirements:

• Bachelor's Degree in Bioengineering or equivalent experience




• Master's degree in science preferred




• Extensive experience in project management and coordination associated with the execution of capital projects in an industrial environment




• Extensive experience with design and operation of Biopharmaceutical facilities, both manufacturing and support systems (cGMP manufacturing, pilot plant & laboratories).




• Extensive experience with control systems (PLC, DCS, MES) desirable.




• Extensive practical experience in the management and coordination of engineering & construction management consultants, equipment vendors and contractors.




• Capacity to deliver strong and effective project engineering skills on capital projects




• Strong understanding of the fundamentals of large- scale commercial mammalian cell culture processing and aseptic filling. 




• Understanding of the latest ASME Bioprocess Equipment standard including sanitary design of equipment/piping systems and design for Cleaning in place (CIP) and Sterilization in place (SIP) design and operation.




• Experience with design and operation of large- scale Process Control Systems (PCS) and/or SCADA/PLC based automation systems.




• Experience with historians, preferably OSISoft PI.




• Experience with design and operation of Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES).




• Experience with MES integration with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, preferably SAP




• Experience with design of PCS, MES and associated Network Architecture




• System hardware design for PCS and MES




• Experience with virtualization infrastructure and design 




• Travel <25%

This position is contingent upon Lonza’s successful completion of the acquisition of the site located in Vacaville, California (the “Closing”), currently anticipated to occur in H2, 2024.  If the Closing is delayed for any reason, Lonza may delay the start date up to sixty (60) days.

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. 

The full-time base annual salary for this position is expected to range between $208,800.00 and $243,600.00. Compensation for the role will depend on a number of factors, including the successful candidate’s qualifications, skills, competencies, experience, and job-related knowledge. Full-time employees receive a comprehensive benefits package including performance-related bonus, 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.  

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.