Director of Process Controls

Location: Philadelphia, Boston, New Jersey, North Carolina, or Kansas City

Employment Type: Full-Time

Travel Requirement: 25%

We are seeking an experienced and strategic leader for the position of Director of Process Controls. This role is pivotal in guiding a team of skilled professionals to deliver advanced process solutions within the life sciences sector. The successful candidate will oversee the entire lifecycle of instrumentation and control systems, ensuring seamless integration from concept to commissioning across complex projects.

Your primary responsibility will be to shape the strategic direction of the process controls function, developing technical standards and ensuring compliance with industry regulations. You will lead the delivery of control system packages, facilitate construction-phase readiness, and act as a vital link between engineering, construction, and commissioning teams. This role requires a blend of technical leadership, strategic planning, and client engagement to enhance automation capabilities in a dynamic environment.

• Coordinate with Project Managers and discipline Directors to outline project scope, complexity, and scheduling requirements, allocating resources effectively.


• Establish cost-effective workflows and design detail levels to meet project objectives, estimating work hours for project deliverables.


• Ensure quality, accuracy, and consistency in instrumentation and controls engineering, adhering to industry standards and project timelines.


• Participate in strategic business planning, aligning technical and regulatory activities with long-term company goals.


• Manage personnel functions including hiring, appraisals, salary recommendations, and development, ensuring optimal distribution of assignments.


• Initiate training programs to enhance technical competence and leadership development within the I&C / process controls discipline.


• Develop and coordinate departmental policies, procedures, and standards.


• Review productivity and quality reports, maintaining top performance levels.


• Engage in business development, preparing and delivering sales presentations and proposals.


• Undertake special projects as assigned.

• Bachelors or Masters degree in Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Process Automation, or a related field.


• 15+ years of experience in process instrumentation and controls in the pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical, or life sciences industries.


• Proven expertise in designing, implementing, and integrating instrumentation and process control systems.


• Familiarity with automation platforms such as Rockwell, Siemens, Emerson DeltaV, or other DCS/SCADA systems.


• Strong understanding of cGMP, 21 CFR Part 11, GAMP 5, and industry regulations.


• Demonstrated experience in leading automation teams and executing complex, multi-site projects.

• This position involves 25% travel, based on project locations.


• The role is safety-sensitive, requiring fieldwork and presence at client sites within construction, process, manufacturing, or research areas.

• Entrepreneurial spirit with a drive for excellence in job performance.


• Enthusiastic approach with energy and passion for work.


• Commitment to maintaining health, safety, and welfare in all projects.


• Creative and innovative mindset to improve solutions and service delivery.


• Ethical, professional conduct with respect for client and team welfare.


• Ability to maintain composure under pressure and meet deadlines and budgets.


• Open-mindedness with respect for diverse ideas and teamwork skills.


• Strong relationship-building skills and commitment to mutual value through teamwork.


• Goal-oriented with a strong drive to succeed.