Automation Engineer

Novonesis•Franklinton, LA

1d•$80,000 - $120,000•Onsite

About The Position

Interested in a career that matters? At Novonesis, we believe solutions rooted in biology can help solve some of the world’s biggest challenges. Our manufacturing organization plays a vital role in delivering safe, reliable, and innovative biological solutions to customers around the world. We are looking for an Automation Engineer to join our Automation team and support project execution and production operations across our manufacturing network. The Role & Your Impact As our Automation Engineer, you will work under the direction of the Automation Manager for the Americas and act as the automation specialist on assigned projects. You will be responsible for ensuring automation solutions are designed, implemented, and executed in alignment with Novonesis global standards and guidelines, while working closely with production, engineering, IT/OT, and other project disciplines. This role spans the full project lifecycle from concept and detailed design through coding, testing, startup, and commissioning and also provides high‑level support to production environments for selected automation platforms.

Requirements

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Automation Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field. An Associate degree (AAS) with a minimum of 3 years of relevant experience will also be considered
Experience with process automation solutions and systems
Understanding of OT systems, protocols, architectures, and technologies, including DCS, PLC, SCADA
Experience developing functional descriptions and technical documentation
Understanding of object‑oriented programming concepts
Knowledge of industrial communication protocols such as RS232/485, OPC, Ethernet, and fieldbus technologies including Profibus, Profinet, Modbus, and Ethernet/IP
Ability to work effectively with cross‑functional stakeholders in project and production environments
Willingness and ability to move within processing areas, including climbing stairs and ladders
Willingness to travel to other Novonesis sites as needed

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with ABB 800xA and/or SattLine (preferred)
Experience with ISA‑88 batch systems
Experience supporting live production environments and troubleshooting complex automation issues
Interest in automation standardization, global collaboration, and continuous improvement
Strong communication skills and a proactive, solution‑oriented mindset
Ability to balance hands‑on technical execution with adherence to standards, quality, and documentation
A result‑oriented, collaborative approach to project delivery

Responsibilities

Designing and implementing computer‑based process control systems supporting production units, utilities, environmental operations, and supply chain change management
Aligning automation solutions with Novonesis global standards, guidelines, and architectural principles
Coordinating daily automation project activities across all project phases
Ensuring alignment between automation design and other project disciplines
Designing automation solutions from concept through detailed design, coding, simulation, testing, and commissioning
Programming simulations and conducting design reviews with user teams
Providing startup and commissioning support for assigned projects
Delivering high‑level automation support to projects and production for selected platforms
Maintaining and supporting the FRA (PI) system in accordance with Novonesis standards
Troubleshooting ABB 800xA / SattLine and related automation issues in collaboration with production teams
Supporting alignment of technical interfaces across automation platforms, IT, and OT environments
Implementing OT software and hardware solutions in critical infrastructure environments
Supporting OT cybersecurity initiatives, including Managed Antivirus, SIEM, NSM, threat monitoring (e.g., Nozomi), patch management, password management, and managed file transfer solutions
Contributing to global automation standardization efforts and knowledge sharing