Director, Global Automation Engineering (Pharmaceutical Manufacturing)

Location: North Chicago, Illinois, United States

Salary: $182,000–$346,000 per year

Company

hirify.global develops medicines and solutions across immunology, oncology, neuroscience, and aesthetics.

What you will do

• Lead enterprise automation architecture, process control, and digital infrastructure across global pharmaceutical manufacturing sites.
• Define and execute the Factory of the Future automation strategy across capital projects and site modernization programs.
• Govern automation scope, technical standards, vendors, testing, commissioning, qualification, and operational readiness for major capital projects.
• Own enterprise systems including DCS, PLC, batch automation, SCADA, OSI-PI, EMS, BAS, MES, ERP, and cloud data integrations.
• Direct OT cybersecurity, data integrity, GxP compliance, audit readiness, and regulatory inspection support.
• Build and lead a distributed organization of automation engineers, capital project engineers, and site automation leads.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, chemical engineering, computer science, or a related technical discipline.
• At least 20 years of progressive automation engineering experience with increasing leadership responsibility.
• Significant experience in biopharmaceutical or pharmaceutical manufacturing, including large-scale capital projects across multiple sites.
• Extensive experience with DCS, PLC, batch automation, SCADA, OSI-PI, EMS, BAS, process control, and digital infrastructure.
• Strong knowledge of GxP, FDA 21 CFR Part 11, EU Annex 11, GAMP 5, CQV, commissioning, and OT cybersecurity.
• Experience managing enterprise teams, major capital budgets, vendors, system integrators, and regulatory stakeholders.

Nice to have

• Master’s degree or equivalent advanced qualification in an engineering or technical field.
• Experience across both biologics and small-molecule manufacturing environments.
• Experience leading Factory of the Future and enterprise digital transformation initiatives.

Culture & Benefits

• Paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance for eligible employees.
• 401(k) benefits and eligibility for long-term incentive programs.
• Environment focused on technical excellence, innovation, compliance, and continuous improvement.