Associate Manager - Automation
By Admin · IT & Software in Life Sciences
ROLE OVERVIEW
Pfizer’s Vizag manufacturing site plays a critical role in producing essential medicines for global markets. As Associate Manager – Automation, you will be the technical owner of process control systems—DeltaV DCS, SCADA, and PLCs—that keep production lines reliable, compliant, and efficient. This role sits at the intersection of engineering, validation, and regulatory compliance, ensuring automation systems meet 21 CFR Part 11, cGAMP, and GMP expectations. You will support investigations, audits, periodic reviews, and capital projects, directly impacting Pfizer’s ability to deliver medicines without interruption. For experienced automation engineers seeking a purpose-driven career, this position offers deep exposure to pharmaceutical manufacturing, cross-functional collaboration, and the chance to shape site automation standards. It is an ideal move for professionals who want to combine hands-on technical work with meaningful patient impact.
ROLE DEFINITION & RESPONSIBILITIES
- •Operate, troubleshoot, and maintain DeltaV DCS, SCADA, and PLC-based manufacturing control systems to ensure uninterrupted production and data integrity.
- •Lead periodic reviews, risk assessments, and change controls for automated systems in alignment with validation and regulatory requirements.
- •Author and review user requirement specifications, functional/design specifications, and vendor automation documentation, including traceability matrices.
- •Support FAT, commissioning, qualification, and execution of qualification protocols for new and modified automated control systems.
- •Serve as System Admin for site control systems and data historian, managing user access, backups, archiving, and restoration of automation configurations.
- •Maintain manufacturing, control, and process I/O networks; troubleshoot industrial communication hardware and software issues.
- •Provide on-the-floor automation support, train operations/validation/maintenance teams, and support audits and investigations as automation subject matter expert.
- •Drive compliance initiatives around 21 CFR Part 11, cGAMP, system security, and site automation standards for hardware and software.
QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor of Technology or Engineering in Electronics, Instrumentation, or an equivalent engineering discipline.
- 8–12 years of combined experience in process control, automation, PLC, SCADA, and DCS within pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, or life sciences.
- Proven ability to read and interpret electrical control system diagrams, including panel wiring, loop drawings, and layout schedules.
- Hands-on experience walking down control system diagrams and red-lining them to reflect as-built conditions.
- Solid technical knowledge of field instrumentation, industrial communication networks, and related hardware/software.
- Basic understanding of SQL servers and databases used in manufacturing automation environments.
- Familiarity with FDA, ISO, EU, and ICH guidelines relevant to automated and computerised systems.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- •Pharmaceutical manufacturing experience
- •Programming proficiency (e.g., Python, VBA, or PLC languages)
- •AI tools for problem solving (ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot)
- •Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)
- •Training and mentoring ability
REQUIRED VERIFIED SKILLS
COMPENSATION & REWARDS
ORGANIZATION CONTEXT & CULTURE
Pfizer Inc. is an American multinational pharmaceutical and biotechnology corporation. It is dedicated to the discovery, development, manufacturing, marketing, and sale of medicines and vaccines worldwide. The company focuses on breakthrough science to deliver innovative treatments across various therapeutic areas to improve health outcomes.
EXPECTED CAREER ROADMAP
APPLICATION ADVISORY
READY TO SUBMIT?
Verify your capability profile and matching credentials before submitting direct applications.