USE YOUR POWER FOR PURPOSE
This opportunity plays an influential role in driving proactive technical capabilities in an innovative culture at Sanford enabling Pfizer’s Purpose: Breakthroughs that change patients’ lives. This role affords an unparalleled opportunity for the candidate to share in the long-term site automation strategy at a key manufacturing facility. This role will be working closely with site leaders, Pfizer Digital, and Pfizer Global Engineering to establish a vision and implement, improve and sustain systems that protect and support site operations. This role will work collaboratively with all functions within the site to ensure world class production of medicines.
ROLE SUMMARY
The Director of Engineering Automation, is responsible for managing a high-performance automation engineering team that directly and indirectly supports all quality control, warehouse, utilities, manufacturing, and MSAT at the Sanford site. Position is responsible for strategic planning in the automation space, automation delivery on strategic and baseline capital projects, developing and managing a highly technical team of automation engineers including other people leader(s). Position provides strategic input into cGMP related functions such as Computer System Assurance and Data Integrity. Position interfaces above site and across the Drug Substance Cluster network to ensure Sanford is aligned with Pfizer Automation strategies and concepts, including cyber-security. Position represents the functional area to the site leadership team and is expected to have an organization-wide perspective for all programs involving his/her functional area and to set priorities, accordingly, based on site and Company objectives.
This role has accountability for the following:
talent management (automation space)
project management
subject matter expertise for facilities, equipment and controls
automation systems such as Delta V, PI Historian, BMS, etc
engineering input in problem solving
continuous improvement activities
change management
engineering regulatory compliance
What You Will Achieve
Provides strategic leadership and guidance for the design and maintenance of automation systems at the Sanford site. Supports strategic capital projects for the design and operation of equipment, facility and controls as well as ownership of key automation systems in compliance with internal guidance & external regulations.
Provides leadership, supervision and performance management to direct reports and subordinate organization(s). Establishes team goals, objectives and performance expectations for direct reports and the department. Provide priorities, ongoing feedback and recognition.
Responsible for personnel activities of the department such as recruitment, hiring, performance evaluations, succession planning and salary adjustments. Monitors department personnel progress in accomplishing assigned project objectives, quality, budget and scheduled commitments. Provides counseling to colleagues as needed and assures that appropriate training is provided to department colleagues. Enforces company and departmental policies and procedures.
Establishes contacts across the Pfizer network and externally within the industry to share best practices for automation systems and controls, cyber-security, data integrity, etc.
Adheres to and enforces all site safety standards. Participates in safety training events and ensures that all staff safety training is completed in a timely manner.
Ensures the department adheres to cGMP requirements and is fully trained in all relevant policies and procedures as well as all federal and global regulations.
Provides feedback to peers and colleagues in other departments, and actively supports activities such as safety, continuous improvement and recognition.
Here Is What You Need (Minimum Requirements)
A minimum of a BS in an engineering or information technology discipline with at least 8 years relevant experience or advanced degree with at least 7 years relevant experience in the biotech, pharmaceutical or biopharmaceutical industry. Relevant experience in a biotech or biopharmaceutical manufacturing environment could be obtained in Engineering, Information Technology or Computer Validation.
At least 5 years of direct supervisory-level or managerial-level experience is required.
Candidate should have strong administrative, managerial, computer, and presentation skills.
The incumbent should also have experience with DeltaV, PI Historian, building management systems (BMS), and programmable logic controllers (PLCs).
Candidate should demonstrate the highest technical and managerial competency and should demonstrate the capability to assume higher managerial posts.
In addition to scope of responsibility, other factors impacting level include technical complexity, budgetary accountability, level of interpersonal/outside contacts, and critical thinking/decision making ability.
Bonus Points If You Have (Preferred Requirements)
A thorough understanding of the 21 CFR Part 11 Compliance regulations is a must.
Experience in project management and/or qualification/verification is preferred.
PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS
Position requirements are typical for an office-based work environment with routine excursions to job sites, server rooms, and utility or laboratory areas. There are no unusual physical or mental requirements for this position.
NON-STANDARD WORK SCHEDULE, TRAVEL OR ENVIRONMENT REQUIREMENTS
Position would typically work a routine weekly work schedule but travel to other Pfizer sites, industry conferences and other events would be normal and expected. Night or weekend work may occasionally be required to meet project deadlines and ensure the plan of record is achieved.
Candidate demonstrates a breadth of diverse leadership experiences and capabilities including: the ability to influence and collaborate with peers, develop and coach others, oversee and guide the work of other colleagues to achieve meaningful outcomes and create business impact.
Other Job Details:
Last day to Apply: September 22nd, 2025
Work Location Assignment: On Premise
Relocation support available
Relocation assistance may be available based on business needs and/or eligibility.
Sunshine Act
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EEO & Employment Eligibility
Pfizer is committed to equal opportunity in the terms and conditions of employment for all employees and job applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, gender identity or gender expression, national origin, disability or veteran status. Pfizer also complies with all applicable national, state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements of the Immigration and Nationality Act and IRCA. Pfizer is an E-Verify employer. This position requires permanent work authorization in the United States.
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Engineering