POSITION SUMMARY

This is a key leadership opportunity for an experienced engineer who thrives at the intersection of technical expertise and team development. The Sr. Manager, Automation & Electrical, is responsible for hands-on support and troubleshooting as well as leading a team of automation & electrical engineers, technicians, and external consultants ensuring execution and availability of production systems at Partner Therapeutics’ (PTx) cGMP manufacturing plant. PTx manufactures Leukine® (sargramostim), a therapeutic glycoprotein at its Lynnwood, Washington facility.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Functional:

Leads automation and electrical operations, overseeing power distribution, sitewide UPS, automation networks, and control systems to ensure reliability and regulatory compliance.
Manages complex automation projects from design through implementation, including capital planning, budgeting, and scheduling.
Develops and executes preventive maintenance programs for electrical systems, inspections, and testing to maximize uptime and performance.
Implements and optimizes MES, Data Historian, PLC, HMI, and SCADA systems to enhance production efficiency and data integrity.
Directs and schedules engineering teams for maintenance, troubleshooting, repair, and calibration of automated systems.
Ensures departmental capabilities and resources align with performance targets and operational commitments.
Oversees automation process support, including software updates, discrepancy resolution, and compliance with cGMP standards.
Provides subject matter expertise for manufacturing information networks and control systems (Allen-Bradley PLCs, ControlLogix, CompactLogix, AVEVA PI, MS SQLServer, iFIX SCADA, AB Panelview, VMware, Physical and virtual server infrastructure).
Leads design and implementation of automated control systems, ensuring adherence to engineering specifications, regulatory requirements, and project timelines.
Plans and allocates labor and facility resources for the Automation and Electrical Engineering Department.
Specifies instrumentation and collaborates cross-functionally with Manufacturing, Quality, and Facility Services teams.
Manages vendor activities for equipment repairs, modifications, and installations; deliver training for operations and automation staff.
Drives lifecycle management and continuous improvement, escalating issues, implementing preventive measures, and applying industry best practices.
Stays current with emerging technologies and compliance standards, leveraging insights to improve systems and processes.
Ensure sfull regulatory compliance, including SOPs, GMP, OSHA/WISHA, and Company policies; complete all required training within deadlines.
Follows cGMP standards and procedures to accurately document the operation and maintenance of equipment and systems in the cGMP production environment using the Asset Management System (AMS) database and other applicable data repositories.

People Leadership:

Builds, develops, inspires, motivates, and leads a diverse, professional team of Partners and external consultants. Sustains high performance that is strongly aligned and coordinated with other functional groups across the organization; ensures Partner engagement by creating a culture of inclusion, execution, and an environment within which they can excel and continuously improve.
Manages and develops the performance of direct reports by setting clear SMART goals, provides and seeks timely performance feedback, recognizes and rewards high achievers, and holds team members accountable for underperformance. Leads by example and promotes PTx’s core Values: Learn, Prepare, Innovate, Collaborate, Lead to continually improve the Quality Culture at PTx.
Holds Team accountable for compliance to all safety and quality regulations, ensures all team members directly or indirectly support cGMP activities, and have the necessary education, knowledge, and skills to perform their job in accordance with applicable procedures and regulations.
Cultivates and maintains strong, collaborative working relationships with customer and partner departments (Mfg., QA, QC, Engineering, HSE, Security, Finance, Materials management, etc.)
Works proactively and in close collaboration with upline Leadership Team and People & Culture to recruit, hire, grow, and retain a diverse team of talent.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES

Required:

CMMS/AMS Systems: Experienced in managing and utilizing computerized maintenance and asset management systems.
Electrical Systems: Strong knowledge of low (120V–480V) and medium (12kV) voltage equipment, including transformers, switchgear, circuit breakers, emergency generators, ATS, UPS, power factor correction, grounding systems, MCCs, VFD/ASD, smart MCCs, relays, and electrical protection systems.
Instrumentation & Control: Expertise in industrial instrumentation design, specification, and maintenance for 24V DC systems, cabling, panels, indicators, wireless communication, and field devices. Skilled in process instrumentation (flow, level, temperature, analyzers, weighing systems).
Automation & Networks: Proficient in manufacturing information networks and control systems (Allen-Bradley PLCs, ControlLogix, CompactLogix, AVEVA PI, SQL servers, iFIX SCADA, AB PanelView). Excellent knowledge of instrumentation and calibration processes.
Project & Resource Management: Skilled at managing multiple projects and resources simultaneously with strong organizational and prioritization abilities.
GMP Compliance: Deep understanding of GMP quality systems (change control, deviation reporting, SOP-driven environments) and operational excellence principles.
Policy & Standards Development: Proven ability to create and implement policies, procedures, and standards aligned with U.S. and international GMP regulatory requirements.
Leadership & Collaboration: Expert at fostering trust, collaboration, and stakeholder engagement. Resourceful in leveraging internal and external networks to resolve issues and drive results.
Analytical & Strategic Thinking: Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills with a track record of developing strategic solutions.
Soft Skills: Action-oriented, adaptable, positive, and comfortable with change. Skilled in giving/receiving feedback and working across diverse teams.
Strong safety mindset. General knowledge of safe work practices for manufacturing and construction. Good grasp of safe electrical work practices NFPA70E and general knowledge of NFPA70.

Preferred:

Preferred automation process knowledge and experience includes utility operations (pure water systems, compressed air, steam and clean steam, etc.), building automation systems (HVAC, dynamic room pressurization, chillers, etc.), Autoclaves, CIP systems, fermenters, TFF, Centrifuge, LC, HPLC and/or other filtration systems.
Formal project management training.
Recent experience with workforce planning and operational budgeting.
Software application experience with AutoCAD, Smartsheet, MS Project, and SharePoint.

PEOPLE LEADERSHIP QUALIFICATIONS

Required:

Demonstrated commitment to fostering the professional growth and development of others especially technical personnel such as highly skilled engineers and early-stage technicians.
Strong leadership skills including demonstrated ability to drive accountability and build a culture of trust, compliance, efficiency, and continuous improvement.
Skilled at active listening, conflict resolution, and team building.
Proficiency in standard recruiting and hiring protocols; recent practical experience with the hiring processes as both a hiring manager and interviewer.

Preferred:

Formal people leadership training including advanced coaching and giving-and-receiving-feedback skills.
Formal interview training.
Experience working collaboratively with HR/People & Culture functions to recruit, hire, grow, and retain talent.

EXPERIENCE & EDUCATION

Required:

High School Diploma or GED.
12+ years progressively responsible experience as a practicing professional involved in the support, design, and/or implementation of instrumentation and control systems, preferably in the biopharmaceutical, pharmaceutical, food or other batch processing industries. (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in related field may substitute for 2 years of professional experience.)
5+ years in People Leadership roles. People Leadership qualification includes experience in recruiting, making hiring decisions, setting SMART Goals, growing high performers, and addressing performance concerns.

Preferred:

B.S. in Electrical Engineering (preferred) Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a combination of technical training and relevant work experience.

PTx is committed to the principles of competitive and pay equity for all of our Partners. The current pay range for this position is $166,000 - $185,000: Offers are made within the base pay range applicable at the time. Your salary will vary depending on several factors including your qualifications and experience.

Partner Therapeutics is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or any other category prohibited by local, state, or federal law. This policy applies to all aspects of employment, including recruitment, placement, promotion, transfer, demotion, compensation, benefits, social and recreational activities, and termination.

Partner Therapeutics

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