> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/1107685-automation-associate-principal-sme](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/1107685-automation-associate-principal-sme). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md).

---

# Automation Associate Principal SME

- **Company:** AstraZeneca plc
- **Location:** Gaithersburg, MD, United States
- **Experience:** Expert
- **Salary:** $146,722.0 - $220,082.0
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA), Information Technology
- **Published:** June 6, 2026
- **Apply:** https://careers.astrazeneca.com/job/gaithersburg/automation-associate-principal-sme/7684/96071476416

## About the Role

* Fluent English
 * Bachelor's degree in an engineering-related discipline, or equivalent experience of 5+ years
 * 10+ years in the automation field
 * Strong expertise in either SCADA/PLC or DCS
 * Experience across specification, procurement, installation, start-up, and commissioning
 * Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence and collaborate across functions
 * Experience in one or more of the following:
 + IT and OT architectures in manufacturing environments
 + Integration with IT systems
 + Warehouse Control Systems, AGVs, or Robotics
 + OT cybersecurity
 + Engineering standards development and governance, * Experience in pharmaceutical manufacturing such as API, Biotechnology, Oral Solid Dosage, Formulation and Fill, Packaging, or Medical Devices
 * Understanding of GMP regulations, regulatory expectations, and current industry practices
 * Experience in another regulated industry is also valuable

## Description

In this role, you will provide technical leadership across the full project lifecycle, from concept development through detailed design, system selection, installation, and commissioning. You will define and lead the Operational Technology (OT) scope within global engineering projects, ensuring systems are designed and delivered in line with AstraZeneca's global automation strategy.

You will work closely with project teams, site stakeholders, vendors, manufacturing operations, quality, and IT to deliver high-impact automation solutions that support Industry 4.0, Smart Factories, and Autonomous Manufacturing. This role offers the chance to influence complex projects, strengthen global engineering standards, and contribute directly to the future of connected, data-enabled manufacturing., * Lead OT scope across global engineering projects, ensuring alignment with site and project stakeholders

 * Provide technical leadership and design assurance from concept through detailed design and equipment/system selection
 * Communicate project and site requirements clearly to vendors and external partners
 * Ensure systems are specified and delivered in line with AstraZeneca's global automation strategy
 * Drive digital transformation by supporting the implementation of Industry 4.0 technologies
 * Manage delivery of the OT aspects of engineering projects in the USA and globally
 * Collaborate with local and international engineering peers in a dynamic project environment
 * Oversee Outside Service Partners (OSPs) supporting OT delivery
 * Build strong partnerships with Project Managers, Technical Managers, Manufacturing Operations, Quality, IT, and Global Engineering teams


## Related Videos

- [Enabling intelligent logistics automation: home-grown Industrial IoT platform at Austrian Post](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/2018-enabling-intelligent-logistics-automation-home-grown-industrial-iot-platform-at-austrian-post)
- [Remote Driving on Plant Grounds with State-of-the-Art Cloud Technologies](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/251-remote-driving-on-plant-grounds-with-state-of-the-art-cloud-technologies)
- [Rest API Antipatterns](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100208-rest-api-antipatterns)
- [Developers become Orchestrators: From Human-in-the-Loop to Spec-in-the-Loop](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100035-developers-become-orchestrators-from-human-in-the-loop-to-spec-in-the-loop)
- [Web APIs you might not know about](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/281-web-apis-you-might-not-know-about)
- [It's not easy being green](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/558-it-s-not-easy-being-green)

## Related Articles

- [How to Become an AI Engineer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/331-how-to-become-an-ai-engineer)
- [How We Built a Worry-Free System That Runs for 10+ Years – And What We’d Do Again](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/751-how-we-built-a-worry-free-system-that-runs-for-10-years-and-what-we-d-do-again)
- [Highest Paying Tech Companies for Developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/220-highest-paying-tech-companies-for-developers)
- [Top-Paying Tech Jobs (with Salaries)](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/372-top-paying-tech-jobs-with-salaries)
- [Navigating the AI Shift](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/629-navigating-the-ai-shift)
- [How software is steering vehicle technology](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/515-how-software-is-steering-vehicle-technology)