Automation Lead

Job Title: Lead Automation Engineer - API Manufacturing

Location: Singapore, Tuas
Experience: 7-12 years (API / pharmaceutical plant preferred)
Employment Type: 6 months Contract Role

Job Summary:
We are looking for an experienced Lead Automation Engineer to oversee the automation systems of our API manufacturing operations. The role involves leading automation projects, managing a team of engineers/technicians, and ensuring optimal performance, compliance, and reliability of plant automation systems.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the design, development, and implementation of PLC/DCS control systems, SCADA, and instrumentation in API manufacturing.

• Manage, mentor, and guide a team of automation engineers and technicians.

• Plan, execute, and oversee automation projects, including system upgrades, commissioning, and validation (FAT/SAT/IQ/OQ/PQ).

• Collaborate with production, process, quality, and maintenance teams to drive automation solutions that enhance safety, quality, and productivity.

• Troubleshoot and resolve complex automation issues to minimize downtime and ensure regulatory compliance.

• Develop and maintain technical documentation, including control system architecture, P&IDs, loop diagrams, and SOPs.

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives, implementing process optimization through automation.

• Ensure all automation activities comply with cGMP, FDA, and other regulatory standards.

Qualifications & Skills:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical, Instrumentation, Automation, or related engineering field.

• 7-12 years of experience in automation engineering in API/pharmaceutical manufacturing, with at least 2-3 years in a lead or supervisory role.

• Strong expertise in PLCs (Siemens, Allen-Bradley, or equivalent), DCS, SCADA, and HMI systems.

• Proven experience in project management, commissioning, troubleshooting, and validation of automation systems.

• Knowledge of regulatory compliance (cGMP, FDA) and pharmaceutical industry standards.

• Excellent leadership, mentoring, and team management skills.

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.

• Effective communication skills for cross-functional collaboration and reporting.

Preferred:

• Experience in batch and continuous process control in pharmaceutical manufacturing.

• Familiarity with automation system lifecycle management and vendor coordination.

• Hands-on experience with process improvement and cost optimization projects.