Automation Engineer

Pfizer • Rocky Mount, NC

7d • $68,600 - $114,300 • Onsite

About The Position

The Automation Engineer is a member of the Site Digital & Automation Team and supports automation operations, maintenance, and lifecycle activities for site automation and digital systems used in manufacturing. The role provides hands-on technical support to ensure production continuity, system reliability, validated state, and regulatory compliance, in collaboration with Operations, Engineering, and Core Digital & Automation partners.

The engineer supports production-critical automation and digital systems, troubleshoots issues and assists with investigations and recovery, maintains systems in a validated and compliant state, and develops lifecycle documentation. The role also supports control systems and automation infrastructure, system and software changes, business continuity and recovery testing, inspections and audits, and continuous improvement. The position provides continuous 24x7x365 support and operates in a structured environment under supervisor direction.

The position is on premise. The annual base salary range is $68,600 to $114,300, and the role is eligible for the Global Performance Plan with a bonus target of 7.5% of base salary. Relocation assistance may be available based on business needs and eligibility. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States; work visa sponsorship is unavailable.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree and 0+ years of experience; or associate's degree and 4 years of experience; or high school diploma (or equivalent) and 6 years of relevant experience.
• Hands-on experience with engineering design and validation.
• Organizational skills to meet project task deadlines effectively.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Experience with automated systems and equipment.
• Knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices.
• Ability to provide 24x7x365 support for automation systems.
• Permanent work authorization in the United States; work visa sponsorship is not available.

Nice To Haves

• Experience supporting automation control systems in pharmaceutical industry engineering.
• Knowledge of automation systems such as PLC, SCADA, and HMI.
• Familiarity with Preventive Maintenance Procedures for process control systems.
• Ability to monitor issues and develop preventative solutions.
• Experience with manufacturing information systems.
• Excellent judgment and decision-making skills.
• Experience using common AI tools, including generative technologies such as ChatGPT or Microsoft Copilot, to support problem solving and productivity, along with curiosity about their applications and understanding of responsible AI practices, risk management, and ethical use.

Responsibilities

• Support day-to-day operation and technical performance of production-critical automation and digital systems to maintain reliability and production continuity.
• Troubleshoot automation system issues and support investigations, deviations, unplanned events, escalation, recovery, and root-cause data gathering.
• Maintain automation systems in a validated and compliant state by following change management, validation, engineering, and documentation practices.
• Develop and maintain lifecycle documentation, including standard operating procedures, system specifications, change records, incident documentation, and resolution steps.
• Operate and support DCS, PLC, SCADA, HMI, and PC-based production systems and automation infrastructure.
• Support installation, testing, commissioning, and implementation of automation system and software changes using approved processes and coding standards.
• Participate in business continuity planning, system recovery testing, regulatory inspections, and audits.
• Collaborate with Operations, Engineering, and Digital & Automation partners on problem-solving, standardization, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Execute Good Manufacturing Practices and verification protocols.
• Provide continuous 24x7x365 support for automation systems.
• Monitor issues and develop preventative solutions.
• Support development of Preventive Maintenance Procedures for process control systems.
• Adhere consistently to safe work practices.
• Contribute to project milestones, organize work to meet deadlines, and communicate progress and issues to peers.
• Learn and apply basic team effectiveness skills within the immediate Work Team.
• Resolve basic problems with limited options and decision-making authority under supervisor direction; work within established procedures and seek guidance as needed.

Benefits

• 401(k) plan with Pfizer Matching Contributions and an additional Pfizer Retirement Savings Contribution.
• Paid vacation, holiday, and personal days.
• Paid caregiver/parental and medical leave.
• Medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage.
• Participation in Pfizer’s Global Performance Plan, with a bonus target of 7.5% of base salary.
• Relocation assistance may be available based on business needs and/or eligibility.

What This Job Offers

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