Automation Engineer

Role Summary

Automation Engineer. Location: Swiftwater, PA.

Responsibilities

• The Automation Engineer will oversee automation control systems within the whole site but mostly dedicated to Buildings with DeltaV system.
• System Integration: Ensure seamless integration of automation systems with digital applications to support production, quality control, and data management.
• Deliverable Accountability: Ensure compliance with GMP and regulatory standards (C&Q), including user/functional/detailed specification development, test protocols, and system validation. Work closely with the client to understand their needs and develop strategies tailored to their organization through site assessments.
• Risk and Compliance Management: Identify and proactively manage risks. Ensure compliance with GMP to minimize disruptions to timelines and costs.
• Training and Support: Develop and deliver specialized training materials for staff to ensure proper operation and maintenance of automated systems. Provide ongoing support post-implementation.
• Collaboration and Documentation: Collaborate with Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Quality, Facilities, and Tech Transfer departments to capture and document detailed requirements.
• Standards and Best Practices: Develop standards and best practices for development and validation activities. Lead cross-functional teams through design reviews and user acceptance testing during the development change and validation process.
• Operational Meetings: Participate in facility operational meetings to ensure facility reporting needs are met.
• Operational Oversight: Oversee the daily monitoring, troubleshooting, and support of automation systems (PLCs, SCADA, DCS, and other control systems) to ensure continuous production with minimal downtime and maximum efficiency.
• Continuous Improvement: Identify, propose, and implement process and system improvements to enhance automation performance, reduce costs, and improve flexibility in manufacturing operations.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with engineering, production, quality, IT, and other cross-functional teams to ensure alignment of automation systems with production goals and regulatory requirements.
• Compliance & Risk Management: Ensure that all automation activities comply with GMP, safety standards, and other relevant regulations. Lead efforts to manage risks associated with automation systems and address any compliance issues proactively.
• On-Call Support: Be available to provide “on call” support during off-shift hours, based on a rotating schedule, to support manufacturing operations.

Qualifications

• Automation and Engineering: Minimum 4+ years of direct experience in DeltaV Control System and automation support. Biopharma or related industries are preferred.
• Process Control Systems: Knowledge in systems like DCS (DeltaV), SCADA, PLCs, and related automation technologies in a manufacturing context. Machine connectivity understanding with data acquisition from PLCs into higher level applications like Historian, ERPs, etc... using current technologies like OPC.
• Bachelor degree in engineering, electrical, chemical, mechanical, automation, Computer Science, Biotechnology, and/or applicable technical field related to engineering in the biopharma sector.
• Languages: English proficiency in written and spoken.

Skills

• Team Collaboration: Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Analytical Skills: Problem-solving abilities.
• Communication: Effective communication skills for engaging diverse stakeholders across projects.