Senior Staff Engineer- Automation

Zoetis • Atlanta, GA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Zoetis is seeking an experienced Senior Staff Automation Engineer to support the management of on-site industrial controls 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 in compliance with Zoetis standards and GMP and non-GMP requirements.

The position owns site automation standards, the automation master plan, and lifecycle and change-control processes for automation systems. It provides technical leadership for system architecture, infrastructure implementation, project commissioning and qualification, vendor work, troubleshooting, training, and regulatory audits. The role is site-based in Lithia Springs, Georgia, with general office hours of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and a scheduled 40-hour workweek; overtime may be required.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, chemical engineering, automation engineering, or a related field.
• More than 7 years of experience managing automation systems, particularly in automation engineering in the 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, and GAMP standards.
• Familiarity with FDA regulations, cGMP, and other applicable pharmaceutical-industry guidelines.
• Subject-matter-expert-level technical experience leading and managing automation projects from concept through commissioning.
• Subject-matter-expert-level 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.
• Subject-matter-expert-level ability to troubleshoot complex automation issues, identify root causes, and implement effective solutions.
• High-level understanding of IT/OT digital concepts and ability to integrate EMS, DCS, PCS, and BMS into broader digital frameworks.
• Ability to own automation systems lifecycle management.
• Efficient project management skills.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills for concise, practical presentations.
• Proficiency in English, both written and oral.
• Computer proficiency, including email, internet/online training, Microsoft Word and Excel, and familiarity with manufacturing software programs.
• Demonstrated commitment to achieving business results consistent with Zoetis Core Beliefs and Mission Elements.
• Ability to work a scheduled 40-hour week and overtime as needed.
• Ability to sit, walk, or stand for long periods; perform repetitive wrist, hand, and finger movements; reach above shoulder level; bend or stoop; kneel; push or pull; and handle or grip frequently.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds.
• Ability 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.

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 lifecycle and change-control processes for 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 vendor and consultant management, ensuring contracts contain appropriate technical specifications and deliverables meet requirements.
• Monitor developments in instrumentation and control technology and standards and apply relevant advancements to operations.
• Interface with users, peers, and management to ensure appropriate input and integration of local and corporate standards.
• Provide technical expertise during regulatory audits.
• Author, review, revise, or approve Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) 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, ensuring adherence to project timelines and budgets.
• Support equipment and system validation, including IQ, OQ, and PQ.
• Troubleshoot complex automation issues, identify root causes, and implement solutions.
• Implement, test, and qualify automation for large-scale projects.

What This Job Offers

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