Automation Engineering Leader

embecta is a global medical device company with a 100-year legacy in insulin delivery and diabetes care. Driven by innovation, purpose, and a commitment to improving lives, we are expanding our portfolio of solutions to serve even more patients, healthcare providers, and communities around the world.
Job Purpose:
The Automation Engineering Leader will spearhead the strategy, design, commissioning, and continuous improvement of our automated manufacturing systems. They will work with a high-performing team of automation engineers and technicians to maximize equipment uptime, optimize throughput, and ensure operational safety. This role balances high-level hands-on technical leadership and people management.
Responsibilities:
Define and execute the long-term automation strategy aligned with corporate and site targets
Manage, mentor, and upskill a team of Automation Engineers and Technicians
Manage automation projects plant wide as required and liaise with vendors in the design, procurement, evaluation and acceptance of new equipment
Support the continuous improvement of all automated equipment using Lean / Six Sigma and Project Management techniques
Assign engineering resources to support both daily plant operations and long-term project deployments
Act as the ultimate escalation point for complex, systemic automation failures to minimize plant downtime
Work closely with cross functional teams in monitoring equipment performance using proven troubleshooting and problem-solving techniques / methods to solve to root cause
Provide front line technical support and leadership to Engineering, Operations, Validation, Development & Quality departments
Support plant wide automation change control and manage software revision control systems
Assist the Validation team in new process validation, equipment upgrades and NPI's
Ensure all new equipment and tasks are risk assessed, support investigation and near miss resolution, and proactively drive actions to reduce safety risks
Provide assistance in the preparation of budgets.
Participate in Continuous Improvement initiatives as appropriate – Lean, LDMS, Blitz’s.
Educational Requirements and Relevant Experience:
B.Eng. in Electrical, Software, Manufacturing or related engineering discipline
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
At least 8 years’ experience in a similar role with Equipment Automation, Software or related experience
Specific experience and in-depth knowledge of Allen Bradley / Rockwell Automation products including capability to write code from specification
Experience of High Speed Vision systems (Cognex) and Control Networks & Communication Systems (ControlNet, DeviceNet, Ethernet)
Experience integrating and configuring complex VFD/Servo motion systems
Experience of development, deployment & maintenance of SCADA / HMI systems (Allen Bradley, Schneider)
Deep knowledge of network architectures and fieldbus protocols (EtherNet/IP, Profinet, Modbus, OPC UA)
Creative thinking team player with excellent communication skills, an ability to work on own initiative combined with the ability to work seamlessly across various departments
Experience of Object Oriented Programming and SQL Server / database design is advantageous
Ability to translate complex control logic into clear business value for executive stakeholders and plant managers
Calm under pressure with a high-urgency mindset tailored for a fast-paced production environment
embecta is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. We do not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, marital or domestic or civil union status, familial status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetics, disability, military eligibility or veteran status, or any other protected status.