Director, Automation
AbbVie
August 18, 2026
Remote friendly (North Chicago, IL)
United States
$160,500 - $305,000 USD yearly
IT
Director, Automation
Responsibilities:
- Lead global operations and maintenance of AbbVie’s automated process control systems; design and implement strategic technical programs and global processes to ensure reliable, safe, efficient, compliant service delivery.
- Build and lead a virtual Community of Practice team (Site Automation leaders and global automation engineers); provide technical thought leadership for a comprehensive automation program.
- Serve as internal Global Leader – Automation; advance automation standards for reliability, proactive performance, and compliance.
- Lead engineering experts supporting Site Automation and Operations Managers to maintain standards across all manufacturing sites.
- Oversee development and implementation of automation technical training programs.
- Support Global Sourcing for automation process control system contracts (e.g., DCS, PLC, SCADA, OSI-PI).
- Provide audit support and ensure consistent remediation practices across sites.
- Research and implement cost reduction, reliability improvements, and human error reduction via user interface standardization.
- Achieve KPIs (budget, schedule adherence, milestone delivery).
- Manage talent management: coaching, performance feedback, goal setting, and building a high-performing culture.
- Coordinate with virtual/remote teams; travel ~20% (some global).
Qualifications:
- B.S. in Engineering (required).
- 15+ years technical experience in Automation Engineering; successful leadership of large global initiative/capital project.
- 5+ years leading technical teams (regional or global preferred).
- Experience leading virtual teams and rolling out regional/global initiatives.
- Knowledge of pharma/biotech operational best practices and regulatory expectations; expertise in DCS, SCADA, PLC, and instrumentation/controls.
- Data integrity and network security knowledge (highly desirable).
- Strong communication skills.
Benefits (if eligible):
- Paid time off; medical/dental/vision insurance; 401(k).
- Eligible for long-term incentive programs.
Responsibilities:
- Lead global operations and maintenance of AbbVie’s automated process control systems; design and implement strategic technical programs and global processes to ensure reliable, safe, efficient, compliant service delivery.
- Build and lead a virtual Community of Practice team (Site Automation leaders and global automation engineers); provide technical thought leadership for a comprehensive automation program.
- Serve as internal Global Leader – Automation; advance automation standards for reliability, proactive performance, and compliance.
- Lead engineering experts supporting Site Automation and Operations Managers to maintain standards across all manufacturing sites.
- Oversee development and implementation of automation technical training programs.
- Support Global Sourcing for automation process control system contracts (e.g., DCS, PLC, SCADA, OSI-PI).
- Provide audit support and ensure consistent remediation practices across sites.
- Research and implement cost reduction, reliability improvements, and human error reduction via user interface standardization.
- Achieve KPIs (budget, schedule adherence, milestone delivery).
- Manage talent management: coaching, performance feedback, goal setting, and building a high-performing culture.
- Coordinate with virtual/remote teams; travel ~20% (some global).
Qualifications:
- B.S. in Engineering (required).
- 15+ years technical experience in Automation Engineering; successful leadership of large global initiative/capital project.
- 5+ years leading technical teams (regional or global preferred).
- Experience leading virtual teams and rolling out regional/global initiatives.
- Knowledge of pharma/biotech operational best practices and regulatory expectations; expertise in DCS, SCADA, PLC, and instrumentation/controls.
- Data integrity and network security knowledge (highly desirable).
- Strong communication skills.
Benefits (if eligible):
- Paid time off; medical/dental/vision insurance; 401(k).
- Eligible for long-term incentive programs.