Associate Director of Automation

AbbVie's mission is to discover and deliver innovative medicines and solutions that solve serious health issues today and address the medical challenges of tomorrow. We strive to have a remarkable impact on people's lives across several key therapeutic areas – immunology, oncology, neuroscience, and eye care – and products and services in our Allergan Aesthetics portfolio. For more information about AbbVie, please visit us at www.abbvie.com. Follow @abbvie on X, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn and Tik Tok.

We are looking for an Associate Director of Automation to join our Engineering Team in Westport. This position reports to the Director, Plant Engineering. This is an exciting time to join our team as we grow and bring new products and technologies to the site. The Associate Director, Automation will be responsible for leading Automation and Operational Technology (OT) systems, ensuring compliance and performance. You will drive key initiatives like electronic Batch Record (eBR) rollout and capital upgrade projects.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Manage and mentor the Automation/OT team, maintaining strategies aligning with site goals.
• Provide coaching, set performance objectives, and foster team development.
• Manage a team of 6–8 engineers and coordinate resource planning and growth initiatives.
• Enhance productivity, cost efficiency, and compliance through systems and processes.
• Develop software modules and automation solutions for batch manufacturing.
• Manage system integration, validation, cybersecurity, and support services.
• Implement emerging technologies and maintain regulatory standards.
• Design training for end-users and manage vendor relations.
• Oversee priorities for SCADA, PLC, DCS engineering, and production support.
• Handle change controls, complex system issues, and long-term maintenance.
• Drive process optimizations and lead audits in the Automation/OT domain.
• Responsibility for site Automation/OT compliance and performance.
• Present technical data for stakeholder decision-making and resolve complex issues promptly.
• Maintain validated systems and uphold documentation integrity and audit readiness
• Lead cross-functional strategies, operational efficiencies, and digital transformation efforts.
• Influence decisions on cost, compliance, quality, and productivity.

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechatronics, Control Systems, Electrical Engineering, or a related area
• 8–10 years of experience in FDA/HPRA-regulated pharmaceutical or biotech environments.
• Proven leadership experience in managing projects and people.
• Strong technical skills in batch processing, SCADA/DCS/PLC integration, and regulatory standards
• Demonstrated success leading validated systems and major automation upgrades

AbbVie is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to operating with integrity, driving innovation, transforming lives and serving our community.  Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled. 

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