Manufacturing Automation Engineer – Packaging Systems (Rockwell PLC / GMP) - (JP15435)

Job Title:   Manufacturing Automation Engineer – Packaging Systems (Rockwell PLC / GMP) - (JP15435)
Location: New Albany, OH. 43054
Employment Type: Contract
Business Unit: AOH Manufacturing Systems Engineering
Duration: 6+ months (with likely extensions and/or conversion to permanent)
Posting Date: 06/2/26
Pay Rate: $32 - $35/hour W2
Notes: Only qualified candidates need apply.  Fully Onsite - Standard Hours


3 Key Consulting is hiring a Manufacturing Automation Engineer – Packaging Systems (Rockwell PLC / GMP) for a consulting engagement with our direct client, a leading global biopharmaceutical company.

Position Overview:
This Engineer role reports to the Engineering & Maintenance organization and supports commercial GMP Final Drug Product (FDP) manufacturing operations at the client’s advanced assembly and packaging facility in New Albany, Ohio. The position applies advanced engineering and automation principles to packaging systems, manufacturing equipment, process optimization, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement initiatives. Approximately 15% travel may be required.

Why is the Position Open?
Planned Project

Top Must Have Skills:

• PLC proficiency, specifically Rockwell / Allen-Bradley
• Experience troubleshooting and repairing manufacturing/process equipment
• Strong communication skills
• Hands-on automation and equipment support experience preferred

Key Responsibilities:

Packaging Line & Manufacturing Support

• Support commercial production packaging lines in a GMP-regulated manufacturing environment
• Provide technical operations support to improve line performance, reliability, and capacity
• Partner with Engineering, Maintenance, Manufacturing, Quality, and cross-functional teams to implement technical improvements
• Support complex manufacturing, process optimization, scale-up, and continuous improvement initiatives

Automation System Design & Integration

• Design and develop automation systems and control strategies for packaging machinery and manufacturing processes
• Implement and configure PLCs, HMIs, and related automation equipment
• Integrate new automation technologies into existing packaging systems
• Create and maintain system specifications, design documents, operational procedures, and technical documentation

Troubleshooting & Technical Support

• Diagnose and resolve automation system, controls, and manufacturing equipment issues
• Provide hands-on troubleshooting support for production and maintenance teams
• Perform system upgrades and maintenance to improve performance and reliability

Compliance & Validation

• Ensure automation systems comply with FDA regulations, GMP standards, and industry best practices
• Support validation activities and collaborate with Quality and regulatory teams on compliance-related issues
• Apply knowledge of validation protocols and regulated manufacturing documentation requirements

Project & Technical Leadership

• Support automation-related projects involving planning, design, reconfiguration, maintenance, and system improvements
• Coordinate technical activities across stakeholders and site teams
• Prepare project reports, performance metrics, and technical documentation
• Train and support personnel on automation systems and related technologies

Basic Qualifications:
Master degree OR Bachelor degree and 2 years of experience OR Associate degree and 6 years of experience OR High school diploma / GED and 8 years of experience


Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced degree in Mechatronics, Computer, Electrical, Mechanical, or Chemical Engineering
• Experience supporting pharmaceutical or biotech manufacturing operations, particularly final drug product packaging
• Strong background in manufacturing process controls, automation systems, field instrumentation, and lifecycle management
• Experience with Rockwell/Allen-Bradley platforms; exposure to Siemens, Machine Vision, Serialization, or Robotics technologies
• Knowledge of Data Integrity, GMPs, GAMP, and regulated manufacturing environments
• Understanding of validation execution requirements and new equipment installation processes
• Strong technical writing, communication, problem-solving, and project coordination skills
• Knowledge of Operational Excellence and Lean manufacturing principles

Red Flags:

• This is not primarily a Validation Engineer or Project Manager role
• Candidates must have strong hands-on PLC troubleshooting and continuous improvement experience

Interview process:
Virtual interview with manager.
Virtual panel interview.

We invite qualified candidates to send your resume to 

resumes@3keyconsulting.com

.  If you decide that you’re not interested in pursuing this particular position, please feel free to take a look at the other positions on our website www.3keyconsulting.com/careers. You are also welcome to share this opportunity with anyone you think might be interested in applying for this role.