Senior Automation Engineer

Novo Nordisk • Bloomington, IN

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Automation Engineer (IT Automation) provides technical expertise in process automation and control systems, supporting site operations through the design, maintenance, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement of automation systems for manufacturing equipment, utilities, facility systems, and related applications. The role provides day-to-day technical support and leads assigned automation projects, lifecycle upgrades, and continuous improvement initiatives. In collaboration with end users and cross-functional teams, the Engineer defines technical requirements and develops and implements solutions for existing and newly introduced equipment and systems, with emphasis on safety, product quality, regulatory compliance, system reliability, and continuity of production.

The Engineer supports and leads automation lifecycle management, including identifying, planning, designing, and implementing lifecycle upgrades and automation capital expenditure projects. The role may develop new SOPs and recommend revisions to existing procedures in response to operational requirements, system changes, and continuous improvement opportunities. It also supports and leads investigations into automation-related problems, using technical and data analysis to identify root causes, determine corrective actions, and implement sustainable solutions.

The position supports a manufacturing site in Bloomington, Indiana. The work includes frequent sitting, standing, walking, reading, computer use, reaching, and communication, as well as occasional stooping, kneeling, crouching, bending, carrying, and grasping. Frequent lifting or moving of up to 25 pounds and occasional lifting or moving of up to 50 pounds are required. Working conditions are HVAC-controlled. Lab or clean-room work may involve exposure to irritants, electrical equipment, sharp instruments, toxic materials, and hazardous waste; safety procedures, including clean-room gowning, are followed to minimize exposure.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in a related field from an accredited university and at least four years of relevant experience; alternatively, an associate's degree in a related field and at least six years of relevant experience, or a high school diploma or equivalent and at least eight years of relevant experience.
• Pharmaceutical manufacturing automation experience, including troubleshooting control systems and batch processes.
• Advanced automation and controls knowledge, including electrical fundamentals and Siemens and/or Rockwell/Allen-Bradley PLC and HMI programming; formal automation training or experience.
• Training in NFPA 70/70E for safe electrical installations and workplace electrical safety.
• Ability to read and understand English-written job instructions and safety requirements; communicate effectively; manage time; problem-solve; use Excel, Word, and other office systems; and work independently or within an organized team environment.

Nice To Haves

• Advanced DeltaV DCS, SCADA, PI Data Historian, and S88-compliant batch-processing development skills.
• Working knowledge of GMP documentation, automation validation, and change-management practices.

Responsibilities

• Serve as an automation subject matter expert for assigned areas and technologies, providing independent technical guidance to site functions.
• Monitor production operations and system performance, respond to automation issues and downtime, and participate in off-shift and on-call support.
• Lead troubleshooting of process automation and control systems, including programming, hardware, electrical devices, instrumentation, and communications.
• Develop and maintain control software and configurations using DeltaV DCS, PI Data Historian, PLC/HMI, SCADA, and other assigned platforms.
• Translate manufacturing and operating requirements into control strategies, functional requirements, and system specifications.
• Lead automation activities for assigned capital projects, system upgrades, and SCADA integration, from requirements and design through implementation.
• Evaluate automation technologies and support equipment selection and integration with operations, control systems, and information systems.
• Develop and manage lifecycle plans for system maintenance, upgrades, migration, backup and recovery, and obsolescence.
• Develop, implement, and support applications and interfaces for data collection, visualization, notifications, and reporting.
• Develop, execute, and manage test cases for approved changes and IQ/OQ; support commissioning and controlled deployment.
• Assess and mitigate operational, quality, and safety risks, and implement changes through approved change-control and release procedures.
• Lead or support deviation investigations, root-cause analysis, and corrective and preventive actions for automation.
• Develop, maintain, and apply automation standards, SOPs, specifications, work instructions, maintenance plans, and other controlled documents.
• Support audits and inspections as an automation SME and participate in periodic system, access, and audit-trail reviews.
• Improve process control, automation reliability, and equipment effectiveness using performance data and, when appropriate, cLEAN® or Six Sigma methods.
• Coordinate work with cross-functional teams, vendors, and contractors; provide technical oversight and manage assigned project deliverables.
• Mentor colleagues, train stakeholders, and develop technical guidance and training materials as needed.
• Support CMMS and site change-management workflows, ensuring accurate and timely documentation and completion of assigned actions.
• Maintain technical proficiency and training, and take initiative to understand site automation and control systems.
• Ensure assigned systems and work comply with company standards and applicable GMP, FDA, OSHA, and environmental requirements; apply relevant ISPE guidance.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Leading pay and annual performance bonus for all positions.
• Generous paid time off, including 14 paid holidays.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance effective day one.
• Guaranteed 8% 401(k) contribution plus an individual company match option.
• Family-focused benefits, including 14 weeks of paid parental leave and 6 weeks of paid family medical leave.
• Free access to Novo Nordisk-marketed pharmaceutical products.
• Tuition assistance.
• Life and disability insurance.
• Employee referral awards.
• Opportunities, resources, and mentorship to support career growth.

What This Job Offers

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