Automation Engineer

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Description

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Automation Engineer to join our pharmaceutical manufacturing plant and help create the future of how medicines are made and accomplish a mission to help brilliant minds bring medicines to life through advanced development and manufacturing in America.

The ideal candidate will be responsible for the maintenance, repair, and troubleshooting of all automation systems and process controls to ensure optimal production efficiency and compliance with safety and regulatory standards. This role requires a deep understanding of pharmaceutical manufacturing processes, equipment, and GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) regulations.

Requirements

• Automation & Controls: Deep understanding of Distributed Control Systems (DCS). Able to assist with daily operational issues as well as long-term projects. Make programming edits, save backups, troubleshoot faults and alarms, add I/O points, and more. Able to work on low voltage controls circuits and controllers' hands on. Routinely use electrical tools to troubleshoot systems. Able to program Variable Frequency Drives (VFD) parameters. Able to tune feedback loops and PID loops.
• Troubleshooting & Repair: Diagnose, troubleshoot, and solve control system issues on both process and building systems/equipment. This includes identifying the root cause of failures and implementing corrective actions to minimize downtime.
• Preventive Maintenance: Perform scheduled preventive maintenance on all automation systems including production machines, HVAC systems, and logic controllers, to ensure they operate efficiently and effectively.
• Calibrations: Oversee all process instrumentation calibrations. Responsible for on time completion of all calibrations and GMP appropriate record keeping. Address and complete root cause analysis for all non-conformances.
• Equipment Installation: Assist in the installation, commissioning, and calibration of new equipment. Ensure that all installations comply with industry standards and regulatory requirements.
• Documentation & Compliance: Maintain accurate records of maintenance activities. Ensure all work is performed in compliance with GMP, OSHA, and other relevant safety and regulatory standards.
• Collaboration: Work closely with other departments, such as production, quality assurance, and engineering, to coordinate maintenance activities and minimize disruption to production schedules. Role will collaborate closely with site IT department to ensure that systems remain secure and user permissions are managed.
• Continuous Improvement: Identify opportunities for process improvement and recommend enhancements to equipment and maintenance procedures to increase efficiency, reduce costs, and improve safety.
• Contractor Oversight: Work with external contractors as needed to complete projects and repairs on equipment.
• Vendor Engagement: Work with outside vendors to secure spare parts and alternative options/materials as results of root cause analysis and continuous improvement.
• Safety: Follow and enforce all safety protocols, including Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures, and ensure a safe working environment for all personnel.

Other duties assigned by manager when required.

Experience & Qualifications:

Experience: Minimum of 3 years of experience in manufacturer environment, handling related work responsibilities. Pharmaceutical or similar regulated industry experience preferred.

Education: College degree and/or Technical Certification in electrical engineering, automation controls, computer science, industrial engineering, systems engineering, or a related field.

Skills:

• Strong electrical and mechanical aptitude with experience in troubleshooting and repairing complex systems.
• Ability to work on complex control systems to make program edits, UI alterations, and data trending.
• Proficiency in reading and interpreting blueprints, schematics, and technical manuals.
• Knowledge of GMP, OSHA, and other regulatory requirements in a pharmaceutical environment.
• Familiarity with computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS).
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
• Excellent problem-solving and communication skills.
• Knowledge and application of lean manufacturing and data analysis
• Manage 3rd party contractors and related service contracts.
• R.E. Mason control systems
• Rockwell control systems
• Building HVAC control systems
• Data network and server systems

Schedule Requirements:

• Able to work primarily at person at the Petersburg VA Manufacturing Site.
• Able to occasionally work at the Richmond Laboratory Site.
• Primary working hours are M-F 7a-3p.
• Depending on site production schedules, occasionally off-hour, weekend work, or holiday work may be required.

Physical Requirements:

• The ability to lift objects weighing up to 55 pounds routinely. This includes tools, equipment, and materials.
• The job requires frequent reaching, bending, twisting, turning, and climbing. Must be able to walk, stand, and climb stairs or crossovers for extended periods, including work at heights above 4 feet.
• The position demands the ability to work in various positions such as walking, standing, or sitting for prolonged durations. Ability to climb stairs and ladders safely.
• The work environment may include exposure to indoor factory conditions and outdoor environments with varying temperatures. Must be able to work in these conditions and high noise areas.
• Must be willing and able to wear various types of PPE, including respirators, gloves, safety glasses, and protective clothing, as required by the job to ensure safety in potentially hazardous conditions.
• The job involves operating hand tools, instrumentation, and other measuring devices all requiring good manual dexterity.
• Near and far visual acuity required for operating equipment, reading gauges, and monitoring processes.