Automation Project Manager - Pharma

Hiring: Automation Project Manager - Pharma

Location: Research Triangle Park (RTP), North Carolina

Work Arrangement: Hybrid on-site presence required during execution periods; remote flexibility at other times

Employment Type: W2 Contract

Rate: $60 - $70/hr W2

Position Overview:

We are seeking an experienced Automation Project Manager to lead a large-scale automation lifecycle management initiative supporting a critical infrastructure upgrade within an established pharmaceutical/life sciences program.

The ideal candidate will bring a strong combination of technical automation knowledge and project management expertise, with the ability to collaborate effectively across engineering teams, contractors, vendors, and business stakeholders while maintaining full project accountability.

Key Responsibilities:

Lead planning, execution, and delivery of automation lifecycle management projects
Develop and maintain detailed project schedules, timelines, and resource plans
Facilitate project meetings, status updates, and steering committee reviews
Coordinate activities across engineering teams, system owners, vendors, and contractors
Monitor milestones, risks, dependencies, and project deliverables
Drive stakeholder communication and provide progress reporting to leadership
Support automation lifecycle replacement, upgrades, and modernization initiatives
Maintain project documentation, change management, and governance requirements
Collaborate with technical teams to evaluate system impacts, implementation strategies, and project risks
Manage contractor activities and ensure vendor accountability for deliverables and timelines

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor s degree in Engineering, Automation, Computer Science, Project Management, or a related field
8+ years of project management experience within pharmaceutical, biotech, life sciences, manufacturing, or other highly regulated environments
Proven experience leading automation-focused projects
Strong understanding of automation systems and related infrastructure
Demonstrated success managing complex, cross-functional projects from initiation through completion
Experience with project planning, scheduling, budgeting, and stakeholder management
Strong communication, leadership, and organizational skills

Preferred Qualifications: Automation lifecycle management or software implementation experience
Experience working with global automation platforms and multinational project teams
Familiarity with DeltaV, Rockwell/Allen-Bradley, Siemens PCS7, Emerson platforms, MES, and SCADA/HMI technologies
PMP certification or equivalent project management credential
Pharmaceutical GMP manufacturing experience