Automation Engineer

CSL•Holly Springs, NC

7d•Onsite

About The Position

Operating under the general guidance of the Head of Automation Engineering or Principal/Manager, this role provides technical support with assigned unit operations. The Automation Engineer leads investigations, solves problems to the root cause, implements corrective actions, implements simple change controls, executes validation qualifications, and leads projects. This role troubleshoots equipment-related issues and develops sound engineering solutions to address identified problems. Performs engineering tasks for the design, procurement, fabrication, and/or commissioning phases associated with standard or custom systems. The scope and accountability of this role include owning the operation, performance, reliability, and full lifecycle management of site Automation Systems. It involves providing day-to-day technical support and advanced troubleshooting for control platforms, including PLC, DCS, and SCADA systems. The role ensures automation systems remain compliant with regulatory, quality, cybersecurity, and site-specific requirements. It also leads and supports system improvements, upgrades, and optimization initiatives to enhance reliability, performance, and maintainability. The Automation Engineer provides technical oversight and direction to vendors and system integrators during maintenance, troubleshooting, and project execution. Support and execution of commissioning, validation, and implementation of automation system changes and upgrades in alignment with change management processes are also key responsibilities. Maintaining, developing, and continuously improving system documentation, standards, procedures, and drawings are essential. Enhancing data availability, reporting, and analytics capabilities to support operational visibility and decision-making is also part of the role. The position requires strong fundamentals in industrial electrical and controls troubleshooting, including 24 VDC, 120 VAC, and 480 VAC control circuits, point-to-point electrical continuity checks, and resistance measurements to verify wiring integrity. The role contributes to site capital projects, continuous improvement initiatives, and cross-functional problem-solving efforts. The position requires on-call support one week every 6-8 weeks. The role solves complex problems that are escalated due to complexity and/or advanced technical knowledge required. It assists others in solving problems when possessing familiarity or past exposure. Problems are typically solved by drawing upon prior experience and analyses of issues. The role applies advanced functional and technical expertise to solve complex problems/issues affecting the team. It develops skills in multiple functional areas, identifying ways to use new skills to streamline processes within the team.

Requirements

Bachelor's in Engineering, Electrical, Mechanical, or Chemical
3+ years of experience within Automation Technologies in the pharmaceutical industry
Strong communication skills with customers, design teams, contractors, and management
Action-oriented skills; ability to learn on the fly
Good problem-solving, technical learning, time management and prioritizing skills
Functional knowledge of cGMPs and manufacturing operations in FDA regulated facility

Nice To Haves

Experience in the biopharmaceutical industry and Engineering/Automation projects preferred

Responsibilities

Provides technical support with assigned unit operations.
Leads investigations, solves problems to the root cause, implements corrective actions, implements simple change controls, executes validation qualifications, and leads projects.
Troubleshoots equipment-related issues and develops sound engineering solutions to address identified problems.
Performs engineering tasks for the design, procurement, fabrication, and/or commissioning phases associated with standard or custom systems.
Own the operation, performance, reliability, and full lifecycle management of site Automation Systems.
Provide day-to-day technical support and advanced troubleshooting for control platforms, including PLC, DCS, and SCADA systems.
Ensure automation systems remain compliant with regulatory, quality, cybersecurity, and site-specific requirements.
Lead and support system improvements, upgrades, and optimization initiatives to enhance reliability, performance, and maintainability.
Provide technical oversight and direction to vendors and system integrators during maintenance, troubleshooting, and project execution.
Support and execute commissioning, validation, and implementation of automation system changes and upgrades in alignment with change management processes.
Maintain, develop, and continuously improve system documentation, standards, procedures, and drawings.
Enhance data availability, reporting, and analytics capabilities to support operational visibility and decision-making.
Demonstrate strong fundamentals in industrial electrical and controls troubleshooting, including: 24 VDC, 120 VAC, and 480 VAC control circuits, Point-to-point electrical continuity checks, Resistance measurements to verify wiring integrity.
Contributing to site capital projects, continuous improvement initiatives, and cross-functional problem-solving efforts.
Provide rotational on-call support for on-going plant operations.