Automation Controls Engineer III

Curia • Springfield, MO

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Automation Controls Engineer III plays a meaningful role in Curia's mission by designing, developing, and implementing automation solutions that keep manufacturing processes running safely, reliably, and at their best. This role involves leading the design, development, programming, testing, and maintenance of industrial automation and control systems in manufacturing, processing, and production environments. The engineer will drive improvements in equipment performance, reliability, safety, and operational efficiency using PLCs, HMIs, SCADA systems, robotics, instrumentation, and industrial networking technologies. As a technical leader, they will manage automation and controls projects from concept to operational start-up, overseeing all phases of project execution to ensure technical excellence, adherence to schedules and budgets, and successful delivery. Collaboration with cross-functional teams, clients, contractors, and vendors is key to developing innovative automation solutions. The role requires strong technical expertise, proven project management capabilities, and a proactive, solutions-driven approach, with an emphasis on ownership, effective communication, and building strong working relationships. Curia is a global contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) with over 30 years of experience partnering with pharmaceutical and biotech companies.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Chemical, Mechanical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline
• 5 to 7 years of industrial experience in control engineering, systems integration, or a similar role, with a preference for regulated environments such as pharmaceutical, biotechnology, food and beverage, or consumer health manufacturing
• Demonstrated experience designing and developing automation control systems, including Siemens and SCADA platforms
• Solid understanding of instrumentation and controls (I&C), field instrumentation, and control panel design
• Proficiency with engineering documentation including P&IDs, process flow diagrams, and SOPs
• Familiarity with machine safety applications and electrical power distribution
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to produce technical reports and deliver group presentations
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously
• Knowledge of applicable regulatory agencies and standards (OSHA, EPA, FDA, EU, JP, etc.)
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, Access)
• Must pass a background check
• Must pass a drug screen
• May be required to pass Occupational Health Screening
• May be required to obtain and maintain gowning certification
• May be required to obtain and maintain media qualification

Nice To Haves

• PLC (Allen-Bradley) certifications and continuing education credits
• Experience with building management systems and cleanroom/aseptic facility design

Responsibilities

• Lead automation and controls projects from concept development, design, and specification through installation, commissioning, validation, and start-up
• Develop project scopes, technical specifications, budgets, schedules, and resource plans to ensure successful project execution
• Prepare and manage project budgets, ensuring activities remain within established guidelines, budget, and schedule
• Manage relationships with equipment vendors, system integrators, contractors, and clients throughout the project lifecycle
• Coordinate and oversee the work of outside trade firms, technical contractors, and equipment vendors
• Conduct design reviews, risk assessments, and change control activities to ensure compliance with safety, quality, and regulatory requirements
• Communicate project status and progress to stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle
• Support engineering documentation including SOPs, PMs, P&IDs, process flow diagrams, and other technical documents
• Design and develop automation control systems and produce associated project documentation and drawings to meet customer requirements
• Configure software and hardware packages in alignment with client design specifications
• Program PLCs (Allen-Bradley, Rockwell, Siemens) and HMI/SCADA systems (FactoryTalk)
• Diagnose and troubleshoot automation and control system issues, collaborating with internal teams, clients, and vendors to identify root causes and implement effective solutions
• Manage site construction, installation, commissioning, and start-up support for integrated control systems
• Validate and commission facility systems following established execution protocols, ensuring successful turnover to the customer
• Identify and initiate projects for electrical and control system improvements within established guidance
• Perform all documentation in compliance with ALCOA++ principles and site SOPs.
• Adhere to applicable cGMP documents including SOPs, batch records, protocols, change controls, and controlled forms.
• Keep all required cGMP training current and escalate quality concerns along with proposed solutions to the Quality department.

Benefits

• Generous benefit options (eligible first day of employment)
• Paid training, vacation and holidays (vacation accrual begins on first day of employment)
• Career advancement opportunities
• Education reimbursement
• 401K program with matching contributions
• Learning platform

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior