Manager of Automation Engineering

Bausch + Lomb (NYSE/TSX: BLCO) is a leading global eye health company dedicated to protecting and enhancing the gift of sight for millions of people around the world—from the moment of birth through every phase of life. Our mission is simple, yet powerful: helping you see better, to live better.

Our comprehensive portfolio of over 400 products is fully integrated and built to serve our customers across the full spectrum of their eye health needs throughout their lives. Our iconic brand is built on the deep trust and loyalty of our customers established over our 170-year history. We have a significant global research, development, manufacturing and commercial footprint of approximately 13,000 employees  and a presence in approximately 100 countries, extending our reach to billions of potential customers across the globe. We have long been associated with many of the most significant advances in eye health, and we believe we are well positioned to continue leading the advancement of eye health in the future.

Purpose of Job:

• Leadership to the Automation team.
• Develop and implement the overall automation strategy for the site.
• Manage the automation budget.

Key Activities:

• Manage a team of automation engineers, technicians, and support staff, providing leadership, training, and career development opportunities.
• Set performance goals and KPIs for the automation team to align with overall business objectives.
• Foster a culture of safety, compliance, and innovation within the automation team.
• Develop and implement the overall automation strategy to improve manufacturing efficiency, product quality, and operational flexibility.
• Oversee the design, programming, and configuration of automated systems, including process control systems (PCS), distributed control systems (DCS), programmable logic controllers (PLC), and supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems.
• Manage the automation budget, including capital expenditures (CAPEX) for new equipment, software, and technology upgrades.
• Optimize the use of resources, including labor and equipment, to achieve automation objectives while controlling costs.
• Ensure alignment of automation systems with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), FDA regulations, and other industry standards (e.g., GAMP, 21 CFR Part 11).
• Lead and manage automation projects from concept to completion, including the installation and commissioning of new automation technologies following the change management procedures.
• Develop project timelines, budgets, and resource plans to ensure timely and cost-effective execution of automation initiatives.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams such as engineering, manufacturing, quality, and validation to ensure smooth project integration and adherence to validation protocols.
• Manage external vendors and contractors responsible for providing automation services, systems, or components.
• Work closely with validation teams to develop and execute validation protocols (IQ, OQ, PQ) for automated systems.
• Maintain detailed documentation of automation systems, including functional and technical specifications, validation records, and change control documents.
• Support regulatory audits and inspections by providing documentation and demonstrating compliance of automated systems.
• Establish and oversee the preventive maintenance program for all automated systems to minimize downtime and ensure reliability.
• Lead troubleshooting efforts for complex automation issues, working with technicians and engineers to resolve problems quickly and effectively.
• Implement and monitor alarm management systems to ensure timely detection and resolution of automation-related issues.
• Identify opportunities for automation improvements that can enhance process efficiency, product quality, and reduce operational costs.
• Implement continuous improvement initiatives such as advanced process control (APC), machine learning, or predictive analytics to optimize manufacturing processes.
• Drive the adoption of new automation technologies, such as robotics, digitalization, and artificial intelligence (AI) for Industry 4.0 initiatives in pharmaceutical manufacturing.
• Implement data collection and reporting systems to monitor process performance, equipment status, and system efficiency.
• Analyze automation data to provide insights on operational performance and areas for improvement.
• Provide regular updates and reports to senior management on the status of automation systems, projects, and performance metrics.

Supervise Direct Reports? Yes

Qualifications:

Education: 

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering (B.S. or B.E.T.) 
• Will consider Computer, Mechanical, Electrical/Electronic or Chemical.

Experience:

• 10 years engineering experience
• 5 years in a pharmaceutical aseptic filling facility
• 5 years minimum in plant project engineering work
• Past experience supervising engineers in a Engineering Role.
• Some A&E experience desired (not required)

Special Skills:

• Expert in automation systems
• Organizational skills
• Good communicator
• Am assertive, proven leader
• Ability to integrate highly technical systems into existing equipment
• Ability to study and advise Management regarding long range plans for automated equipment and systems 
• Experience with DCS, PLC's, SCADA and BMS.
• Familiar with clean room support systems; HVAC, purified water, air and architectural requirements

This position may be available in the following location(s): Greenville, SC

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

Job Applicants should be aware of job offer scams perpetrated through the use of the Internet and social media platforms. To learn more please read Bausch + Lomb's Job Offer Fraud Statement.

Our Benefit Programs: https://www.bausch.com/careers/benefits/

Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.