Grp Leader Instrument Automation

FAREVA RICHMOND INC•Richmond, VA

10d•Onsite

About The Position

The Group Leader - Instrument Automation provides technical expertise and frontline leadership to the automation and instrumentation team. This role is responsible for ensuring that all plant manufacturing, packaging, utility, and laboratory instrumentation systems are operating at peak efficiency, compliant with cGMP guidelines, and fully integrated with site automation platforms. The Group Leader balances hands-on technical execution—including programming, troubleshooting, and system design—with daily operational leadership, team training, and workload distribution.

Requirements

Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Instrumentation, Electrical Engineering, Electronics, or a closely related technical field.
Minimum of 4–5 years of progressive experience in industrial instrumentation and automation, ideally within a regulated cGMP manufacturing environment (e.g., pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, or consumer goods).
Proven proficiency in PLC/SCADA programming and industrial networking.
Strong working knowledge of calibration management software (e.g., Blue Mountain RAM).
Deep understanding of loop tuning, electrical schematics, and P&IDs.
Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills; demonstrated ability to coach and guide a technical team.
Must be able to navigate a manufacturing plant environment, which may include climbing ladders, entering confined spaces, and occasionally lifting up to 50 lbs.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience acting in a lead, senior, or supervisory capacity is preferred.
CCST (Certified Control Systems Technician) or equivalent automation certification is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

Plan, organize, and assign daily tasks and special projects to the instrumentation and automation team based on site priorities.
Serve as the primary technical escalation point for complex troubleshooting.
Program, configure, and maintain site automation and control systems, including SCADA, MES, Building Automation Systems (BAS), PLC architectures, and HART communication protocols.
Ensure all documentation, system modifications, and instrument calibrations strictly adhere to cGMP guidelines and site metrology procedures.
Review and approve team technical documentation before it is logged into the site's asset management database (e.g., Blue Mountain or equivalent).
Partner with Maintenance, Engineering, Quality Assurance, and Production teams to support the design, installation, start-up, and commissioning of new equipment and automated processes.
Lead the technical development of the team. Conduct routine procedural reviews, identify training gaps, and ensure technicians are fully qualified to support advanced automated instrumentation.
Develop and implement optimized calibration, maintenance, and automation methods to improve equipment reliability, reduce downtime, and maintain a robust state of validation.