Controls Engineer, Level 4

Lonza · Portsmouth, NH

Level: Engineer
Team: Controls
Degree: Required
Experience asked: 15+ years
Industry: Pharma & life sciences
Posted: 30+ days ago

The role in 30 seconds

An engineer-level controls role at Lonza (pharma & life sciences) in Portsmouth, NH. In this highly visible role, you will help ensure reliable, efficient, and compliant operation of manufacturing systems while driving innovation, process improvements, and long-term automation strategies that support the production of life-changing therapies.

They ask for: 15+ years · degree required
Tools it names: CAPA, Automation

Read from the posting. The full description is below.

How this role compares

Against 803 other live controls postings in the US.

Base pay: Not listed in this posting
Experience asked: More than usual (15+ vs 5+)

Skills these teams ask for most

✓ Automation 74%
PLC 71%
Robotics 38%
Validation (IQ/OQ/PQ) 25%
Root cause 25%
Team leadership 20%

✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.

Stands out: this posting asks for CAPA, which few similar roles mention. If you have it, lead with it.

It asks for 15+ years. If you're close, apply anyway: requirements are a wish list. Talk to someone on the team first.

At a glance

Promotion path mentioned

Pulled from the posting text. If it's not listed here, the posting didn't say.

How to get in at this plant

Five moves over a week or two. The first one takes ten minutes.

1
Pick 2–3 people on the Controls team at Lonza
Engineers who joined in the last year or two reply the most. Use the team search on this page to find them.
2
Send a short, curious note
One real question about their work. No favors yet. Each person gets a different note, written for this role.
3
Turn a reply into a short call
Questions worth asking about this team:
- What does a normal week look like on your team?
- How did you land the job? What stood out in your interviews?
4
Apply with someone vouching for you
If the call went well, ask whether they’d pass your résumé to the hiring manager. Send your résumé link, apply that day, and let them know.
5
Bring proof to the interview
One page of before-and-after numbers from projects you led: scrap, OEE, cycle time, cost. Plant managers hire on results.

This plant: Lonza in Portsmouth

16 other open roles at this site.

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QA Specialist II - Operations · Quality · Specialist
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Manufacturing Supervisor · Manufacturing · Supervisor
MSAT Process Engineer/Scientist III - Downstream · Process · Senior
Facilities Suite & Elastomer Maintenance Mechanic, Level III (Night Shift) · Reliability · Technician

All 17 roles at Lonza →

Full description from LonzaAs posted on their careers site.Show

What you will do

◆Provide technical support for manufacturing automation and instrumentation systems to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient operations.
◆Lead and execute automation projects involving complex equipment upgrades and process improvements.
◆Serve as the Controls Lead for technology transfer activities and process implementation projects.
◆Support manufacturing teams by troubleshooting automation systems, analyzing process data, and resolving equipment issues.
◆Partner with Global Engineering and site teams to develop and implement automation standards and best practices.
◆Own and execute CAPA actions, change controls, and continuous improvement initiatives.
◆Mentor junior engineers and provide technical leadership for project teams and automation activities.

Show full description ↓

Controls Engineer IV

Location: Portsmouth, NH

Fully site-based role

Join Lonza's Controls Engineering team and play a critical role in supporting manufacturing operations through process automation, instrumentation, and control systems expertise. In this highly visible role, you will help ensure reliable, efficient, and compliant operation of manufacturing systems while driving innovation, process improvements, and long-term automation strategies that support the production of life-changing therapies.

What you will get

•An agile career with opportunities to lead high-impact automation projects.
•Exposure to advanced manufacturing technologies in a global biopharmaceutical environment.
•The opportunity to collaborate with global engineering and automation teams.
•A culture that values innovation, continuous improvement, and technical excellence.
•Competitive compensation and benefits programs.
•Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
•Career development opportunities through mentoring, leadership, and technical growth.

What we are looking for

•Bachelor's degree in engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical discipline required.
•Master's degree preferred.
•15+ years of experience in pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or industrial automation environments.
•Advanced expertise with one or more automation and control systems.
•Experience serving as a Controls Lead for technology transfers and manufacturing projects.
•Demonstrated project management, leadership, and mentoring experience.
•Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and communication skills in a cGMP manufacturing environment.

About Lonza

At Lonza, our people are our greatest strength. With 30+ sites across five continents, our globally connected teams work together every day to manufacture the medicines of tomorrow. Our core values of Collaboration, Accountability, Excellence, Passion and Integrity reflect who we are and how we work together. Everyone's ideas, big or small, have the potential to improve millions of lives, and that's the kind of work we want you to be part of.

Innovation thrives when people from all backgrounds bring their unique perspectives to the table. At Lonza, we offer equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you're ready to help turn our customers' breakthrough ideas into viable therapies, we look forward to welcoming you on board.

Ready to shape the future of life sciences? Apply now.