Senior Automation Engineer

AstraZeneca•Gaithersburg, MD

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Are you ready to architect and elevate automation that keeps our critical facilities running safely, efficiently, and sustainably—so life-changing medicines reach patients without interruption? Do you thrive at the intersection of modern controls, data, and on-the-ground problem solving, moving from strategy to hands-on action when the site needs you most? In this role, you will be responsible for the performance and resilience of building management, PLC, and SCADA systems across HVAC, utilities, and critical mechanical processes. Your decisions will safeguard product quality, drive compliance, and unlock measurable energy and carbon reductions. multi-functionalross-functional teams through upgrades and validations, compress downtime with smart planning, and use diagnostics and data to eliminate chronic issues. You will lead proofs-of-concept for next-generation technologies—from AI/ML predictive maintenance to digital twins and IoT—translating promising ideas into robust, validated capabilities. As a technical authority and mentor, you will build capability across the site, align partners behind change, and create durable standards that scale.

Requirements

Full lifecycle ownership of automation and control systems supporting HVAC, utilities, and critical mechanical processes—from strategic architecture decisions to hands-on solving when critical systems demand it
Development and execution of comprehensive improvement roadmaps for automation systems, including software/hardware upgrades and system hardening initiatives
Technical authority for Siemens Desigo CC BMS, Allen-Bradley PLCs, and SCADA systems—ensuring reliability, integration, and optimal performance
Configuration, optimization, and tuning of control loops, PID parameters, actuators, valves, dampers, and process instrumentation
Software version control, backup strategies, and programming logic improvements to enhance uptime and enable disaster recovery
Configuration, maintenance, and solving of Variable Frequency Drives (Yaskawa, Allen-Bradley, ABB, Honeywell) and instrumentation (temperature transmitters, flow meters, differential pressure transmitters).
Evaluation and piloting of emerging automation technologies including AI/ML-driven predictive maintenance, digital twin implementations, and IoT sensor integration
Leadership of proof-of-concept initiatives for next-generation control strategies and Industry 4.0 applications
Continuous technology scouting, staying with automation industry trends and bringing forward recommendations that provide competitive advantage
Development of automation-driven solutions for energy optimization and carbon reduction aligned with corporate sustainability initiatives
End-to-end leadership of automation system upgrades, modifications, and capital installations
Multi-functional partnership with engineering and facilities teams to ensure automation improvements align with mechanical system requirements and GAMP 5 standards
Ownership of commissioning, validation, and qualification (IQ/OQ/PQ) for automation-controlled systems to maintain GxP compliance
Secure integration management between automation platforms, enterprise applications, and facility controls.
GxP Compliance Leadership: Provide oversight for all automation systems, ensuring strict alignment to FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements, data integrity standards, and GAMP 5 validation protocols.
Document Authoring & Management: Be responsible for the development of critical technical documentation, including User Requirement Specifications (URS), Functional Design Specifications (FDS), system schematics, and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
Quality System Execution: Handle site-level Change Control processes, lead deviation investigations, and provide authority Domain Expertise (SME) during internal and regulatory audits.
Operational Standards: Implement to and drive continuous improvement of maintenance and calibration documentation, safety laws, and Good Engineering Practices (GEPs)
Drive automation system efficiency and find opportunities for energy optimization and carbon reduction.
Implement automation-driven enhancements to improve system reliability, performance, and sustainability.
Support corporate sustainability initiatives by integrating smart automation controls into mechanical utilities.
Collaborate with internal and external partners to promote sustainable engineering practices.
Development and delivery of technical training programs for staff on BMS, PLC programming, and automation systems
Technical mentorship and coaching for the mechanical team on automation standard methodologies and fixing strategies
Vendor management including solution evaluation, contract negotiation, and coordination for equipment repairs and service agreements
Maintenance of comprehensive documentation: automation configurations, software version control, system updates, and solving knowledge bases.
Exhibit strong written and verbal communication skills to collaborate efficiently with team members, management, and external partners.
Use niche diagnostic tools and automation software to fix, optimize, and enhance system performance.
Be available to respond to emergency automation issues, ensuring rapid solving and resolution
Leverage Generative AI tools to streamline the development of technical documentation, draft standard operating procedures (SOPs), and assist in the rapid prototyping or optimization of PLC code logic

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Chemical, Controls, or Automation Engineering
8+ years of experience delivering BMS/PLC/SCADA solutions in supervised manufacturing, healthcare, or critically important facilities
Prior experience in pharmaceutical or biotech GxP environments, including hosting or supporting health authority inspections
Proficiency with Rockwell Studio 5000/RSLogix, FactoryTalk, and Siemens Desigo CC sophisticated configuration
OT/ICS cybersecurity knowledge (ISA/IEC 62443), network segmentation, firewalls, and secure remote access for automation systems
Data historian and analytics experience (e.g., OSIsoft PI) to drive predictive insights and performance dashboards
Familiarity with ISA-88/ISA-95 standards, batch controls, and enterprise integration patterns
Experience implementing ISO 50001 energy management practices and metering strategies
Validated Lean and Kaizen leadership to reduce downtime, improve OEE, and optimize energy use
PMP or equivalent project management certification; strong vendor and contractor leadership across multi-phase capital projects

Responsibilities

Automation System Architecture & Performance: Be responsible for the full lifecycle of automation and control systems for HVAC, utilities, and critical mechanical processes—from strategic architecture and roadmapping to hands-on solving during high-priority events—to ensure uptime, compliance, and optimal performance.
Innovation & Emerging Technology: Evaluate and pilot AI/ML-driven predictive maintenance, digital twins, and IoT sensors; lead proofs-of-concept that translate into reliable control strategies and Industry 4.0 applications delivering tangible value in reliability, efficiency, and sustainability.
Project Leadership & Integration: Lead end-to-end upgrades, modifications, and capital installations for automation systems; align improvements with mechanical requirements and GAMP 5 standards; own commissioning, validation, and qualification (IQ/OQ/PQ); and deliver secure, robust integration between automation platforms, enterprise applications, and facility controls.
Compliance & Risk Management: Provide GxP oversight and ensure alignment to FDA 21 CFR Part 11, data integrity, and GAMP 5 validation protocols; author and maintain URS, FDS, schematics, and SOPs; lead change controls and deviations; and act as SME during internal and regulatory audits.
Sustainability & Continuous Improvement: Identify and implement automation-led energy optimization and carbon reduction opportunities; improve reliability and performance through software/hardware upgrades and control tuning; and embed smart controls that advance corporate sustainability goals.
Technical Leadership & Knowledge Transfer: Deliver training on BMS, PLCs, and automation systems; coach mechanical and operations teams in solving and guidelines; handle vendors and service agreements; and maintain comprehensive configuration and version control documentation.
Rapid Support & Sophisticated Tooling: Harmonise with partners; leverage diagnostic tools and automation software to take on and optimize performance; provide timely response to urgent automation issues; and use Generative AI tools to streamline documentation and accelerate PLC logic prototyping and improvement.