Job Description

Description

This is a FULL-TIME, ONSITE, DIRECT HIRE POSITION in Bethlehem, PA.

ABEC is at the forefront of innovation in our industry, offering highly differentiated products and services, driving exceptional growth. As we expand to meet increased demand and new opportunities, we seek talented individuals to join our team and support our continued success.
Company Background: ABEC is a leading supplier to the biopharmaceutical manufacturing industry. ABEC’s unique value lies in combining long experience with the ability to engineer, design, manufacture, commission, qualify, and service the entire bioprocess to reduce overall cost, shorten time to market, and maximize productivity. ABEC’s products include process and equipment engineering/consulting services, comprehensive site services, bioreactors and fermenters, filtration and chromatography systems, prep and hold systems, and cleaning/sterilization systems. 

 

Benefits include:

• DAY 1 Benefits - Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance 
• 3 Weeks Paid Vacation & 10 Paid Holidays
• Company-paid life insurance.
• Industry-leading 401K plan (40% match!)
• College tuition benefit program
• Employee Referral Program
• Discretionary Bonuses 

Lead the Future of Bioprocess Automation!
Are you ready to shape the next generation of automation solutions in bioprocessing? 

ABEC is seeking an Engineering Manager, Automation, to drive innovation and excellence across our global automation engineering function. This is your opportunity to lead a talented team, influence cutting-edge technology, and make a lasting impact in a highly regulated, fast-paced industry.

Position Summary:

The Engineering Manager, Automation is responsible for leading ABEC’s global Automation Engineering function in support of bioprocessing equipment solutions. This role provides engineering leadership, oversight of execution, and organizational structure for the design, development, testing, and deployment of automation and control systems across customer projects, products, and service initiatives.

The position manages a global team of Automation Engineers and Technicians and is accountable for delivery performance, resource planning, quality, and continuous improvement. Success in this role requires strong engineering management capability. 

Key Responsibilities:

Lead &  Inspire

• Lead, develop, and manage a global team of Automation Engineers and Technicians, including performance management, coaching, hiring, and capability development.
• Plan, coordinate, and manage departmental labor and facility resources to support current and forecasted project and service demands.
• Establish clear priorities, execution discipline, and accountability across the Automation function.

Technical Oversight & Project Execution

• Provide technical leadership and oversight for the design, development, programming, testing, and implementation of automated control systems.
• Ensure automation deliverables meet defined scope, schedule, budget, and quality expectations.
• Partner with Project Management to align automation execution with overall project plans, milestones, and customer commitments.
• Support accurate automation system cost, labor, and lead-time estimates for project and service quotations.
• Review and challenge technical approaches to ensure solutions are fit-for-purpose, scalable, and support long-term maintainability.

Quality, Standardization & Continuous Improvement

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives within the Automation Department to achieve measurable improvements in delivery predictability, lead time, rework reduction, and overall quality.
• Promote standard automation platforms, reusable software components, and consistent engineering practices to improve efficiency and scalability.
• Support automation system testability, validation readiness, and improved FAT/SAT outcomes through stronger upfront engineering and execution discipline.
• Identify and address systemic issues impacting quality, throughput, or customer satisfaction.

Cross-Functional & Strategic Collaboration

• Interface with Project Management, Product Management, Engineering, Manufacturing, and Service teams to ensure technically sound and commercially competitive automation solutions.
• Support the evaluation and integration of new tools, technologies, and platforms that enhance ABEC’s automation and controls capabilities.
• Contribute to long-term automation strategy aligned with business growth, operational scalability, and continuous improvement objectives.

Travel

• Ability to travel domestically and internationally as required to support projects, customers, and team development.

  

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering (discipline flexible; Automation, Electrical, Mechanical, Computer Engineering, or related field).
• Demonstrated success leading engineering teams in a project-based, technical environment, including resource planning, performance management, and delivery accountability.
• Strong technical foundation with the ability to lead, review, and challenge automation and controls designs.
• Experience delivering complex engineered systems in regulated, industrial, or highly controlled environments.
• Proven ability to work cross-functionally with Project Management, Manufacturing, Product Management, and Service teams.
• Automation, controls, or software engineering experience is a plus, although strong engineering leadership experience is required.
• Experience with batch systems, regulated processes, or standards such as ISA-88 is a plus. 

Why ABEC?

• Global Impact: Lead automation initiatives that power lifesaving bioprocessing solutions worldwide.
• Innovation Culture: Work with cutting-edge technologies in a collaborative, forward-thinking environment.
• Career Growth: Shape strategy, influence technology, and develop a world-class team.

Ready to lead the future of automation?  Apply today and join a company where your expertise drives innovation and makes a difference.