Head of Technical

Company: Lonza
Location: Elk Grove
Posted on: May 5, 2025

Job Description:

Today, Lonza is a global leader in life sciences operating across five continents. While we work in science, there's no magic formula to how we do it. Our greatest scientific solution is talented people working together, devising ideas that help businesses to help people. In exchange, we let our people own their careers. Their ideas, big and small, genuinely improve the world. And that's the kind of work we want to be part of.

As a global leader in life sciences, Lonza is on an ambitious journey of growth and innovation. We are excited to announce a new opportunity for an Automation Technical Manager in Vacaville, CA. This role is crucial in driving the technical design, development, and rollout of automation solutions for large capital projects. You will work with cross-functional teams, including Manufacturing, MSAT, Quality Assurance, and external partners, to successfully implement world-class automation systems.

Key responsibilities:
Design, develop, and deliver automation solutions for CAPEX projects, ensuring flawless scope, cost, and schedule management.
Implement and improve the value of Lonza's existing automation standards and practices.
Coordinate software documentation efforts and assist in project schedule development, ensuring timely completion of software, hardware, and validation tasks.
Manage technical staff in software configuration, coding, hardware specification, and control panel design, preferably using Rockwell or Honeywell systems.
Supervise external engineering contractors and vendors throughout the project lifecycle.
Support automation during FATs and SATs, ensuring software consistency and revision control.
Troubleshoot startup activities and ensure accurate, complete Engineering Turnover Packages.
Provide routine project management updates and technical input for equipment procurement and vendor selection.
Promote strategic technical developments in the Pharma/biotech industry.

Key requirements:
Bachelor's Degree in Bioengineering or equivalent experience.
Master's degree in science or equivalent experience preferred.
Certified Automation Professional - (CAP -) preferred.
Proven experience in biopharmaceutical facility design and operation with strong understanding of commercial mammalian cell culture processing and aseptic filling.
Expertise in control systems (PLC, DCS, Loop controllers) and project management.
Familiarity with ASME Bioprocess Equipment standards, CIP, and SIP design.
Experience with large-scale PCS, SCADA/PLC systems, historians (preferably OSIsoft PI), and MES integration with ERP systems (preferably SAP).
Knowledge of PCS, MES network architecture, and system hardware design.

We recognize that attracting, developing and retaining the best talent is key to our strategy and success as a company. As a result, we aim for flexibility in structuring competitive compensation offers to ensure that we are able to attract the best candidates. As required by law in this state, the quoted salary range for this position is $158,000-$268,000. We use broad salary ranges that reflect the competitive market for similar jobs, provide sufficient opportunity for growth as you gain experience and expand responsibilities; while also allowing for differentiation on performance based on the breadth of our ranges, most new hires will start at the company between the lower and the middle part of the applicable range. We tailor our offers within the range based on job-related factors, including organizational needs, internal equity, market data, geographic area and the selected candidate's experience, education, industry knowledge, location, technical and/or communication skills and other factors that may prove relevant during the selection process. This range is only inclusive of base salary, and base pay is just one component of Lonza's total compensation package for employees. Full-time employees are eligible to receive a performance-related bonus, as well as a comprehensive benefits package including medical and dental coverage, 401k plan, life insurance, short-term and long-term disability insurance, an employee assistance program, paid time off (PTO), and more.
Every day, Lonza's products and services have a positive impact on millions of people. For us, this is not only a great privilege, but also a great responsibility. How we achieve our business results is just as important as the achievements themselves. At Lonza, we respect and protect our people and our environment. Any success we achieve is no success at all if not achieved ethically.

People come to Lonza for the challenge and creativity of solving complex problems and developing new ideas in life sciences. In return, we offer the satisfaction that comes with improving lives all around the world. The satisfaction that comes with making a meaningful difference.

Lonza is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a qualified individual with disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Keywords: Lonza, Mountain View , Head of Technical, IT / Software / Systems , Elk Grove, California