Senior Automation Engineer, Optical Inspection/Device Assembly

Role: Senior Automation Engineer specializing in drug product optical inspection and device assembly within pharmaceutical manufacturing. Primary objectives include designing, implementing, qualifying, supporting, and maintaining automation systems for inspection and assembly operations, ensuring compliance with cGMP, GAMP 5, and data integrity standards. Responsibilities encompass overseeing automation lifecycle from concept through steady-state support, reviewing OEM/system-integrator designs, troubleshooting, and integrating automation with site systems like MES and historians. The role also involves validation documentation, risk assessments, and collaboration with cross-functional teams, vendors, and external partners. Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or related field; 6+ years of controls engineering experience in biopharma manufacturing, with hands-on expertise with ISA-95 systems, PLC/DCS controls, vision/inspection systems, robotics, and industrial networks. Experience must include automation project execution, controls software development, troubleshooting, and validation within a regulated environment. Preferred skills include automation in optical/visual inspection, machine vision, robotics, and familiarity with platforms like Rockwell, Siemens, or Emerson DeltaV. High-value specifics include focus on pharmaceutical inspection and device assembly, with a strong emphasis on automation lifecycle management, digital transformation, and Industry 4.0 concepts. Location: Wilson, North Carolina, with >25% travel for project design and construction phases.