Automation Lead / Project Manager

Piper Companies is seeking an Automation Lead / Project Manager to join a leading pharmaceutical manufacturing organization for a long-term contract opportunity based in Concord, NC. The Automation Lead / Project Manager will provide leadership and oversight for automation-related project activities, ensuring successful coordination between engineering partners, site stakeholders, and project teams throughout the lifecycle of a large-scale manufacturing expansion initiative.

Responsibilities of the Automation Lead / Project Manager include:

· Lead automation simulation and testing activities to support project execution and readiness objectives.

· Manage and coordinate third-party automation vendors supporting utility systems, manufacturing equipment, and process infrastructure.

· Partner with internal site stakeholders to facilitate document reviews, approvals, and compliance with project timelines.

· Act as the primary point of contact between automation service providers and cross-functional project teams.

· Drive project execution by monitoring schedules, tracking action items, allocating resources, and mitigating project risks.

Qualifications for the Automation Lead / Project Manager include:

· 8+ years of experience leading automation projects within pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or life sciences manufacturing environments.

· Demonstrated experience managing system integrators, automation contractors, and multidisciplinary project teams.

· Strong understanding of process automation, clean utilities, manufacturing systems, and commissioning activities.

· Prior experience supporting large-scale capital projects and coordinating complex project schedules.

· Previous experience working within Eli Lilly manufacturing facilities or on Lilly-led projects strongly preferred.

Compensation for the Automation Lead / Project Manager:

Salary Range: $80-$100/hr (USD)

Comprehensive Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, sick leave if required by law, and 401K

This job opens for applications on 11/10/26. Applications for this job will be accepted for at least 30 days from the posting date.

Keywords: automation engineering, project management, automation lead, pharmaceutical manufacturing, life sciences, process automation, system integration, commissioning, qualification, clean utilities, manufacturing systems, PLC, SCADA, DCS, capital projects, GMP, validation, engineering management, project controls, scheduling, resource management, stakeholder management, vendor management, process equipment, engineering operations, utilities automation, project execution, risk management, change control, technical leadership, pharmaceutical facilities, automation vendors, manufacturing expansion, CQV, commissioning and startup, cross-functional collaboration.

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