Automation Engineer

Role Summary

The Automation Engineer is responsible for overseeing and optimizing automation systems to improve production efficiency and reduce operational costs. This position involves designing, integrating, and implementing advanced hardware and software solutions within pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities.

Responsibilities

• Develop control systems in coordination with OEM to automate upstream and downstream processing equipment, including Mixers, Coaters, Pouches, Cartoners, Packaging Lines, Laboratory equipment, facility systems, stability Chambers, BMS, CIP (Clean in Place) and SIP (Steam in Place), Water System Controls, Tablet Press, Fluid Bed Dryers, Granulators, Vision System, and more.
• Perform programming, qualification and validation of digital process automation systems. Provide 24x7 on-call automation support, including technical support and troubleshooting.
• Perform formal systems acceptance testing, including software simulation and hardware and equipment acceptance in pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities.
• Prepare documentation for accurate recordkeeping according to Engineering procedures. Assist with updating departmental procedures; monitor equipment, ensure preventative maintenance, handle calibration monitoring, engineering analysis, and train coworkers on equipment use.
• Read, understand, verify and develop P&ID, Engineering Layouts, Engineering Drawings and related documents.
• Implement projects according to Good Automated Manufacturing Practice (GAMP) for validation of automated systems in pharmaceutical manufacture.
• Coordinate electrical construction activities per engineering standards, vendor development, and cross-functional collaboration with manufacturing, QA, QC, and R&D for engineering and validation aspects; maintain VMP and GMP documents; support process validation and development studies; coordinate safety aspects.
• Perform hands-on field installation, operational start-up, calibration, and commissioning activities.
• Support Change Control Management, updating documentation for clients, including test plans and production implementation.
• Apply batch coding standards to automation processes, including design of batch operations, unit procedures, and procedural recipe components.

Qualifications

• Required: 3 years of experience with hydraulics, pneumatics, PLCs, electrical circuits, electrical machinery and human-machine interfaces within industrial/manufacturing facilities (food or pharmaceutical).
• Required: Bachelor's Degree (BA/BS) in Electrical Engineering or related field.
• Preferred: Master's Degree in Electrical Engineering or related field.

Skills

• Proficient with MS Office (Intermediate).
• Proficiency with Computer Aided Design Software (AutoCAD); Proficiency with MS Project (Advanced).
• Technical writing skills (Advanced).
• Oral and written communication skills (Advanced).
• Ability to follow direction and work independently after initial training (Advanced).
• Ability to work independently and in a team (Advanced).

Education

• Bachelors Degree (BA/BS) Electrical Engineering or Related Field - Required
• Masters Degree in Electrical Engineering or Related Field - Preferred