Logo of Huzzle

Advanced Process Control Lead

image

Takeda

14d ago

  • Job
    Full-time
    Mid & Senior Level
  • Research & Development
    Engineering
  • Zurich

AI generated summary

  • You need a Master’s in STEM, 3-5 years in pharma/biotech, strong control theory knowledge, hands-on PAT/MPC experience, and excellent communication skills for stakeholders.
  • You will develop APC strategies, integrate control technologies, manage projects, collaborate with teams, design adaptive systems, establish standards, and lead monthly updates with stakeholders.

Requirements

  • A Master’s degree in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics) – preferably: in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering (with focus on Control Theory)
  • Strong foundational knowledge of control theory (state-space models, transfer functions, FFT, PID, Kalman filters etc.)
  • 3-5 years in pharmaceutical/biotech industry; familiar with cGMP requirements
  • Hands-on experience with implementing PAT/Soft Sensors and/or model predictive control (MPC) (e.g. bioreactor feeding strategies) in manufacturing environments.
  • Deep understanding of regulatory frameworks, including cGMP, ICH guidelines and FDA/EMA expectations for advanced process control (APC) systems.
  • Proven track record in applying process analytical technologies (PAT), model predictive control (MPC) and hard/soft sensors integration into manufacturing processes.
  • Experience with industry-standard software such as MATLAB/Simulink, SIMCA (Online & Offline), OSI PI, Discoverant, Process Control Systems (SCADA, PID Controllers etc.), Raman and NIR spectroscopy, Flow-VPE/X, in-line UV/pH, Soft Sensors
  • Excellent communication skills with the ability to articulate complex APC and PAT concepts into clear, actionable insights for diverse stakeholders, ensuring alignment and fostering adoption of advanced technologies.
  • Strong understanding of data engineering, contextualization, and FAIR data principles to support the integration of APC and PAT systems with digital platforms for predictive and adaptive process control.
  • As a recognized expert within your business or function, you possess comprehensive expertise in your discipline and broad knowledge across related areas. You excel at anticipating internal/external challenges, recommending improvements, and providing leadership and consultative expertise for a specific business, region or function. Your role involves shaping company policies, solving unique, far-reaching problems affecting operations, disciplines, or other business units/functional areas/regions. You frequently interact with equivalent-level managers and customer representatives, conducting briefings and technical meetings. Operating independently, you provide guidance in the most complex situations, lead functional teams or projects, and serve as a best practice/quality resource.

Responsibilities

  • Advanced Process Control (APC) Strategy: Develop and implement advanced process control (APC) strategies across global manufacturing sites to ensure automated precision control and cost-efficient manufacturing. Partner with IT/OT teams within global & local Engineering, Digital Data and Technology (DD&T) and with Manufacturing Sciences (Msci) teams to achieve APC at scale aligned with business objectives.
  • Control Engineering Integration: Lead the integration of control engineering technologies such as model predictive control (MPC), process analytical technologies (PAT), hard/soft sensor into manufacturing unit operations. Leverage on established digital platforms and infrastructure (e.g., MES, OSI PI, SIMCA Online) to embed these technologies into supervisory control / automation systems.
  • Project Leadership: Serve as the point of contact for advanced process control (APC) suppliers, managing technical discussions and overseeing project / program deliverables.
  • Factory of the future (FoF): Design blueprints for real-time adaptive and feedback control systems using digital twin technology. Align Manufacturing Sciences’ (MSci) vision for APC with Takeda’s factory of the future (FoF) program to achieve scalable adoption across global manufacturing sites.
  • Future-ready Processes: Partner with R&D and Pharmaceutical Sciences to incorporate process control concepts into the product development lifecycle, including the development of mechanistic and statistical models for process simulation.
  • Standards and Frameworks: Develop global APC standards and frameworks that ensure reliable manufacturing solutions aligned with corporate objectives.
  • Lead and implement advanced process control (APC) projects and programs across GMS and in collaboration with IT/OT teams incl. planning and budgeting, goal setting and tracking.
  • Establish interfaces with key stakeholders, i.e., other GMSci functions (Plasma, Small Molecule & Oncology and Biologics), Operational Units (OpUs), DD&T, Global Engineering (GE), PharmSci etc., for project/program execution.
  • Organize and lead the monthly APC Program Meeting with updates to senior management and key stakeholders.
  • Actively contribute to GMS initiatives such as eAGILE and Factories of the Future (FoF) by advancing process innovation, digital transformation, and technology adoption.

FAQs

What is the primary responsibility of the Advanced Process Control Lead?

The primary responsibility of the Advanced Process Control Lead is to develop and implement advanced process control (APC) strategies across global manufacturing sites, integrating control engineering technologies into operations to enhance manufacturing precision and efficiency.

What qualifications are required for this position?

A Master’s degree in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics) is required, preferably in Chemical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering with a focus on Control Theory.

How many years of experience are needed in the pharmaceutical/biotech industry?

The position requires 3-5 years of experience in the pharmaceutical/biotech industry, along with familiarity with cGMP requirements.

What kind of technologies will the Advanced Process Control Lead work with?

The Advanced Process Control Lead will work with technologies such as model predictive control (MPC), process analytical technologies (PAT), and both hard and soft sensors integrated into manufacturing unit operations.

Will there be project leadership responsibilities?

Yes, the Advanced Process Control Lead will serve as the point of contact for advanced process control (APC) suppliers, managing technical discussions and overseeing project and program deliverables.

Is the role focused on collaboration with other teams?

Yes, the role involves collaboration with various teams, including IT/OT teams, Manufacturing Sciences, and R&D, to incorporate APC into product development and ensure alignment with corporate objectives.

What specific software or tools should candidates be familiar with?

Candidates should have experience with industry-standard software such as MATLAB/Simulink, SIMCA (Online & Offline), OSI PI, Discoverant, and various process control systems.

Will the position require communication with senior management?

Yes, the Advanced Process Control Lead will organize and lead the monthly APC Program Meeting with updates to senior management and key stakeholders.

What are the expected outcomes of the projects led by this position?

The expected outcomes include the development and implementation of efficient, real-time adaptive control systems that align with Takeda's vision for the factory of the future, achieving scalable adoption across global manufacturing sites.

Where is this position located?

This position is located in Zurich, Switzerland.

Better Health, Brighter Future

Science & Healthcare
Industry
10,001+
Employees

Mission & Purpose

We strive to transform lives. While the science we advance is constantly evolving, our core purpose is enduring. For more than two centuries, our values have guided us to do what’s right for patients and for society. We know that changing lives requires us to do things differently. We start by listening to and addressing what really matters to patients, the people who love them, and those in the healthcare system who provide care. And that’s what inspires us all to be bold, push boundaries and set new standards that open up greater opportunities.