Sr. Automation Engineer

Syner-G•Pittsburgh, PA

8h•Remote

About The Position

Syner-G is seeking a Sr. Automation Engineer with 7–11 years of experience and strong hands-on expertise in Ignition SCADA, PLC-level programming (Rockwell and/or Siemens), and exposure to modern digital or MES-lite system architectures. This role leads the oversight, documentation, and lifecycle management of automation and digital systems in GMP-regulated environments. The Sr. Automation Engineer will act as a senior technical authority, driving automation strategy, ensuring system reliability and compliance, and supporting complex troubleshooting and integration efforts across client engagements.

Requirements

BS or MS in Engineering, Life Sciences, or a related technical field preferred.
7–11 years supporting and leading automation initiatives in GMP-regulated biotech or pharmaceutical environments.
Hands-on experience with Ignition (Inductive Automation) for SCADA/HMI development, scripting, gateway configuration, and system integration.
PLC-level programming experience with Rockwell ControlLogix or CompactLogix and/or Siemens S7 or TIA Portal.
Experience with BAS/BMS, EMS, or process automation platforms such as Siemens Desigo, DeltaV, Rockwell, or PLC/SCADA systems.
Exposure to modern digital or MES-lite stacks such as Ignition Perspective, Sepasoft modules, lightweight MES workflows, data lakes, or historians.
Extensive background in GMP documentation, validation, and CSV/SDLC processes.
Demonstrated ability to lead technical efforts, manage complex automation projects, and support SMEs through strong documentation, coordination, and compliance execution.
Strong understanding of automation system architecture, control logic, alarm logic, and point configuration review.
Strong Ignition development skills including Vision or Perspective, scripting, UDTs, tag structures, and gateway configuration.
Advanced skill in writing, reviewing, and managing controlled documents and validation protocols.
Strong leadership, communication, organization, and cross-functional coordination abilities.
Ability to manage multiple high-priority tasks in a fast-paced, compliance-driven environment.

Responsibilities

Lead development, maintenance, and review of automation system documentation, including SOPs, design documents, and lifecycle deliverables such as DS, FS, CA, RTM, and RA.
Oversee system lifecycle activities, periodic reviews, and audit readiness aligned with regulatory expectations and industry best practices.
Author, review, and execute complex validation documentation including IOQs, engineering tests, protocols, and summary reports.
Drive CSV and SDLC processes with strong traceability, risk assessments, and compliance rigor.
Perform advanced data and system reviews, including alarm rationalization, user access audits, and performance evaluations.
Own and manage automation-related change records, including impact assessments, stakeholder coordination, and documentation updates.
Oversee and coordinate maintenance activities, work orders, and system enhancements across automation and digital platforms.
Collaborate with internal teams and external vendors to resolve complex issues, support upgrades, and implement system improvements.
Serve as a senior liaison between Facilities, Quality, IT, Operations, and external partners.
Mentor junior and mid-level automation staff, providing technical leadership and oversight.
Lead audit preparation activities and ensure systems remain inspection-ready at all times.
Provide subject-matter leadership in Ignition SCADA configuration, scripting, module management, and integration with PLCs and MES-lite systems.
Support PLC and SCADA programming, troubleshooting, and optimization across Rockwell, Siemens, and related control platforms.
Contribute to digital transformation initiatives, including MES-lite deployments, data modeling, historian integration, and OT/IT convergence efforts.