Specialist, Automation Engineer (Onsite)
About The Position
The Enabling Facilities (EF) group within the Chemical Engineering Research & Development Department is seeking a Specialist-level Automation Engineer to provide technical and project management support across facilities in the Small Molecule Process Research & Development network. The role is based at the Rahway, New Jersey facility, reports to the Director, Engineering, Automation Lead, and is part of the EF Team, which develops new capabilities, executes capital and non-capital improvement projects, and supports automation assets across pilot plant production, utility systems, and associated IT-OT infrastructure. The primary assignment is supporting the Protein Engineering Microbial Infrastructure (PEMI) project, a new non-GMP laboratory and pilot plant under construction in Rahway. The engineer will contribute to design, startup, and commissioning of the PEMI SCADA system, an Ignition-based platform for data acquisition and flexible batch and experiment orchestration. The system integrates with equipment including Sartorius AMBR250 systems, Getinge fermenters and bioreactors, tangential flow filtration equipment, lyophilizers, containment isolators, homogenizers, mixing tanks, and Raman PAT systems. The role includes contributing to automation scope and software design, commissioning, and facility startup and operational readiness. The position collaborates with development engineers, chemists, compliance representatives, Operations, Maintenance, IT, and other team members. It also supports facility operations, process development, compliance investigations, change management, and GMP documentation. As needed, the engineer may support other facilities and automation systems, including a GMP-capable Process Chemistry / Prep Lab, the Emerson DeltaV-based Small Scale Organics Pilot Plant, and the GE PLC and Intellution iFix-based Hazardous Reactions Lab. The role includes participation in an on-call facility operations rotation. The position is regular employee status. Domestic relocation is indicated, visa sponsorship is not available, and travel requirements are 10%.
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.
- 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 experience with root cause analysis.
- Ability to prepare and review Standard Operating Procedures and cGMP documentation.
- Experience working with Quality Systems.
- Effective verbal and written communication skills.
- Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
- Demonstrated willingness to learn, grow, and contribute to team objectives.
- Knowledge of automation 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 aligned with SDLC and GAMP 5 methodologies, with 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 inspections.
- 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 activities 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 preparing, reviewing, and executing test documentation.
- Provide on-call support as part of the facility operations rotation.
- Collaborate with Operations, Maintenance, and IT teams to align automation solutions with uptime, safety, sustainability, and efficiency objectives.
- Support continuous improvement initiatives, including standardization, modular code libraries, alarm rationalization, and enhanced diagnostics and monitoring for utility equipment.
- Contribute to PEMI automation scope and Ignition software design, system commissioning, facility startup, and operational readiness.
- Support facility operations, process development activities, compliance investigations, change management, and authoring GMP documentation.
- As required, provide automation support to the Process Chemistry / Prep Lab, Small Scale Organics Pilot Plant, and Hazardous Reactions Lab.
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision healthcare benefits.
- Other insurance benefits for employees and family.
- Retirement benefits, including a 401(k).
- Paid holidays.
- Vacation.
- Compassionate and sick days.
- Eligibility for an annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
