Global Automation Principal SME

Introduction to role:

Are you ready to define the Operational Technology strategy that builds Smart Factories and Autonomous Manufacturing across a global network? Do you want your leadership to accelerate the delivery of life-changing medicines to patients by making our sites faster, safer and more resilient?

Based in Dublin, you will set the OT vision and lead delivery across complex capital projects, from concept through detailed design and vendor selection. You will guide an expert EMEA team and work with multi-functional leaders to ensure systems are engineered for GMP compliance, robust data flows and efficient technology transfer. Your impact will be measured in successful projects delivering cutting-edge manufacturing capability and tangible improvements in how we make and release medicines.

Accountabilities:

OT Scope and Strategy: Define OT scope within global engineering projects, align interested parties, set strategy and gain approvals. Provide design assurance from early concept to detailed design and equipment selection. Communicate site and project requirements to vendors and ensure delivery in line with our global automation strategy.

Digital Transformation: Accelerate Industry 4.0 maturity to create Smart Factories and enable Autonomous Manufacturing. Partner with the wider OT community to continually improve strategies, standards and procedures for global project delivery.

Regional Team Leadership: Lead and develop an EMEA team of Associate Principal SMEs and Senior Automation Engineers. Plan resources, balance assignments across employees and contractors, and mentor talent to build enduring capability.

Program and Vendor Delivery: Oversee OT aspects of multiple projects and vendors across the region. Collaborate with internationally located peer engineers to deliver complex outcomes. Coordinate peer deliverables when needed. Source, onboard and manage Outside Service Partners and support global project activities where equipment or technology vendors are based in EMEA.

Stakeholder Partnerships: Build strong, positive partnerships with Project Directors, Technical Managers, Project Managers and Work Package Owners. Ensure smooth information flows across vendors, contractors and internal teams to deliver design intent and meet quality standards. Work closely with Manufacturing Operations, Quality, Site IT and Operations-IT to meet autonomous manufacturing, data integration and security of supply requirements.

Strategic Ownership: Take ownership of critical initiatives, technologies or supplier relationships that advance OT capabilities. Serve as a point person for the OT team on strategic technologies and for key strategic suppliers, collaborating extensively across the enterprise and industry.

Essential Skills/Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree (equivalent experience will be considered) in an Engineering or IT related subject area.

• Extensive knowledge and experience of delivering GMP Process Control Systems (PCS) as part of major Pharmaceutical/Biotech investments. Subject Matter Expertise of DCS application within a licensed GMP environment to include specification, procurement, installation, start-up, and commissioning.

• Strong understanding of process control focused manufacturing, e.g. Biotech and API.

• Drug Product automation experience (e.g. filling, tableting, packaging equipment) an advantage; including specification, delivery, package and data integration.

• Understanding of the needs of the post-project operational environment.

• Excellent communication skills to include an ability to engage honestly and influentially with internal and external business leaders and partners.

• Demonstrated Project Management skills.

• Broad understanding of secure integration of PCS and PLC/SCADA to:

  • IT architecture

  • Recipe data to support efficient Tech Transfer

  • Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES)

  • Process Historians

  • Factory data-analytics platforms

  • Process Analytical Technology (PAT)

Desirable Skills/Experience:

• Current GMP regulations and an understanding of regulatory agency expectations and current industry practices.

• Supporting technologies, such as:

• OT cybersecurity

• Electronic Batch Records (EBR)

• Data modelling and analytics

• Laboratory automation systems

• Warehouse automation and automated materials handling.

When we put unexpected teams in the same room, we unleash bold thinking with the power to inspire life-changing medicines. In-person working gives us the platform we need to connect, work at pace and challenge perceptions. That's why we work, on average, a minimum of three days per week from the office. But that doesn't mean we're not flexible. We balance the expectation of being in the office while respecting individual flexibility. Join us in our unique and ambitious world.

Why AstraZeneca:

Here, your expertise powers the journey from molecule to medicine. You will work with cutting-edge digitalisation, advanced analytics and modern automation to turn smart factory concepts into daily reality, supported by a collaborative, inclusive community that values kindness alongside ambition. We combine disciplined execution with a spirit of curiosity, creating room to lead, learn and make decisive moves that improve quality, speed and sustainability across a truly global network. Your contribution will be visible in every reliable batch released to patients and in the shared pride of a team that backs each other to achieve more.

Lead the OT strategy that powers autonomous manufacturing across our network and help deliver life-changing medicines faster—take your next step today!

Date Posted

15-May-2026

Closing Date

31-May-2026

Our mission is to build an inclusive and equitable environment. We want people to feel they belong at AstraZeneca and Alexion, starting with our recruitment process. We welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of characteristics. We offer reasonable adjustments/accommodations to help all candidates to perform at their best. If you have a need for any adjustments/accommodations, please complete the section in the application form.

AstraZeneca embraces diversity and equality of opportunity. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds, with as wide a range of perspectives as possible, and harnessing industry-leading skills. We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics. We comply with all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorisation and employment eligibility verification requirements.