Principal Automation Eng, Controls

At West, we're a dedicated team that is connected by a purpose to improve patient lives that has been at the center of our Company for more than a century. Our story began when Herman O. West solved the problem of supplying penicillin in mass quantities to the US Government during World War 2. Through our work to deliver thousands of life-saving and life-enhancing injectable medicines to millions of patients daily, West's indelible mark on the healthcare industry has just begun. A name started our story. How will yours help write our future?

There's no better place to join an inclusive community of professionals with opportunities for lifelong learning, growth and development. Supported by benefit programs, we empower the physical, mental, emotional and financial health of our team members and their families.

We believe in giving back to help those in need in the communities where we live and work. And are equally committed to creating a healthier environment and planet through our sustainability efforts.

Job Summary

In this fully onsite role, you will lead the development and implementation of new manufacturing processes and systems, with an emphasis in automation controls, plant integration, and Industry 4.0 applications. This role blends technical depth, systems thinking, and digital transformation leadership to enhance competitiveness, accelerate speed to scale, and unlock new levels of operational efficiency across the West Drug Delivery Devices network.

You will collaborate with the cross functional West team and with equipment vendors to ensure systems have robust controls architecture and design from development of requirements, commissioning, site integration, and validation phases.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Define technical requirements for new applications and systems, including automated equipment, control systems, data collection and analytics platforms, and network/integration architectures.
• Design and oversee implementation of centralized data collection systems, partnering with cross functional teams to enable real time visuals, automated notifications, reporting, and advanced analytics.
• Support implementation of new equipment and systems, including project management, acceptance testing, characterization studies, validation (IQ/OQ/PQ), and operational readiness.
• Function as team lead for PLC connectivity, vendor code reviews, and optimization of machine code as needed. RS Logix/Allen Bradley are the primary PLC and software used on equipment.
• Function as team lead for SQL database troubleshooting, maintenance, custom queries, and enabling practical data analysis.
• Function as team lead for using Ignition by Inductive Automation for troubleshooting, recommending and implementing improvements, and launching of automated batch reporting, SPC warnings, etc.
• Manage documentation and work instructions for data management, disaster recovery, system integration, data integrity as instructed by validation and automation management.

Education

• BS in Engineering or related technical degree required and or equivalent work experience required

Work Experience

• Minimum of 8 years of experience in automated manufacturing
• Minimum of 5 years of PLC programming on automated systems
• Minimum of 1 year of demonstrated success leading an integration project (SCADA, network, database, etc.)
• Advanced knowledge of industrial automation systems, including PLCs, HMIs, and supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems.
• Familiarity with industrial protocols such as Modbus, OPC, and Ethernet/IP
• Hands-on troubleshooting and repair of automated equipment
• Strong understanding of end-to-end manufacturing processes, including operations, quality, validation, maintenance, and supply chain
• Experience performing acceptance testing and validation of new equipment
• Experience in lean manufacturing and Six Sigma
• Experience with data analytics and statistical process control
• Knowledge of best practices in manufacturing processes, workflows, production equipment and industrial techniques

Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Master's degree in engineering
• Experience with Ignition servers and integrated equipment
• Experience with machine vision (Cognex and Keyence preferred)
• Experience with programming languages (e.g., Python, C++, VBA), communication protocols (e.g., OPC UA, APIs, EtherNet/IP), and database structures (e.g., SQL)
• Experience with robot integration, collaborative robot experience a plus
• Experience in an operations-based engineering role (e.g., process owner or SME accountable for machine or process performance)
• Experience in medical device industry or other regulated industry
• Proficiency in SolidWorks CAD design and drawings
• Six Sigma Green/Black Belt
• Experience developing data collection systems, reports, and dashboards
• Proficiency in data analytics, SPC, and predictive modeling methodologies

Travel Requirements

30%: Up to 78 business days per year

Physical Requirements

Sedentary-Exerting up to 10lbs/4kgs of force occasionally, and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time.

Additional Requirements

• The position requires frequent standing or walking, sitting for extended periods, and manual dexterity to operate equipment and handle tools or materials.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts and is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles.
• The noise level in the production manufacturing work environment is usually moderate to loud; hearing protection is required.

West embraces diversity and equality of opportunity. We foster an environment where all individuals are safe, treated fairly, valued and respected. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status or other applicable legally protected characteristics. Where permitted by law, employment with West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. or any of its subsidiary or affiliate companies, is contingent upon the satisfactory completion of post-offer background screening.

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