Automation Engineer

The Opportunity

The Automation Engineer is responsible for the implementation, maintenance, support, and continuous improvement of manufacturing automation systems, including MES, PCS/DCS, and PLC platforms. This role owns process recipes and system configurations within the assigned manufacturing value stream, ensuring alignment with global standards, regulatory requirements, and manufacturing execution strategies while supporting both new and legacy systems.

As a technical subject matter expert, the Automation Engineer provides leadership and support across the lifecycle of capital and operational projects, including design, commissioning, validation, and ongoing operations. The role collaborates with cross-functional teams to deliver reliable and compliant automation solutions, drive process improvements, resolve system incidents, and provide on-call operational support to maximize manufacturing efficiency, system performance, and facility uptime.

The Role

Lead and coordinate Execution System (MES, PCS/DCS, PLC) recipe design, implementation, and project deliverables, ensuring compliance with established standards, libraries, and project milestones. Ensure process recipes and automation solutions meet Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, and regulatory requirements while supporting operational excellence across the value stream. Design, configure, integrate, and maintain Execution Systems in accordance with ISA-88/ISA-95 standards, covering requirements definition, detailed design, software development, testing, and qualification activities. Develop, review, and maintain system lifecycle documentation, validation strategies, test protocols, and qualification deliverables in partnership with Quality and CSV stakeholders. Provide technical leadership and troubleshooting support for system investigations, CAPAs, change controls, and continuous improvement initiatives related to manufacturing processes and equipment. Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Facilities, EHS&S, and project stakeholders, to ensure coordinated execution and successful project delivery. Support project execution through design, commissioning, qualification, validation, start-up, and ongoing operational support, while balancing priorities across multiple automation initiatives. Act as a technical subject matter expert and, when required, provide interim project management support to ensure projects are delivered safely, compliantly, on schedule, and within budget.

To be successful

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Management Information Systems, or a related Science discipline; Master’s degree preferred. Minimum 2 years’ experience in the pharmaceutical industry, with hands-on experience in Manufacturing, Engineering, Automation, or Execution Systems support. Demonstrated experience with process automation, MES, and batch manufacturing systems, including ISA-88 and ISA-95 standards. Proven capability in the design, implementation, deployment, and support of automation and execution systems within a regulated manufacturing environment. Experience with globally distributed manufacturing operations and Process Excellence methodologies is desirable.