Automation Validation Engineer 3

Kyowa Kirin is a fast-growing global specialty pharmaceutical company that applies state-of-the-art biotechnologies to discover and deliver novel medicines in four disease areas: bone and mineral; intractable hematologic; hematology oncology; and rare disease.  A Japan-based company, our goal is to translate science into smiles by delivering therapies where no adequate treatments currently exist, working from drug discovery to product development and commercialization. In North America, we are headquartered in Princeton, NJ, with offices in California, North Carolina, and Mississauga, Ontario.

The Automation Validation Engineer III will lead the Commissioning, Qualification, and Verification (CQV) of automated systems supporting the NC Manufacturing Facility. After project implementation, you will continue to lead validation activities related to system modifications and routine operations, ensuring sustained compliance of all validated systems.

As an individual contributor, you will take a compassionate and people-focused approach to your work. You will proactively collaborate with others to create a supportive and inclusive environment, always acting in line with the organization’s values. By using strong interpersonal skills, you will work effectively with diverse viewpoints, manage relationships thoughtfully, and make decisions that meet both individual and team needs. You will be accountable for delivering results, adapting to challenges, and helping achieve business goals. Additionally, you will take ownership of your tasks, act with initiative, and continuously seek opportunities to learn and grow. You will handle change with resilience and clarity, staying flexible in a fast-paced environment while keeping the needs of patients at the center of your efforts.

Reporting Relationship:    Engineering AD, Site CQV Lead

Essential Functions: 

Technical Skills, Knowledge, and Experience 

• Establish and develop the automation validation program for the Sanford manufacturing site, ensuring alignment with site goals and regulatory expectations.
• Lead validation activities for all site automated systems, including the Process Control System (PCS), Data Historian, Environmental Monitoring System (EMS), and Manufacturing Execution System (MES).
• Drive the execution of automation system validation efforts in partnership with cross-functional capital project leads, achieving “Operational Qualification (OQ) Complete” status for the facility and its systems by Q1 2027.
• Once the site becomes operational, lead the ongoing maintenance, periodic review, and continuous improvement of validated automation and computerized systems to ensure sustained cGMP compliance and adherence to internal procedures and global regulatory requirements.
• Provide technical leadership for future capital projects, system expansions, and technology implementations—ensuring automation validation strategies align with site and global requirements, uphold industry best practices, and support a state-of-the-art, compliant facility.

Subordinates: Individual contributor with the opportunity to potentially lead or coordinate task teams.

Job Requirements:

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in a technical field (e.g., Engineering, Computer Science, or related discipline) required.
• Formal training in GMP and safety practices is essential.

Experience

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in automation validation or automation engineering within biopharma manufacturing or capital projects.
• Strong knowledge of cGMP regulations and GAMP principles required.
• Prior leadership experience in automation or validation is preferred.
• Experience with technology transfer is a plus.
• Greenfield experience—particularly in capital project validation or the startup and operation of a biopharmaceutical manufacturing facility—is a plus.

Technical Skills

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Familiar with automation and manufacturing systems such as:
  • MES, PCS, EMS, BMS
  • DeltaV, PLC, SCADA
  • Historian systems (e.g., Canary Labs)
  • POMS, Ignition
  • Platforms from Emerson and Schneider Electric

Non-Technical Skills

Results-oriented and able to navigate ambiguity, you set clear outcomes, track progress, follow through on commitments, and ensure your actions lead to measurable results that advance organizational objectives. Respond promptly, take accountability, and manage tasks efficiently. Adapt to change with clarity, patience, and understanding, guiding teams through evolving challenges. Exhibit strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a solid work ethic while demonstrating cultural sensitivity and the ability to foster alignment in a global environment. Communicate with care by actively listening and considering others' perspectives, fostering productive, engaging interactions, and managing relationships with kindness. Embrace personal growth through continuous learning and knowledge sharing, maintaining a growth mindset. Promote inclusive collaboration by respecting diverse perspectives and creating a welcoming work environment. Contribute positively by recognizing achievements and encouraging a healthy work-life balance. Collaborate with respect, integrity, and humility, prioritizing collective success over individual gain. Resourceful and proactive, challenge the status quo, drive innovation, and develop creative solutions. Apply an enterprise-wide, holistic mindset, working beyond siloed thinking to deliver cohesive, integrated solutions.

Physical Demands: Initially working on a construction site and ultimately in a biotech manufacturing site in Sanford, NC.

Work is 100% on-site. This is not a hybrid or remote role.  

Working Conditions: Requires up to 10% domestic and limited international travel.

The anticipated salary for this position will be $106,300 to $138,800.  The actual salary offered for this role at commencement of employment may vary based on several factors including but not limited to relevant experience, skill set, qualifications, education (including applicable licenses and certifications, job-based knowledge, location, and other business and organizational needs.

The listed salary is just one component of the overall compensation package. At Kyowa Kirin North America we provide a comprehensive range of benefits including:
•    401K with company matching
•    Discretionary Profit Sharing
•    Annual Bonus Program (Sales Bonus for Sales Jobs)
•    Generous PTO and Holiday Schedule which includes a Summer and Winter Shut-Down, Sick Days and, Volunteer Days
•    Healthcare Benefits (Medical, Dental, Prescription Drugs and Vision)
•    HSA & FSA Programs
•    Well-Being and Work/Life Programs
•    Life & Disability Insurance
•    Concierge Service
•    Pet Insurance    
•    Tuition Assistance
•    Employee Referral Awards

The compensation and benefits information set forth in this posting applies to candidates hired in the United States. Candidates hired outside the United States will be eligible for compensation and benefits in accordance with their local market.

KKNA and all of its employees have an obligation to act in accordance with the law and with integrity in all our operations and interactions

It is the policy of Kyowa Kirin North America, Inc. to provide equal employment opportunity to all qualified persons without regard to race, religion, creed, color, pregnancy, sex, age, national origin, disability, genetic trait or predisposition, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation or affection preference or citizenship status or any other category protected by law.

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Kyowa Kirin does not accept agency resumes unless contacted directly by internal Kyowa Kirin Talent Acquisition. Please do not forward resumes to Kyowa Kirin employees or any other company location; Kyowa Kirin is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.

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