Automation Engineer

Pfizer • Rocky Mount, NC

12d • 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 maintain production continuity, system reliability, validated state, and regulatory compliance, working closely with Operations, Engineering, and Core Digital & Automation partners.

The position supports production-critical automation and digital systems, including DCS, PLC, SCADA, HMI, and PC-based production systems. It involves troubleshooting, investigation support, lifecycle documentation, implementation of system and software changes, and participation in continuity planning, recovery testing, inspections, and audits. The engineer also supports preventive maintenance, continuous improvement, and round-the-clock automation system coverage while following established procedures and safe work practices.

This is an on-premise position. The annual base salary range is $68,600 to $114,300, with eligibility for Pfizer’s Global Performance Plan and a bonus target of 7.5% of base salary. Relocation assistance may be available based on business needs and eligibility. Candidates must have permanent U.S. work authorization; visa sponsorship is not available.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree with 0 or more years of experience; or associate’s degree with 4 years of experience; or high school diploma (or equivalent) with 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.

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 enhance productivity.
• Curiosity about how AI tools can improve outcomes and understanding of responsible AI practices, including 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 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.
• Execute Good Manufacturing Practices and verification protocols.
• Provide continuous 24x7x365 support for automation systems.
• Monitor and identify issues and develop preventative solutions.
• Support development of Preventive Maintenance Procedures for process control systems.
• Follow safe work practices.
• Contribute to project milestones, organize work to meet deadlines, and communicate progress and issues to peers.
• Apply basic team effectiveness skills within the immediate Work Team and resolve basic problems under supervisor direction, using established procedures and seeking 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.
• Potential relocation assistance based on business needs and/or eligibility.
• Eligibility for Pfizer’s Global Performance Plan with a bonus target of 7.5% of base salary.

What This Job Offers

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