Senior Automation Engineer
About The Position
Responsible for moderate to complex configuration and programming of Operation Technology (OT) systems for manufacturing processes, utilities, and facilities control systems in accordance with AbbVie change management procedures. The role leads small to medium-sized automation projects, ensuring implementation according to project schedules, and provides technical support and troubleshooting for assigned systems and areas. It also administers and maintains assigned OT systems under applicable departmental procedures. The engineer develops and reviews control configurations and programs, serves as a subject matter expert for automation applications and process control systems, and contributes recommendations on manufacturing operations and process improvements. The position leads OT system lifecycle deliverables, including validation and supporting documentation, and evaluates tools for system administration and maintenance. It also supports capital projects, coordinates production system maintenance and changes, trains users and engineers, and troubleshoots OT hardware, software, and networking systems.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related discipline and a minimum of six years of relevant experience, or a master’s degree in one of these fields and a minimum of four years of relevant experience.
- Working experience administering and/or configuring Distributed Control Systems (DCS), such as Emerson DeltaV or Foxboro I/A.
- Working experience with SCADA and PLCs, such as Allen-Bradley ControlLogix, including programming in ladder logic and instructional texts.
- Experience with commissioning and qualification activities, including computerized systems validation.
- Solid understanding of pharmaceutical and biotechnology manufacturing processes, operational best practices, and regulatory expectations.
- Industry exposure to FDA, GMP, 21 CFR 11, data integrity, and safety and environmental legislation.
Nice To Haves
- HMI graphics development and management.
- Experience administering and/or configuring a data historian system such as OSIsoft PI.
- Experience designing and implementing Windows Server operating systems and related components, including Active Directory, NTFS setup and security, user administration, TCP/IP with DHCP, WINS, and DNS.
- Working experience with Ignition MES.
- Architecture development.
- Equipment integration.
- Steady state management.
Responsibilities
- Develop moderate to complex control configurations and programs in accordance with design documents and functional requirements.
- Act as a subject matter expert for automation applications and process control systems.
- Provide process controls input and recommendations regarding manufacturing operation continuance issues and process improvements.
- Perform and review configuration and programming using defined practices to meet user and functional requirements.
- Lead development and execution of OT system lifecycle deliverables, including validation activities and documentation such as System Functional and Design Specifications.
- Evaluate and implement tools for OT system administration and maintenance, including operating system and antivirus updates, user account management, and critical data backups.
- Apply project management techniques to monitor, report on, and control small to medium-sized automation projects; support capital projects when automation expertise is needed.
- Coordinate schedules with supply chain and operations for maintenance and system changes in production, including work during off-peak hours.
- Conform to EHS management system requirements and compliance obligations, promote continuous improvement, consider EHS aspects during design and change processes, and comply with EHS procedures and policies, including incident reporting.
- Train OT system users and engineers in new automation technologies and process control applications.
- Diagnose and troubleshoot OT system hardware, software, and networking issues, and replace defective components as needed.
- Implement and validate OT system upgrades and data migrations for DCS, PLC, SCADA, and Data Historian systems.
Benefits
- Paid time off, including vacation, holidays, and sick time.
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance for eligible employees.
- 401(k) for eligible employees.
- Eligible to participate in short-term incentive programs.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
