Senior Automation Engineer

Location: Vacaville, CA

This is a fully site‑based role. Working together in person supports close, real‑time collaboration and the technical precision needed to manufacture medicines to the highest quality and safety standards.

Execute automation projects and Automation Roadmap initiatives for systems supporting Cell Culture Plant 1 (CCP1) and Cell Culture Plant 2 (CCP2). This role provides technical leadership for process control, batch execution, and manufacturing OT systems in a regulated biopharmaceutical environment to ensure operational excellence and reliable patient supply.

Support MAR activities and Vacaville Manufacturing Operations by assisting with tech transfers and capital projects while maintaining the qualified state of PLC and VSC systems.

What you will get

The full-time base annual salary for this position is expected to range between $129,000 to $219,000.  In addition, below you will find a comprehensive summary of the benefits package we offer:

• Performance-related bonus

• Medical, dental and vision insurance

• 401(k) matching plan

• Life insurance, as well as short-term and long-term disability insurance

• Employee assistance programs

• Paid Time Off

What you will do

• Lead the design and support of automation systems, including MCS, DCS, and PLC-based controllers.

• Lead and support automation activities for capital projects, process improvements, system upgrades, and plant expansions.

• Direct cross-functional teams and external vendors to ensure "right the first time" system implementations.

• Oversee system testing, debugging, and startup activities for critical manufacturing assets.

• Support manufacturing operations with on-call troubleshooting, root cause investigations, and continuous improvement initiatives. 

• Author and review automation-related documentation including design specifications, control narratives, functional specifications, test protocols, and validation documentation (IQ/OQ/PQ).

• Execute both off-line and on-line coding and peer reviews to maintain system integrity and compliance.

What we are looking for

• Bachelor’s degree Engineering, or related field preferred.

• Effective communication to engage at all levels

• Ability to secure relevant information and identify key issues and relationships from a base of information.

• High adaptability to changing operational conditions and requirements Proven ability to prioritize and manage key deliverables effectively

• Proven experience with loop diagram development, field (or remote) device I/O integration, and end‑to‑end loop testing for biopharmaceutical process control systems. Skilled in coordinating with engineering, construction, and commissioning teams to validate signal integrity from field instrumentation through DCS/PLC systems in support of safe and compliant startup activities.

About Lonza

At Lonza, our people are our greatest strength. With 30+ sites across five continents, our globally connected teams work together every day to manufacture the medicines of tomorrow. Our core values of Collaboration, Accountability, Excellence, Passion and Integrity reflect who we are and how we work together. Everyone’s ideas, big or small, have the potential to improve millions of lives, and that’s the kind of work we want you to be part of.

Innovation thrives when people from all backgrounds bring their unique perspectives to the table. At Lonza, we offer equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Ready to shape the future of life sciences? Apply now.

Swiss contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) providing biologics, cell, and gene therapy production services.

lonza.com