Specialist, Automation Engineer (Onsite)

MSD•Rahway, NJ

4d•$87,300 - $137,400•Onsite

About The Position

The Enabling Facilities (EF) group within the Chemical Engineering Research & Development (CERD) Department is seeking a motivated Automation Engineer to provide technical and project-management support. The role reports to the Director, Engineering, Automation Lead and is part of the EF Team at the Rahway, New Jersey facility. EF develops technologies and capabilities, executes capital and non-capital improvement projects, and supports automation assets across pilot plant production, utility systems, and associated IT-OT infrastructure. At the Specialist level, this engineer will support new and existing facilities across the Small Molecule Process Research & Development network, with primary responsibility for the Protein Engineering Microbial Infrastructure (PEMI) project. PEMI is a non-GMP laboratory and pilot plant under construction in Rahway. The role will contribute to design, startup, and commissioning, including integration of an Ignition-based SCADA system for data acquisition and flexible batch and experiment orchestration across equipment such as Sartorius AMBR250 systems, Getinge fermenters and bioreactors, TFF equipment, lyophilizers, containment isolators, homogenizers, mixing tanks, and Raman PAT integrations. The selected candidate will contribute to automation scope and Ignition software design, system commissioning, and facility startup and operational-readiness activities. The position works closely with development engineers and chemists, compliance representatives, and other team members. It also supports broader EF operations, process development, compliance investigations, change management, and GMP documentation across enabling facilities. Additional support may be required for the GMP-capable Process Chemistry/Prep Lab, the Small Scale Organics Pilot Plant, and the Hazardous Reactions Lab. The position includes participation in an on-call facility operations rotation. The posting lists the primary location as Rahway, New Jersey, and identifies the work arrangement as onsite. The role is regular employment, with 10% travel indicated. The posted base salary range for the primary location is $87,300–$137,400, and the successful candidate will be eligible for an annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable. Relocation is domestic; visa sponsorship is not available.

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 root cause analysis experience.
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.
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 activities aligned 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 improved diagnostics and monitoring for utility equipment.
Contribute to PEMI automation scope and Ignition software design, system commissioning, and facility startup and operational-readiness activities.
Support the design, startup, and commissioning of the PEMI SCADA system and its integration with process and laboratory equipment.
Collaborate with development engineers, chemists, compliance representatives, and other team members.
Support facility operations, process development activities, compliance investigations, change management, and GMP documentation across enabling facilities.
As required, provide automation support to the Process Chemistry/Prep Lab, Small Scale Organics Pilot Plant, and Hazardous Reactions Lab.