Senior Automation Engineer

Takeda • Thousand Oaks, CA

1d

About The Position

About the role In this role, you will provide critical day‑to‑day automation engineering support across Formulation, Filling, Packaging, and Utilities operations. You will play a key role in maintaining reliable manufacturing performance by troubleshooting system issues, optimizing control strategies, and ensuring automation systems operate safely and compliantly. You will also lead and execute automation projects of varying size and complexity—ranging from system enhancements to full equipment integrations—collaborating closely with cross‑functional teams to deliver solutions that improve process robustness, efficiency, and digital capability.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline, with 3+ years of PLC automation/controls experience.
• Strong foundation in engineering principles with hands‑on experience in automation instrumentation, field devices, Allen‑Bradley PLCs, and Intellution/iFix SCADA.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks, manage stakeholder expectations, and escalate issues appropriately.
• Clear, effective written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain technical issues to diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to independently troubleshoot and resolve routine design, process, and automation engineering challenges.
• Experience training and guiding less‑experienced engineers and facilitating cross‑functional team collaboration with minimal oversight.
• Proven ability to lead projects, coordinate contractors, and direct technician activities.
• Skilled in organizing and presenting technical and project updates effectively.

Nice To Haves

• Prior experience in a GMP pharmaceutical environment is preferred.
• Knowledge of cGxP manufacturing, DeltaV, and pharmaceutical equipment (autoclaves, washers, lyophilizers, tanks, filling lines, CIP/SIP systems) is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrate strong proficiency in programming, troubleshooting, maintenance, and user administration across site automation platforms, including Allen‑Bradley PLC, Siemens SIMATIC WinCC, Siemens S7, and Intellution/Proficy iFix SCADA.
• Apply sound engineering principles to resolve complex issues and lead projects from concept through final design.
• Administer all phases of the control system lifecycle within a regulated GMP environment.
• Develop and implement robust, sustainable control strategies using both local and global best practices.
• Create, revise, and routinely verify system specifications and SOPs for supported automation systems.
• Train end‑users on control system functionality and develop supporting training materials across PLCs, process controls, networks, and instrumentation.
• Serve as a Subject Matter Expert (SME), mentoring and guiding automation engineers and technicians.
• Use experience and sound judgment to plan and achieve goals with minimal supervision.
• Implement solutions that reduce User Interventions (UI) and prevent recurrence.
• Independently schedule, plan, and lead automation projects or major project components, including detailed schedules, cost estimates, business case development, and cross‑functional coordination.
• Contribute to cost estimation and capital planning; support financial analysis to justify project investment.
• Investigate customer issues, analyze root causes, and recommend design improvements through adapted or innovative engineering approaches.
• Manage routine small projects with complex technical features without assistance.
• Provide automation on‑call support as part of a 24/7 operation.
• Execute and comply with pharmaceutical change control processes and policies.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Comprehensive Healthcare: Medical, Dental, and Vision
• Financial Planning & Stability: 401(k) with company match and Annual Retirement Contribution Plan
• Health & Wellness programs including onsite flu shots and health screenings
• Generous time off for vacation and the option to purchase additional vacation days
• Community Outreach Programs and company match of charitable contributions
• Family Planning Support
• Flexible Work Paths
• Tuition reimbursement

What This Job Offers

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