Automation Engineer III

Thermo Fisher Scientific • Greenville, NC

2d • Onsite

About The Position

As an Automation Manufacturing Engineer III at Thermo Fisher Scientific, you will optimize production processes, implement new automation technologies, and drive continuous improvement initiatives. You'll work with cross-functional teams to ensure the efficient manufacture of high-quality products while maintaining compliance with regulatory requirements. This position offers the opportunity to contribute meaningfully by enabling our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer through innovative manufacturing solutions. You will manage process improvement projects, provide technical automation systems expertise for new product introductions and implement industrial controls and automation systems solutions. Working with R&D, Quality, Production, and other departments, you'll optimize existing automated processes while ensuring consistent product quality and regulatory compliance. Your analytical skills and engineering expertise will help drive cost reductions, improve efficiency, and enhance manufacturing capabilities across our operations.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field preferred. Associate Degree or equivalent with 5 + years of experience required. Equivalent combinations of education, training, and experience in manufacturing engineering within regulated industries (pharmaceutical, medical device, or similar) will be considered.
• Strong knowledge of GMP and life sciences regulatory requirements.
• Proficiency in PLC programming, HMI/SCADA systems, DCS platforms, and industrial networking (e.g., Profibus, EtherNet/IP).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and organizational abilities.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a dynamic manufacturing environment.
• Experience supporting engineers and technicians in a production setting.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and prioritize effectively.
• Experience with risk assessment methodologies and root cause analysis.
• Familiarity with change management principles and processes.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and relevant engineering/automation software.
• Ability to work in cleanroom environments as required.
• Hands-on experience with Allen-Bradley PLCs (ControlLogix preferred) and process control systems.
• Experience developing and supporting Rockwell FactoryTalk SCADA applications.
• Familiarity with D/3 (or similar) DCS platforms, or ability to quickly learn.
• Experience with OPC communication setup and configuration.
• Working knowledge of SQL Server, including data queries, support, and basic database management.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and technical drawings.
• Basic understanding of HVAC, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems.
• Experience configuring and troubleshooting servo systems and variable frequency drives (VFDs).
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States now and in the future, without sponsorship.
• Must be able to pass a comprehensive background check, which includes a drug screening.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with Optima and IMA sterile filling systems is highly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide on-call (24/7) technical support, troubleshooting, and optimization for sterile manufacturing systems, including autoclaves, parts washers, filling lines, and CIP/SIP systems.
• Contribute to automation and control system design; oversee contractors during implementation, commissioning, and validation of systems (e.g., D3 DCS, Siemens, Allen-Bradley) for both production and utility systems.
• Develop, review, and maintain functional design specifications (FDS), software design documentation, and validation protocols.
• Ensure all systems comply with cGMP, GAMP 5, and FDA regulatory requirements.
• Partner with cross-functional teams (Process Engineering, Operations, Validation, Quality, IT) to execute automation projects, manage vendors, and support system upgrades and lifecycle management.
• Troubleshoot and support sterile manufacturing systems.
• Manage process improvement projects.
• Provide technical automation systems expertise for new product introductions.
• Implement industrial controls and automation systems solutions.
• Optimize existing automated processes.
• Drive cost reductions, improve efficiency, and enhance manufacturing capabilities.

Benefits

• Competitive remuneration
• Annual incentive plan bonus
• Healthcare
• A range of employee benefits
• Innovative, forward-thinking organization
• Outstanding career and development prospects
• Exciting company culture that stands for integrity, intensity, involvement, and innovation!

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree