Senior Automation Engineer

Role Summary

In this role, you will provide critical day-to-day automation engineering support across Formulation, Filling, Packaging, and Utilities operations. You will maintain reliable manufacturing performance by troubleshooting system issues, optimizing control strategies, and ensuring automation systems operate safely and compliantly. You will also lead and execute automation projects of varying size and complexity—from system enhancements to full equipment integrations—collaborating closely with cross-functional teams to deliver solutions that improve process robustness, efficiency, and digital capability.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrate strong proficiency in programming, troubleshooting, maintenance, and user administration across site automation platforms, including Allen-Bradley PLC, Siemens SIMATIC WinCC, Siemens S7, and Intellution/Proficy iFix SCADA.
• Apply sound engineering principles to resolve complex issues and lead projects from concept through final design.
• Administer all phases of the control system lifecycle within a regulated GMP environment.
• Develop and implement robust, sustainable control strategies using both local and global best practices.
• Create, revise, and routinely verify system specifications and SOPs for supported automation systems.
• Train end-users on control system functionality and develop supporting training materials across PLCs, process controls, networks, and instrumentation.
• Serve as a Subject Matter Expert (SME), mentoring and guiding automation engineers and technicians.
• Use experience and sound judgment to plan and achieve goals with minimal supervision.
• Implement solutions that reduce User Interventions (UI) and prevent recurrence.
• Independently schedule, plan, and lead automation projects or major project components, including detailed schedules, cost estimates, business case development, and cross-functional coordination.
• Contribute to cost estimation and capital planning; support financial analysis to justify project investment.
• Investigate customer issues, analyze root causes, and recommend design improvements through adapted or innovative engineering approaches.
• Manage routine small projects with complex technical features without assistance.
• Provide automation on-call support as part of a 24/7 operation.
• Execute and comply with pharmaceutical change control processes and policies.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Required: 3+ years of PLC automation/controls experience; hands-on experience with automation instrumentation, field devices, Allen-Bradley PLCs, and Intellution/iFix SCADA.
• Required: Ability to prioritize multiple tasks, manage stakeholder expectations, and escalate issues appropriately.
• Required: Clear, effective written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain technical issues to diverse audiences.
• Required: Demonstrated ability to independently troubleshoot and resolve routine design, process, and automation engineering challenges.
• Required: Experience training and guiding less-experienced engineers and facilitating cross-functional team collaboration with minimal oversight.
• Required: Proven ability to lead projects, coordinate contractors, and direct technician activities.
• Preferred: Prior experience in a GMP pharmaceutical environment.
• Preferred: Knowledge of cGxP manufacturing, DeltaV, and pharmaceutical equipment (autoclaves, washers, lyophilizers, tanks, filling lines, CIP/SIP systems).

Skills

• Proficiency with site automation platforms: Allen-Bradley PLC, Siemens SIMATIC WinCC, Siemens S7, and Intellution/Proficy iFix SCADA.
• Strong engineering principles applied to resolve complex issues and lead projects from concept through final design.
• Experience administering the full control system lifecycle within a GMP environment.
• Ability to develop and implement robust control strategies using local and global best practices.
• Training end-users on control system functionality and developing training materials for PLCs, process controls, networks, and instrumentation.
• Mentoring and guiding automation engineers and technicians as a Subject Matter Expert (SME).
• Project planning, scheduling, cost estimation, and cross-functional coordination.
• Root-cause analysis, design improvements, and innovative engineering approaches.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline.

Additional Requirements

• Physical: Ability to perform sedentary work, with occasional fieldwork around robotic systems, instrumentation, wiring, and control panels; ability to lift, push, pull, or carry up to 25 lbs.
• Working Environment: May work in controlled or classified spaces requiring special gowning; may occasionally work in loud environments requiring hearing protection; possible exposure to chemicals such as alcohols, acids, buffers, and celite, with required PPE; ability to work extended hours, weekends, or holidays as needed.