AstraZeneca

AstraZeneca

Posted via Workday

Associate Director of Automation

Apply by Oct 31, 2026

Posted Oct 1, 2026

Role at a glance

Job function
Engineering & R&D Electrical, Electronics & Controls Engineering
Salary
Not Disclosed
Location
Gaithersburg, Maryland, United States
Employment
Full-time
Experience
YOE in field 10 years
Education
Bachelor’s degree (equivalent experience of (5+) will be considered) in an Engineering related discipline.

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Role Summary

AI-generated

Provides technical leadership across assigned engineering technology domains and supports complex projects involving OT/automation systems or other engineering technologies. The role guides technical solutions from specification and design through commissioning and stabilization, while supporting standards, compliance, and engineering capability development.

What You'll Do

  • Act as a subject matter expert supporting complex projects and ensuring technical and compliance standards are met.
  • Lead or oversee technical solutions from specification and design through commissioning and stabilization, working with internal...
  • Translate business needs into technical strategies and influence design, technology selection, and implementation approaches.
  • Guide the application of internal and industry standards throughout project and solution lifecycles.
  • Mentor engineers, share expertise, and support technical improvement and standardization initiatives.

Generated from the employer's posting. Verify important details before applying.

View full posting

Qualifications

Fluent English; subject matter expertise in either SCADA/PLC or DCS, including specification, procurement, installation, start-up, and commissioning; 10 years of experience in the field. Bachelor’s degree in an engineering-related discipline, or equivalent experience of 5+ years. Experience in one or more of the following: IT and OT architectures for manufacturing environments; integration with IT systems; Warehouse Control Systems, AGVs, or robotics; OT cybersecurity; engineering standards development and governance. Excellent communication skills for engaging with internal and external business leaders and partners.

Required

  • Fluent English
  • Subject matter expertise in either SCADA/PLC or DCS, including specification, procurement, installation, start-up, and commissioning
  • 10 years of experience in the field
  • Bachelor’s degree in an engineering-related discipline, or equivalent experience of 5+ years
  • Experience in one or more of: IT and OT architectures for manufacturing environments; integration with IT systems; Warehouse Control...
  • Excellent communication skills, including the ability to engage honestly and influentially with internal and external business leaders...

Preferred

  • Experience in pharmaceutical manufacturing areas, including API, biotechnology, oral solid dosage, formulation and fill, packaging, or...
  • Current GMP regulations and understanding of regulatory agency expectations and current industry practices; experience in another...

Original job description

Content provided by the employer

Typical Accountabilities

- Provide expert technical leadership across assigned engineering technology domains, contributing to the development, evaluation, and delivery of advanced technical solutions.

- Act as a subject matter expert for OT/automation systems or engineering technologies, supporting the execution of complex individual projects and ensuring technical and compliance standards are met.

- Lead or oversee the delivery of technical solutions from specification and design through commissioning and stabilization, collaborating with internal stakeholders and external partners.

- Translate business needs into technical strategies, influencing design decisions, technology selection, and implementation approaches.

- Guide the application of internal and industry standards (e.g., URS, DQ/FAT/SAT, GMP) throughout the project or solution lifecycle.

- Support capability development by mentoring engineers and sharing expertise within and across sites.

- Drive technical improvement initiatives by identifying innovations, applying best practices, and supporting standardization across the network.

- Ensure compliance of personal and team work with safety, health, environment (SHE), and regulatory requirements, including risk assessments and documentation.

- Energize and empower teams to effectively explore new digital solutions and practices that drive business value.

- May line manage a team.


Minimum Qualifications:

  • Fluent English
  • Subject Matter Expertise of either SCADA/PLC or DCS to include specification, procurement, installation, start-up, and commissioning.
  • Bachelor’s degree (equivalent experience of (5+) will be considered) in an Engineering related discipline.
  • YOE in field 10 years
  • Excellent communication skills including an ability to engage honestly and influentially with internal and external business leaders and partners.
  • Experience in one or more of the following:
    • IT and OT architectures for manufacturing environments
    • Integration with IT Systems
    • Warehouse Control Systems, AGVs, Robotics
    • Understanding of OT cybersecurity
    • Engineering standards development and governance

 Desired:

  • Pharmaceutical Manufacturing areas including API, Biotechnology, Oral Solid Dosage, Formulation and Fill, Packaging, Medical Devices
  • Current GMP regulations and an understanding of regulatory agency expectations and current industry practices. Experience from a different, non-Pharma, regulated industry would also be relevant.

Date Posted

30-Sep-2026

Closing Date

30-Oct-2026

Our mission is to build an inclusive environment where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and employees. In furtherance of that mission, we welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of their protected characteristics. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please complete the corresponding section in the application form.

AstraZeneca

About the company

AstraZeneca

Large Enterprise

AstraZeneca is a global biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the research, development, and commercialization of innovative medicines. Headquartered in Cambridge, UK, the company focuses on areas such as oncology, cardiovascular, renal, metabolism, and respiratory diseases, striving to deliver life-changing treatments to patients. With a strong commitment to scientific excellence and collaboration, AstraZeneca invests in cutting-edge technologies and partnerships to drive advancements in healthcare. The company is also committed to sustainability and corporate responsibility, aiming to make a positive impact on communities worldwide.