Senior Manager, Automation Engineering
Novo Nordisk
June 24, 2026
Remote friendly (Clayton, NC)
United States
IT
The Position
Responsible for the Automation department (two tracks): daily engineering system improvements and long-term project upgrades on automation systems. Provides leadership and coaching to Automation staff. Oversees automation system support by managing Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) within SCADA, PLC, and Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES). Ensures processes and service level agreements are in place and people are trained to meet system uptime requirements. Develops strategic goals and objectives aligned with NN business plans and drives improvement projects and system upgrades.
Essential Functions
- Develop strategic direction for automation assets; monitor industry advancements and recommend/implement new technologies to meet customer and production goals
- Collaborate with department leadership on training, development, coaching, performance management, recruitment, and employee relations
- Manage and coach SME teams; provide continuous feedback, structure, and accountability
- Drive technical discussions and problem solving
- Create and implement dynamic Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Manage stakeholders across the organization, including in Denmark (DK)
- Ensure automation systems/processes are available, capable, and accessible for production/business needs
- Ensure compliance with internal/external regulations and procedures
- Follow all safety and environmental requirements
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (or relevant field) required
- Master’s degree in Engineering preferred
- 7+ years IT/Automation experience in a GMP manufacturing environment required
- 4+ years people leadership required
Preferred
BMS, Windows OS, relational databases (MS SQL/Oracle/MES), automated control systems/protocols, manufacturing information systems, Six Sigma, Lean, process analysis, system development life cycle.
Benefits
- Leading pay and annual performance bonus
- 14 paid holidays; health/dental/vision effective day one; 8% 401(k) contribution; parental and family medical leave; free access to Novo Nordisk-marketed products; tuition assistance; life/disability insurance; employee referral awards.
Application instructions: None provided beyond applying to the role.
Responsible for the Automation department (two tracks): daily engineering system improvements and long-term project upgrades on automation systems. Provides leadership and coaching to Automation staff. Oversees automation system support by managing Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) within SCADA, PLC, and Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES). Ensures processes and service level agreements are in place and people are trained to meet system uptime requirements. Develops strategic goals and objectives aligned with NN business plans and drives improvement projects and system upgrades.
Essential Functions
- Develop strategic direction for automation assets; monitor industry advancements and recommend/implement new technologies to meet customer and production goals
- Collaborate with department leadership on training, development, coaching, performance management, recruitment, and employee relations
- Manage and coach SME teams; provide continuous feedback, structure, and accountability
- Drive technical discussions and problem solving
- Create and implement dynamic Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Manage stakeholders across the organization, including in Denmark (DK)
- Ensure automation systems/processes are available, capable, and accessible for production/business needs
- Ensure compliance with internal/external regulations and procedures
- Follow all safety and environmental requirements
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (or relevant field) required
- Master’s degree in Engineering preferred
- 7+ years IT/Automation experience in a GMP manufacturing environment required
- 4+ years people leadership required
Preferred
BMS, Windows OS, relational databases (MS SQL/Oracle/MES), automated control systems/protocols, manufacturing information systems, Six Sigma, Lean, process analysis, system development life cycle.
Benefits
- Leading pay and annual performance bonus
- 14 paid holidays; health/dental/vision effective day one; 8% 401(k) contribution; parental and family medical leave; free access to Novo Nordisk-marketed products; tuition assistance; life/disability insurance; employee referral awards.
Application instructions: None provided beyond applying to the role.