This role pays more than
72%
of similar roles. Most pay
$184,500–$272,360
— the shaded band above.
At the midpoint, this role pays about
$264k
versus about
$228k
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
297 open roles
on FindRole.
Listed pay typically runs
$109,500–$208,500
across 271 roles with salary data.
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 manages a large capital project portfolio, overseeing the development of the Factory of the Future vision while ensuring all technical decisions align with regulatory requirements and industry best practices. The role involves managing a distributed team of engineers to oversee site modernization programs and ensure operational readiness for pharmaceutical manufacturing systems. Key technologies include Distributed Control Systems (DCS), Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC), batch automation, SCADA, OSI-PI data historians, Environmental Monitoring Systems (EMS), and Building Automation Systems (BAS). The position addresses the critical challenge of harmonizing automation standards, ensuring GxP compliance, maintaining data integrity under 21 CFR Part 11, and managing OT cybersecurity for complex manufacturing environments involving both biologics and small molecule production.
Define and execute the global "Factory of the Future" automation strategy across all manufacturing sites.
Serve 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 multi-year capital project 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 protocols.
Lead the development of enterprise-wide automation standards, technical specifications, and training programs.
Manage a high-performing, distributed team of engineers through coaching, mentoring, and resource planning.
Drive the integration of automation systems with manufacturing execution (MES) and cloud-based data 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/commissioning 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
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
PLC
HMI
SCADA
Industrial Automation
OT Cybersecurity
ISA/IEC 62443
NIST Cybersecurity Framework
EtherNet/IP
Profinet
Modbus TCP
OPC UA
MES
Industry 4.0
Data Analytics
Digital Manufacturing
Project Management
Commissioning
FAT
SAT
Instrumentation