This role pays more than
75%
of similar roles. Most pay
$168,215–$267,125
— the shaded band above.
At the midpoint, this role pays about
$264k
versus about
$218k
for comparable roles.
Based on 240 similar postings.
Employer
About AbbVie
AbbVie is a global biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering and delivering innovative medicines and solutions in immunology, oncology, neuroscience, and eye care. Its products include Humira, Skyrizi, and Rinvoq.
AbbVie currently has
238 open roles
on FindRole.
Listed pay typically runs
$109,500–$208,500
across 220 roles with salary data.
The Director, Global Automation Engineering serves as the enterprise-wide authority for automation architecture, process control systems, and digital infrastructure across a global manufacturing network. This leader oversees the development of the Factory of the Future strategy, managing large capital projects while ensuring technical designs align with GxP, cybersecurity, and data integrity requirements. The role involves governing technologies such as Distributed Control Systems (DCS), Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC), batch automation, SCADA, OSI-PI platforms, Environmental Monitoring Systems (EMS), and Building Automation Systems (BAS). Key responsibilities include managing vendor relationships, overseeing commissioning and qualification activities, and leading a distributed team of engineers. The position addresses the complex challenge of harmonizing automation standards across pharmaceutical manufacturing sites to ensure compliant, high-performing production environments while integrating systems with Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) and cloud-based data solutions.
Define and execute the global "Factory of the Future" automation strategy for all manufacturing sites.
Act as the primary Design Authority for automation architecture, process control systems, and digital infrastructure.
Manage a $100 million annual operating budget and oversee a $3 billion five-year capital investment portfolio.
Oversee vendor selection, qualification, and performance management for system integrators and engineering contractors.
Ensure all automated systems comply with GxP regulations, data integrity standards, and cybersecurity requirements.
Lead the development of enterprise-wide automation standards, technical specifications, and training programs.
Manage a high-performing, distributed team of engineers through mentoring, coaching, and resource planning.
Drive the integration of automation systems with MES, ERP, and other cloud-based digital platforms.
What we're looking for
Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related engineering or scientific discipline is required.
Master's degree or equivalent advanced qualification in a relevant engineering or technical field is preferred.
Minimum 20 years of progressive experience in automation engineering with a track record of increasing leadership responsibility across enterprise-scale organizations.
Significant experience within the biopharmaceutical or pharmaceutical manufacturing industry is required; experience spanning both biologics and small molecule manufacturing environments is strongly preferred.
Proven experience leading automation scope on large-scale capital projects ($50M+) in an owner-side or engineering leadership capacity across multiple sites.
Extensive hands-on and leadership experience with DCS, PLC, batch automation, SCADA, OSI-PI, EMS, BAS, and related process control technologies.
Deep knowledge of GxP regulatory requirements, data integrity frameworks (21 CFR Part 11, EU Annex 11), and CQV practices in pharmaceutical manufacturing.
Demonstrated experience in OT cybersecurity strategy and enterprise-wide implementation within regulated manufacturing environments.
DCS
PLC
SCADA
OSI-PI
Batch Automation
EMS
BAS
MES
ERP
OT Cybersecurity
GxP
21 CFR Part 11
EU Annex 11
GAMP 5
CQV
ISA Standards
ISPE Guidelines
Data Integrity
DCS
PLC
SCADA
OSI-PI
Batch Automation
EMS
BAS
MES
ERP
OT Cybersecurity
GxP
21 CFR Part 11
EU Annex 11
GAMP 5
CQV
ISA Standards
ISPE Guidelines
Data Integrity
PLC
SCADA
HMI
Ladder Logic
Machine Vision
Robotics
Data Historian
ERP
MES
Track and Trace
21 CFR Part 11
Computerized Systems Validation
Automation
AI
Machine Learning
RFID
Serialization
OT Systems
PLC
SCADA
HMI
Ladder Logic
Machine Vision
Robotics
Data Historian
Track and Trace
Serialization
21 CFR Part 11
MES
ERP
AI
Machine Learning
OT Systems
Commissioning and Qualification
Computerized Systems Validation
RFID
DCS
PLC
SCADA
Emerson DeltaV
Foxboro I/A
Allen-Bradley ControlLogix
Ladder Logic
OSIsoft PI
Data Historian
HMI
Windows Server
Active Directory
TCP/IP
DHCP
DNS
NTFS
21CFR11
GMP
Validation