Rockwell Automation Lead Engineer / Technical Manager

The Rockwell Automation Lead Engineer / Technical Manager provides senior technical leadership and delivery ownership for Rockwell-based control and process automation systems across manufacturing operations. Combining hands-on engineering authority with team and project management, the role owns the design, configuration, integration and lifecycle support of PLC and SCADA systems within a GMP-regulated framework, and acts as the primary point of accountability for automation standards, compliance and delivery.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership and direction across Rockwell-based control and process automation systems (Allen-Bradley ControlLogix / CompactLogix, FactoryTalk, PlantPAx).
• Own the design, configuration, integration and lifecycle support of PLC / SCADA systems, ensuring alignment with site automation standards and GMP requirements.
• Act as the senior technical authority for Rockwell platforms — Studio 5000 (Logix Designer), FactoryTalk View SE / ME, FactoryTalk Batch, Historian and AssetCentre.
• Manage automation delivery end-to-end: planning, resourcing, scheduling, integrator / vendor coordination and stakeholder reporting.
• Lead troubleshooting and root-cause resolution of complex control-system issues to protect continuous production and minimise downtime.
• Drive computer system validation (CSV / CQV) activities in line with GAMP 5, US FDA 21 CFR Part 11 and EU Annex 11 data-integrity expectations.
• Oversee change control, configuration management, backup / restore, patching and automation (OT) cybersecurity in line with site requirements.
• Define and maintain automation engineering standards, specifications and documentation (URS, FDS / SDS, design and test protocols).
• Mentor and develop engineers and coordinate across operations, quality, IT / OT and equipment vendors.
• Support commissioning, qualification and start-up (C&Q / CQV) and planned shutdown activities as required.

Requirements

• Degree in automation, control, electrical engineering or a related discipline (or equivalent demonstrable experience).
• Extensive, senior-level hands-on experience with Rockwell Automation platforms — Allen-Bradley ControlLogix / CompactLogix, Studio 5000 and the FactoryTalk suite; PlantPAx experience strongly preferred.
• Proven leadership / technical-management experience directing automation teams and delivery within a regulated (GMP) pharmaceutical or biotechnology manufacturing environment.
• Strong working knowledge of CSV / GAMP 5, 21 CFR Part 11 and EU Annex 11 data-integrity requirements.
• Solid grounding in change control, OT cybersecurity, industrial networking (EtherNet/IP) and system lifecycle management.
• Experience with C&Q / CQV of automated systems; batch (ISA-88 / S88) experience advantageous.
• Excellent stakeholder-management, troubleshooting and communication skills.