Manufacturing and Supply
Where the
miracles of
science are made
a reality for patients
M&S-Upstream Lead-Beijing
At a glance
Our teams produce and deliver over 4 billion units of medicines and vaccines every year, ensuring every breakthrough gets to the people who need it most.
Our state-of-the-art facilities, AI-powered smart factories, and cutting-edge automation are redefining what’s possible: ensuring treatments reach patients faster, safer, and more sustainably than ever before. This is where your skills, ambition, and passion can shape the future of healthcare.
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 Upstream Processes within the Insulin Factory Beijing (IFB) project and part of our Global Engineering Team, you will play a key role in delivering state-of-the-art automation solutions for the Drug Substance manufacturing area. You will report to the Automation Project Lead and work closely with global and local teams to bring advanced insulin production capabilities to life.
Main Responsibilities:
Lead and coordinate the automation scope for upstream processes within the IFB project, ensuring project execution in line with cost, schedule, quality, and resource expectations.
Act as the primary interface for upstream automation with internal workstreams such as Process Engineering, CQV, CSV, and Digital, as well as with external vendors and engineering partners.
Drive the design, specification, and implementation of control systems for upstream unit operations (e.g., media preparation, fermentation, cell culture, harvest), ensuring compliance with GMP and Sanofi standards.
Oversee system integration of upstream equipment and automation platforms (e.g., PCS/DCS), ensuring seamless data flow and operational performance across the manufacturing floor.
Ensure interoperability with CIP/SIP, CU, MES, data historians, and digital solutions.
Support automation-related commissioning and qualification activities, including Automation Installation Verification (AIV) and Automation Check Out (ACO).
Ensure adherence to data integrity requirements and computerized systems validation (CSV) processes in alignment with current regulatory and industry standards.
Develop and maintain clear documentation, functional specifications, and testing protocols for upstream automation systems.
Champion innovation and digitalization opportunities in upstream manufacturing, enabling advanced process control and data-driven decision-making.
About You:
Engineering degree in Automation, Process Engineering, Biotechnology, or related field
Proven experience in automation for upstream processes in a biopharmaceutical or similar GMP-regulated environment
Strong knowledge of automation platforms (e.g., Emerson DeltaV, Siemens PCS7, ABB, or similar)
Experience with GxP, CSV, and Data Integrity compliance
Ability to work in a cross-functional and multicultural project environment
Strong communication, problem-solving, and project management skills
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!
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Why work with us
- We’re problem-solvers and pioneers. United by the belief that everyone deserves a healthier future. We create best-in-class vaccines that prevent disease and protect lives.
- Innovation drives us. From AI and mRNA to next-gen science, we push the boundaries to deliver first- and best-in-class vaccines for infectious diseases worldwide.
- Growth happens here. With bold investments in R&D and world-class facilities, Sanofians across the entire vaccine lifecycle are shaping the future of global health.
- We do what’s right. Sustainability and DE&I drive our positive global impact—because the diverse communities Sanofians represent are the patients we serve.
All-in on diversity
At Sanofi, diverse perspectives fuel the best solutions for patients. Hear from Monique Vessey, our Supply Chain Transformation Leader, on how her background shapes her approach to delivering life-changing medicines.
"Manufacturing and Supply is the bridge between the science that happens in research laboratories and the people and communities we serve."
Brendan O’Callaghan
Executive Vice President of Manufacturing and Supply
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