Senior Staff Engineer- Automation

Zoetis•Atlanta, GA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Zoetis is seeking an experienced Senior Staff Automation Engineer to support on-site industrial control systems—including BMS, PMS, EMS, and PCS infrastructure—and RLAN IT/OT architecture for both new and existing systems. The role supports the development, implementation, and maintenance of instrumentation and control systems while ensuring compliance with Zoetis standards and GMP and non-GMP requirements. The engineer owns site automation architecture standards, the site automation master plan, and lifecycle and change-control processes for automation systems. The role also supports maintenance troubleshooting, team training, vendor and consultant management, regulatory audits, SOPs, and end-to-end implementation and testing of automation infrastructure, including ownership-level support for Factory Acceptance Tests and Site Acceptance Tests. This is a site-based position in Lithia Springs, Georgia (Atlanta). General work hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in an office setting, with a scheduled 40-hour workweek and overtime as needed.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, chemical engineering, automation engineering, or a related field.
At least 7 years of experience managing automation systems, particularly in pharmaceutical or biotechnology sectors.
Demonstrated experience designing, implementing, and maintaining automation systems in a GMP environment.
Proficiency in PLC programming, SCADA systems, DCS, and other automation technologies.
Knowledge of ISA-88, ISA-95, GAMP, and other relevant industry standards.
Familiarity with FDA regulations, cGMP, and other applicable pharmaceutical industry guidelines.
Experience leading automation projects from concept through commissioning and ensuring adherence to timelines and budgets.
Strong understanding of equipment and system validation processes, including IQ, OQ, and PQ.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills for collaboration with cross-functional teams, vendors, and management.
Ability to troubleshoot complex automation issues, identify root causes, and implement effective solutions.
Strong understanding of IT/OT digital concepts and integration of automation systems into broader digital frameworks.
Automation systems lifecycle management experience.
Project management skills.
Excellent written and oral communication skills, including concise and practical presentations.
Proficiency in written and spoken English.
Computer proficiency with email, internet and online training; working knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel; familiarity with manufacturing software programs.
Demonstrated commitment to achieving business results consistent with Zoetis Core Beliefs and Mission Elements.
Able to work a scheduled 40-hour week and overtime as needed.
Able to sit, walk, or stand for long periods; perform repetitive wrist, hand, and finger motions; reach above shoulder level; bend or stoop; kneel; push or pull; and handle or grip frequently.
Able to lift and carry up to 25 pounds.
Able to use required personal protective equipment.
Must possess or obtain authorization to work in the United States for Zoetis.

Nice To Haves

Advanced technical degree.
Experience with large-scale automation projects and commissioning.

Responsibilities

Own and gatekeep standards for new system architecture design and support installation of instrumentation and control systems, including building automation, data systems, process control, DCS, and utility PLCs, in alignment with Zoetis standards.
Maintain the site-wide Automation master plan to manage and support the Automation base.
Manage the lifecycle and change-control process for all site automation control systems to ensure compliance and operational efficiency.
Support maintenance teams in troubleshooting instruments and control systems.
Develop training programs for automation, instrumentation, and control systems.
Support management of vendors and consultants, ensuring contracts include appropriate technical specifications and deliverables meet requirements.
Stay current with developments in instrumentation and control technology and standards, applying relevant advancements to operations.
Interface with users, peers, and management to ensure input and integration of local and corporate standards.
Provide technical expertise during regulatory audits.
Author, review, revise, or approve Standard Operating Procedures as required.
Support implementation of essential automation infrastructure from conception through completion.
Provide ownership-level support for Factory Acceptance Tests and Site Acceptance Tests for automation.
Lead and manage automation projects from concept through commissioning, adhering to timelines and budgets.
Support equipment and system validation, including IQ, OQ, and PQ.
Troubleshoot complex automation issues, identify root causes, and implement solutions.
Integrate automation systems such as EMS, DCS, PCS, and BMS into broader digital frameworks.
Implement, test, and qualify automation for large-scale projects.