🔍 About the Role
An exciting freelance opportunity is available for an experienced Automation Team Lead with a pharmaceutical background to support a major client project. This is a client-facing role, requiring strong technical leadership and communication skills to guide automation strategy and execution in a GMP-regulated environment.
You will also be responsible for recruiting and building your own automation team, selecting skilled professionals to support project delivery and long-term success.
🛠 Key Responsibilities
* Lead the design, configuration, and deployment of automation systems across pharmaceutical manufacturing processes
* Manage and optimize PCS7, DeltaV, and DCS platforms for process control and data integrity
* Act as the primary technical point of contact for the client, ensuring alignment with project goals and compliance standards
* Recruit, onboard, and manage a high-performing automation team tailored to project needs
* Collaborate with cross-functional teams including engineering, validation, and IT to deliver integrated automation solutions
* Oversee project timelines, budgets, and deliverables while maintaining regulatory compliance
* Provide mentorship and guidance to automation engineers and technicians
* Document system architecture, change controls, and validation protocols in accordance with GMP requirements
🎯 Required Qualifications
* Extensive experience in pharmaceutical automation within GMP environments
* Hands-on expertise with Siemens PCS7, Emerson DeltaV, and Distributed Control Systems (DCS)
* Proven ability to lead client-facing technical engagements and manage stakeholder expectations
* Experience in recruiting and managing technical teams
* Strong project management and documentation skills (URS, FDS, SDS, IQ/OQ/PQ)
* Excellent communication and leadership capabilities
* Degree in Engineering, Automation, or related field
💼 Preferred Skills
* Experience with batch processing and recipe management
* Familiarity with ISA-88 and ISA-95 standards
* Understanding of cybersecurity for industrial control systems
* Ability to interface with MES and ERP platforms
🚀 What's Offered
* Freelance flexibility with competitive compensation
* Opportunity to lead and build a team for high-impact pharmaceutical automation projects
* Collaborative environment with industry-leading professionals