Automation Engineer

We are seeking an experienced Automation Engineer to support and optimize manufacturing automation systems within a regulated pharmaceutical production environment. This role will be responsible for maintaining, troubleshooting, programming, and improving process control systems across production, packaging, and utility operations, with a strong focus on Allen-Bradley platforms.

The ideal candidate will combine hands-on PLC/HMI programming expertise with a solid understanding of GMP manufacturing, validation, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, program, troubleshoot, and support automation systems using Allen-Bradley PLCs (ControlLogix, CompactLogix, RSLogix/Studio 5000).
• Maintain and optimize HMI/SCADA systems supporting manufacturing and packaging operations.
• Support process automation for production equipment, utilities, and facility systems.
• Lead or support automation-related capital projects, upgrades, and new equipment integrations.
• Develop and modify control strategies to improve safety, uptime, quality, and operational efficiency.
• Troubleshoot instrumentation, control loops, drives, networking, and communication protocols.
• Support change control, deviation investigations, CAPAs, and root cause analyses related to automation systems.
• Author and execute automation lifecycle documentation, including URS, FDS, FAT/SAT, IQ/OQ support, and SOPs.
• Ensure compliance with cGMP, GAMP5, and 21 CFR Part 11 requirements.
• Partner cross-functionally with Manufacturing, Maintenance, Quality, Validation, and Engineering teams.
• Provide on-call or off-hours support for critical automation systems as needed.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering, Controls Engineering, or related technical discipline.
• 4+ years of automation engineering experience in pharmaceutical, biotech, or other regulated manufacturing environments.
• Strong hands-on experience with Allen-Bradley/Rockwell automation platforms.
• Experience with PLC programming, HMI/SCADA systems, VFDs, instrumentation, and industrial networks.
• Knowledge of GMP-regulated systems and validation requirements.
• Experience supporting troubleshooting, process optimization, and automation project execution.
• Strong understanding of industrial control systems and process automation principles.

Preferred

• Experience with batch/process automation (ISA-88 / ISA-95 preferred).
• Familiarity with historians, MES integration, or data systems (OSI PI, FactoryTalk, etc.).
• Experience with serialization or packaging line automation.
• Exposure to vision systems, robotics, or advanced controls is a plus.
• Knowledge of Siemens or DeltaV systems is beneficial.

Key Competencies

• Allen-Bradley PLC Programming
• Process Control & Automation Troubleshooting
• GMP Compliance & Validation Documentation
• Root Cause Analysis / CAPA Support
• Continuous Improvement / Lean Manufacturing
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Project Management & Technical Leadership