Automation Engineer IV

Role Summary

Responsible for the design, implementation, integration and maintenance of vision and track-and-trace systems across manufacturing operations. Responsible for moderate to complex configuration and programming of Operation Technology (OT) Systems, leading small to medium automation projects, and providing technical support and system troubleshooting for assigned areas. Responsible for the administration and maintenance of OT systems in accordance with departmental procedures.

Responsibilities

• Develops moderate to complex control configuration or programming in accordance with design documents to meet functional requirements.
• Acts as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) for Automation Applications, leading the design and deployment of automated visual systems, aggregation, and other track and trace systems on packaging and manufacturing lines.
• Integrates vision inspection technologies (cameras, lighting, optics) with track and trace hardware (printers, scanners) to form a cohesive quality and identification system.
• Ensures seamless data flow and integration from vision and track-and-trace systems to control systems (PLCs, printers, scanners) and enterprise-level software (ERP or MES).
• Leads the development and execution of OT Systems lifecycle deliverables, including validation activities and associated documentation like System Functional and Design Specifications.
• Evaluates and implements new tools for OT Systems administration and maintenance, such as operating system (OS) and antivirus updates, user account management, and critical data backup.
• Establishes project management techniques to monitor, report on, and control automation projects according to size and criticality (small to medium projects). Supports capital projects when automation expertise is required.
• Coordinates and develops schedules with supply chain and operations to perform or support maintenance and other system changes during off-peak hours, which may require overtime, overnight, or weekend work. Conforms to EHS management system requirements and compliance obligations, promotes continuous improvement, and considers EHS aspects during the design and change process.
• Provides training for OT Systems Users and Engineers in new automation technologies and process control applications.
• Diagnoses and troubleshoots OT System hardware, software, and networking issues, replace defective components as needed. Responsible for implementing and validating OT systems upgrades and data migrations for DCS, PLCs, SCADA, and Data Historian systems. Conform to EHS management system requirements and compliance obligations, promote continuous improvement, and consider EHS aspects during the design and change process. Complies with all EHS procedures and policies including incident reporting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor‚Äôs degree in computer science, Engineering, or related discipline with a minimum of 8 years of relevant experience required. Master‚Äôs degree in computer science, Engineering, or related discipline with a minimum of 6 years of relevant experience required.
• Working experience with SCADA and PLCs (such as Allen-Bradley and Inductive Automation), programming in ladder logic and instructional texts. HMI graphics development and management would be a plus.
• Experience with commissioning and qualification activities, including computerized systems validation. Experience administering and/or configuring a data historian system such as OSIsoft PI is a plus.
• Direct experience with common machine vision platforms (e.g., Cognex, Keyence, Omron, etc). Solid understanding imaging principles, including lighting, optics and camera technology.
• Hands-on experience with serialization and aggregation systems. Knowledge of various marking technologies, including 1D/2D barcodes, QR codes and RFID.
• Solid understanding of pharmaceutical and biotechnology manufacturing processes, including operational best practices and regulatory expectations.