DeltaV Area Lead
DeltaV Automation Area Lead (Pharmaceutical Manufacturing)
📍 Location: Flexible (site-based with travel requirements)
✈️ Travel: ~4 days/month to Indianapolis, USA
Overview
We are seeking an experienced Automation Area Lead (DeltaV) to take technical ownership of automation delivery within a major pharmaceutical manufacturing program.
This role is ideal for someone who has led large-scale pharma automation workstreams end-to-end-owning not just configuration, but architecture, standards, and long-term maintainability across a defined process area.
What Makes This Role Different
This is not a pure execution role. We are specifically looking for individuals who have:
Owned entire automation areas or workstreams on complex, multi-unit facilities
Led cross-functional coordination (process, utilities, validation, IT/OT, etc.)
Been accountable for S88 structure, system architecture, and governance decisions
Delivered projects from early design through configuration and validation
Key Responsibilities
Take technical ownership for an automation area within a large-scale project
Define and govern the S88 batch architecture, software structure, and standards
Develop and review Functional Design Specifications (FDS)
Collaborate with system integrators to finalize functional design and implementation
Participate in P&ID and control strategy reviews
Ensure alignment with program-level automation standards and philosophy
Oversee consistency across deliverables (requirements, phases, recipes, control strategies)
Define required software components and modifications
Support parameter and recipe specification development
Manage technical queries from system integrators
Identify risks, issues, and remediation activities related to process control software
Track and manage post-acceptance issues
Communicate progress, risks, and technical decisions to project leadership
Required Experience & Skills
8+ years of automation experience within the pharmaceutical industry
Strong experience in API or bulk manufacturing environments preferred
Demonstrated leadership as an Area Lead or equivalent on large-scale pharma projects
(Owning full automation scope-not just contributing to predefined systems)
5+ years of hands-on DeltaV Batch (DCS) experience
Including design and configuration
Proven experience delivering projects from early design through build and validation
Strong knowledge of:
S88 batch standards
GMP and regulatory requirements
Computer system validation (CSV)
Ability to collaborate effectively across multidisciplinary teams
Excellent communication skills for technical and non-technical stakeholders
Experience with Allen-Bradley PLCs is a plus
Key Success Factors
The ideal candidate will demonstrate:
Ownership at area/architecture level, not just system execution
Ability to define and govern automation standards, rather than simply follow them
Strong DeltaV batch expertise, including real project leadership experience
Experience managing full lifecycle delivery (design → configuration → validation)
Confidence operating in large, complex, multi-disciplinary programs
FAQs
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