Manager- Insruementation & Automation

osition

Manager Instrumentation & Automation

Department: Engineering / Projects
Industry: API / Pharmaceutical / Chemical Manufacturing
Experience: 7–15+ Years
Level: Manager / Senior Manager
Location: Nagpur, Maharashtra
Education: B.E./B.Tech – Instrumentation / Electronics & Instrumentation / Automation
Reporting To: Head – Engineering / Project Head / AVP Engineering

About the Role

We are looking for an experienced Instrumentation & Automation Manager who has hands-on experience in complete plant automation, instrumentation engineering, Brownfield automation, system integration, commissioning and troubleshooting.

The ideal candidate should have worked in an API, Pharmaceutical, Specialty Chemical or Chemical manufacturing plant and should have independently handled or led end-to-end automation projects, including system selection, engineering, procurement, installation, programming, commissioning and plant handover.

The candidate should preferably have experience in setting up automation systems from the initial stage and integrating automation with existing plant equipment and processes.

Key Responsibilities

1. Complete Plant Automation

• Lead end-to-end instrumentation and automation for manufacturing plants.
• Develop automation architecture for new and existing plants.
• Handle PLC, DCS, SCADA, HMI and control systems.
• Integrate field instruments with PLC/DCS/SCADA systems.
• Develop control philosophy and automation strategy.
• Ensure reliable and safe plant operation through automation.

2. Brownfield Automation – VERY IMPORTANT

• Lead automation upgradation and modification of existing plants.
• Replace/upgrade old PLC, DCS, SCADA and control systems.
• Integrate new automation systems with existing equipment and legacy systems.
• Plan automation during plant expansion and debottlenecking.
• Execute automation modifications without major disruption to production.
• Handle Brownfield instrumentation and automation projects from concept to commissioning.

3. End-to-End Project Execution

Candidate should be capable of handling:

Concept Basic Engineering Detailed Engineering Vendor Finalization Procurement Installation Programming Testing Commissioning Validation Handover

• Prepare project specifications and technical requirements.
• Coordinate with consultants, OEMs, system integrators and contractors.
• Review technical offers and select suitable automation systems.
• Monitor project timelines and CAPEX.
• Ensure successful commissioning and handover.

4. PLC / DCS / SCADA

Hands-on or strong working knowledge of:

• PLC systems
• DCS
• SCADA
• HMI
• VFD
• Control panels
• MCC/PCC interfaces
• Industrial communication protocols
• PLC-DCS-SCADA integration
• Historian/data acquisition systems
• Alarm and interlock systems

Preferred exposure: Siemens / Allen-Bradley / Schneider / Honeywell / Yokogawa / Emerson / ABB or equivalent.

5. Instrumentation

Strong knowledge of:

• Pressure / temperature / flow / level instruments
• Control valves
• Transmitters
• Analytical instruments
• Flow meters
• pH / conductivity / ORP instruments
• Weighing systems / load cells
• Sensors and switches
• Instrument calibration
• Control loops
• PID tuning
• Instrument selection and specifications

6. API / Chemical Plant Automation

Preference should be given to candidates who have worked in:

API / Pharmaceutical / Specialty Chemicals / Chemicals / Intermediates

and understand automation requirements for:

• Reactors
• Solvent handling
• Distillation
• Vacuum systems
• Utility systems
• Chillers
• Cooling towers
• Boilers
• Compressors
• Nitrogen systems
• Effluent treatment
• Solvent recovery
• Batch processes
• Material transfer systems

7. Plant Automation Setup

This should be a mandatory screening criterion.

The candidate should have experience in setting up or significantly upgrading plant automation, rather than only maintaining existing instrumentation.

Ask specifically:

"Have you independently set up automation for a complete plant/production block? Please explain the automation architecture, PLC/DCS/SCADA used, number of loops/instruments, vendors involved and your role from engineering through commissioning."

8. Team & Vendor Management

• Lead instrumentation and automation engineers/technicians.
• Manage system integrators and automation vendors.
• Coordinate with Production, QA, QC, EHS, Projects and Maintenance.
• Manage contractors during installation and commissioning.
• Review vendor performance and technical deliverables.

9. Maintenance & Troubleshooting

• Ensure plant automation reliability and uptime.
• Troubleshoot PLC/DCS/SCADA issues.
• Reduce instrumentation-related breakdowns.
• Develop preventive and predictive maintenance plans.
• Maintain critical spares.
• Identify obsolete automation systems and plan upgrades.

10. Documentation & Compliance

Experience in:

• P&ID
• Instrument index
• I/O list
• Instrument datasheets
• Control narratives
• Cause & Effect
• Logic diagrams
• Loop diagrams
• Hook-up drawings
• FAT/SAT
• Commissioning documentation
• Calibration records
• SOPs

Pharma candidates with exposure to GMP, GAMP, 21 CFR Part 11, data integrity, validation/IQ/OQ/PQ would be preferred.Role & responsibilities

Preferred candidate profile