Specialist, Automation Engineer (Onsite)

MSD • Rahway, NJ

1d • $87,300 - $137,400 • Onsite

About The Position

The Enabling Facilities (EF) group within the Chemical Engineering Research & Development Department is hiring a Specialist Automation Engineer to provide technical and project-management support for automation systems across Small Molecule Process Research & Development facilities. The role is based at the Rahway, New Jersey facility and reports to the Director, Engineering, Automation Lead. EF supports technology and capability development, capital and non-capital improvement projects, and automation assets for pilot-plant production, utility systems, and related IT/OT infrastructure.

The primary assignment is the Protein Engineering Microbial Infrastructure (PEMI) project, a new non-GMP laboratory and pilot plant under construction in Rahway. The engineer will contribute to facility design, startup, and commissioning, including automation scope and Ignition-based SCADA integration for data acquisition and flexible batch or experiment orchestration. Supported equipment includes Sartorius AMBR250 systems, Getinge fermenters and bioreactors, TFF, lyophilizers, containment isolators, homogenizers, mixing tanks, and Raman PAT integrations.

The role also supports facility operations, process development, compliance investigations, change management, and GMP documentation across enabling facilities. Depending on business needs, support may extend to GMP-capable process chemistry and preparation labs, the Small Scale Organics Pilot Plant, and the Hazardous Reactions Lab. The position collaborates with development engineers and chemists, compliance representatives, Operations, Maintenance, IT, and other cross-functional teams. On-call support is part of the facility operations rotation.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Automation, Engineering, Science, Computer Science, or a related technical discipline.
• At least 3 years of progressive automation or process-control experience in a regulated GxP environment, such as biopharmaceuticals, pharmaceuticals, or medical devices.
• Proven technical proficiency with industrial PLC, HMI, and SCADA platforms, such as Rockwell and/or Siemens.
• Experience with SCADA systems.
• Experience with AVEVA PI System or comparable historian platforms.
• Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills, including root cause analysis experience.
• Ability to prepare and review SOPs and cGMP documentation.
• Experience working with Quality Systems.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Willingness to learn, grow, and contribute to team objectives.
• Knowledge of automation-related components, including wiring diagrams, electrical schematics, and system integration.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within cross-functional teams.
• Strong analytical thinking and technical writing skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and document management systems.
• Ability to foster innovation, creativity, and initiative while effectively planning and organizing activities.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with shop-floor digital integrations, including Ignition, ERP interfaces, and IoT smart sensor technologies.
• Experience with Ignition and Intellution iFIX.
• Experience delivering automation projects in alignment with SDLC and GAMP 5 methodologies, and working knowledge of ISA-88 and ISA-95 principles.
• Familiarity with distributed control systems, including Emerson DeltaV.
• Familiarity with industrial network architecture, server virtualization, and cybersecurity fundamentals.
• Experience with data analytics and self-service business intelligence platforms.
• Prior experience supporting regulatory agency audits or health authority inspections, such as HPRA or FDA.
• Experience implementing business-value initiatives or continuous-improvement methodologies, including Agile and JIRA-based workflows.
• Working knowledge of OPC and Modbus communication interfaces.
• Experience with automation system design, startup, commissioning, and/or qualification activities.
• Understanding of object-oriented programming languages.
• Strong background in IT systems, particularly integration of automation systems with enterprise IT environments.
• Networking experience, including working knowledge of enterprise networks and local control networks.
• Experience coordinating maintenance activities around manufacturing or processing operations to support reliable facility performance and operational continuity.

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot automation and instrumentation issues, perform root cause analyses, and implement corrective and preventive actions to improve reliability, safety, and operational effectiveness.
• Manage system patches, firmware upgrades, backup and restore strategies, and cybersecurity hardening in alignment with corporate IT policies.
• Ensure robust data integrity and audit trails that support operational requirements.
• Support capital projects involving the design, installation, and commissioning of new equipment, including preparation, review, and execution of test documentation.
• Provide on-call support as part of the facility operations rotation.
• Collaborate with Operations, Maintenance, and IT to align automation solutions with uptime, safety, sustainability, and efficiency objectives.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives, including standardization, modular code libraries, alarm rationalization, and improved diagnostics and monitoring for utility equipment.
• Contribute to automation scope and Ignition software design, system commissioning, and other activities needed for PEMI facility startup and operational readiness.
• Support design, startup, and commissioning of the PEMI SCADA system and its integrations with process and laboratory equipment.
• Support facility operations, process development activities, compliance investigations, change management, and authoring of GMP documentation across enabling facilities.
• As required, provide automation support to the GMP-capable Process Chemistry / Prep Lab, the Small Scale Organics Pilot Plant, and the Hazardous Reactions Lab.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, healthcare, and other insurance benefits for employees and family.
• Retirement benefits, including 401(k).
• Paid holidays.
• Vacation.
• Compassionate and sick days.
• Eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable.
• Domestic relocation.

What This Job Offers

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