Process Automation and Control Engineer

The Process Automation & Control Engineering Manager will lead a team of automation engineers and oversee the end-to-end execution of control system projects. The role focuses on strategic planning, project delivery, innovation in automation technologies, and aligning automation solutions with operational excellence and digital transformation goals. The manager will ensure quality, compliance, safety, and cost-effectiveness in delivering automation solutions across the business.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage a team of engineers and technical leads across multiple automation projects.

• Oversee the design, implementation, validation, and commissioning of process automation and control systems.

• Drive standardization in engineering practices, documentation, and compliance frameworks (GAMP 5, 21 CFR Part 11, ISA-88/95).

• Collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders (Process, Electrical, Quality, IT, Operations) to align automation goals with plant and business needs.

• Provide strategic input on technology selection, vendor engagement, and control architecture.

• Lead project planning, budgeting, scheduling, and risk management for automation initiatives.

• Foster a culture of safety, innovation, and continuous improvement.

• Guide and mentor junior to senior engineers; support hiring and capability development.

• Ensure cybersecurity, data integrity, and regulatory compliance across all control system deployments.

Key Focus Areas:

1. Leadership & People Management

   • Direct responsibility for:

     • Leading and mentoring automation engineering teams

     • Resource planning, performance evaluation, and upskilling

     • Building a high-performance, collaborative engineering culture

2. Automation Project Management

   • Oversee:

     • Scope definition, cost estimation, scheduling

     • Stakeholder coordination and client/vendor management

     • Governance of FAT, SAT, commissioning, and handover processes

3. Control System Strategy & Architecture

   • Lead design and implementation of:

     • PLC/DCS/SCADA/HMI architectures (Siemens, Rockwell, ABB, Schneider, etc.)

     • Advanced control logic, safety systems, and industrial communication networks

4. Compliance, Cybersecurity & Validation

   • Ensure:

     • Adherence to GMP, GAMP 5, 21 CFR Part 11, EHS standards

     • Alignment with OT cybersecurity (ISA/IEC 62443), backup/recovery protocols, and audit-readiness

5. Process Optimization & Digital Initiatives

   • Promote:

     • Integration with MES, ERP, Historian systems

     • Use of OEE, downtime analytics, batch tracking, and IIoT platforms

     • Adoption of digital twins, remote diagnostics, and Industry 4.0 solutions

6. Stakeholder Engagement & Business Alignment

   • Interface with:

     • Plant leadership, IT, corporate engineering, and client representatives

     • Drive alignment between automation strategies and business KPIs

Qualifications:

• Education:

  • B.E. / B.Tech / M.Tech in Instrumentation, Electrical, Electronics, Mechatronics, or Control Engineering

• Experience:

  • 12+ years in process automation, control systems, and engineering management, with 3–5 years in a leadership capacity

• Technical Skills:

  • Deep knowledge of:

    • PLC/DCS platforms: Siemens, Rockwell, Schneider, ABB

    • SCADA/HMI: WinCC, FactoryTalk, Wonderware, iFIX

    • Industrial communication: EtherNet/IP, Profibus, Modbus, OPC UA

    • Batch automation, recipe control, and GxP-compliant systems

• Soft Skills:

  • Strong leadership, decision-making, and interpersonal skills

  • Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and large-scale projects

  • Effective communicator with clients, plant management, and regulatory bodies