About the job

Ready to push the limits of what’s possible?
Join Sanofi in one of our corporate functions and you can play a vital part in the performance of our entire business while helping to make an impact on millions around the world.

As an Automation Lead for Downstream Processes within the Insulin Factory Beijing (IFB) project and part of our Global Manufacturing Systems & Automation team, you will be responsible for delivering best-in-class automation solutions for the Drug Substance purification area. You will report to the Automation Project Lead and collaborate closely with cross-functional project teams to build a robust and digital-ready biomanufacturing facility.

Main Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage the automation scope for downstream processes within the IFB project, ensuring execution meets cost, timeline, quality, and resource objectives.

• Interface with key stakeholders from Process Engineering, CQV, CSV, QA, and Digital teams, as well as with automation vendors and EPC partners, to ensure alignment and integration.

• Design, specify, and implement control systems for downstream unit operations (e.g., chromatography, ultrafiltration/diafiltration, viral inactivation, filtration), ensuring full GMP compliance and operational excellence.

• Coordinate the integration of equipment automation into the central PCS/DCS architecture and ensure interoperability with CIP/SIP, MES, data historians, and digital solutions.

• Support commissioning and qualification activities, particularly Automation Installation Verification (AIV) and Automation Check Out (ACO), in a fast-paced project environment.

• Ensure data integrity and adherence to computerized systems validation (CSV) standards in accordance with Sanofi and industry requirements.

• Generate and maintain technical documentation, including functional specifications, configuration documentation, and testing protocols.

• Identify and drive digital innovation opportunities to enhance process understanding, control, and operational efficiency in downstream manufacturing.

About You:

• Degree in Automation Engineering, Bioprocess Engineering, or a related technical field

• Strong experience in automation of downstream biopharmaceutical processes in a GMP environment

• Familiarity with automation platforms such as Emerson DeltaV, Siemens PCS7, ABB, or similar

• In-depth understanding of CSV, GAMP5, and data integrity requirements

• Excellent communication, analytical, and project leadership skills

• Team-oriented mindset with the ability to work in a global and multicultural environment

• Fluent in English; Chinese or other languages are a plus

Why choose us?

Bring the miracles of science to life: As the Automation & Utilities Systems Project Leader, collaborate with a supportive, future-focused team dedicated to pioneering innovative solutions in insulin manufacturing

Endless growth opportunities: Sanofi offers numerous avenues to develop your talent and advance your career, whether through promotions, lateral moves, or international assignments

Cutting-edge innovation: Lead the integration and advancement of state-of-the-art manufacturing systems and automation solutions, ensuring Sanofi remains at the forefront of the industry

Lead groundbreaking automation within the IFB project in a supportive and innovative team, shaping the path to manufacturing and supply excellence for insulin production at Sanofi. This role is critical to our team’s success and offers exposure to a broad range of activities. For an ambitious automation engineer, it’s a chance to gain a lot of experience quickly.

Anthony Le Marre, Global Head of Manufacturing systems & Automation

Pursue Progress. Discover Extraordinary.

Progress doesn’t happen without people – people from different backgrounds, in different locations, doing different roles, all united by one thing: a desire to make miracles happen. You can be one of those people. Chasing change, embracing new ideas and exploring all the opportunities we have to offer. Let’s pursue progress. And let’s discover extraordinary together.

At Sanofi, we provide equal opportunities to all regardless of race, colour, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, or gender identity. 

Watch our ALL IN video and check out our Diversity Equity and Inclusion actions at sanofi.com!