Senior Automation Project Manager – Facility Startup Overview: Our client is seeking an experienced Senior Automation Project Manager to lead automation project delivery for a new facility. This individual will take ownership of the automation workstream from code handover through first demo batch, ensuring all control systems are delivered on schedule, fully GMP-compliant, and ready to support a successful startup. This is a high-visibility role ideal for an automation professional who has personally led automation activities for at least one new facility startup within pharma or another regulated industry. The environment is fast-paced, collaborative, and suited to someone who thrives in cross-functional project leadership. Key Responsibilities • Lead automation project management for a new facility startup, including scope, schedule, and punch-list oversight for all control system deliverables • Act as the primary liaison between process engineering, automation engineering, system integrators, construction teams, and Site Quality • Coordinate FAT/SAT execution and support Computer System Validation (CSV) to ensure systems are ready for commissioning, qualification, and startup • Identify, track, and mitigate risks related to automation scope, schedule, and quality • Provide ongoing project status updates to site leadership and key stakeholders • Support development of automation staffing plans, standards, and procedures for a new site organization • Partner closely with Site Quality to integrate CSV, data integrity, and GMP compliance strategies into project execution Qualifications • Bachelor’s degree in Chemical, Electrical, Controls Engineering, or related discipline • 8+ years of automation engineering or automation project management experience • Proven experience leading automation workstreams for at least one new or greenfield facility startup in a pharmaceutical or regulated manufacturing environment • Strong background working with DCS/SCADA/MES vendors and system integrators • Solid understanding of ISA-88 batch standards, GMP, CSV, and data integrity principles • Demonstrated project management capability across scope, schedule, and budget • Excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder management skills Preferred Experience • PMP or equivalent project management certification • Hands-on experience with DeltaV Batch DCS or comparable platforms (Honeywell Experion, Rockwell PlantPAx, etc.) • Experience leading C&Q activities for greenfield or major capital automation projects • Background in building automation teams, standards, and procedures for new manufacturing sites • Familiarity with electronic validation/test management systems (e.g., Kneat) Base salary + additional hourly compensation based on billable hours performance. The salary range above assumes 1880 billable hours a year (5 weeks of vacation). 6916