Senior Automation Engineer

Location: Springfield, Illinois, US, Atlanta, Georgia, United States, Austin, Texas, United States, Boston, Massachusetts, United States, Columbus, Ohio, United States, Denver, Colorado, United States, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, United States, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States, Jefferson City, Missouri, United States, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States, Richmond, Virginia, United States, Remote

Employment Type: Regular

This is a full-time salaried position with Project Farma, a PerkinElmer company. The successful candidate will reside in the US and be willing to travel domestically, to meet client project requests.

The Senior Automation Engineer provides subject matter expertise in the design, implementation, and lifecycle management of automation systems across biologics, pharmaceutical, and novel therapy manufacturing facilities. This is a fully billable role, requiring deep experience with DeltaV and/or Rockwell Automation platforms and the ability to author, interpret, and lead documentation such as URS, FRS, Functional Narratives, and detailed system architecture designs.

In addition to technical experience, the Senior Automation Engineer acts as client liaison during delivery of Project Farma service engagements. They are strategically responsible for client satisfaction through project delivery while maintaining and growing client relationships.

Key Responsibilities

• Automation Design & Architecture
  • Develop full automation system architectures for biologics, pharmaceutical, and advanced therapy manufacturing (DCS, PLC/SCADA, MES, historians, network layers, field instrumentation).
  • Create ISA‑88/ISA‑95‑aligned architecture diagrams, I/O strategies, network topologies, and interface specifications.
  • Ensure architecture supports scalability, cybersecurity, data integrity, and multi‑product flexibility.
• URS / FRS / Design Documentation
  • Lead the creation, review, and approval of:
  • URS (User Requirements Specifications)
  • FRS (Functional Requirements Specifications)
  • DS / DDS (Design Specifications)
  • Functional & Control Narratives
  • Recipe Design Documentation (ISA‑88 compliant)
  • Automation Standards & Engineering Guidelines
  • Work cross functionally to translate process requirements into robust automation design documents.
• Automation Implementation
  • Configure, program, and deploy DeltaV DCS (modules, phases, recipes, batch strategies, graphics, alarms).
  • Develop, modify, and test Rockwell PLCs (ControlLogix, CompactLogix), FactoryTalk, PlantPAx, and SCADA/HMI applications.
  • Support integration of OEM skids: bioreactors, chromatography systems, filtration skids, CIP/SIP, and fill finish equipment.
• Commissioning, Validation & GMP Compliance
  • Detailed knowledge of FAT, SAT, IQ/OQ, and PQ protocols in alignment with GAMP 5 and 21 CFR Part 11.
  • Ensure automation changes meet data integrity requirements, change control processes, and validation lifecycle rules.
  • Lead deviation investigations, CAPAs, and risk assessments related to automation systems.
• Manufacturing & Operations Support
  • Serve as SME for troubleshooting, system optimization, alarm tuning, batch failure analysis, and performance enhancements.
  • Support 24/7 operations through structured root cause analysis and resolution of automation issues.
  • Develop long-term automation lifecycle plans for upgrades, patches, and system expansions.
• Cross Functional Leadership‑Functional Leadership
  • Collaborate with IT/OT, process engineering, quality, and capital project teams to deliver integrated automation solutions.
  • Manage vendors, system integrators, and OEMs; review design packages and ensure alignment with internal standards.
  • Mentor junior engineers and act as technical SME during audits and regulatory inspections.

Experience Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Automation, Electrical, Chemical, Mechanical, or related).
• Minimum 9-12+ years in automation engineering within GMP life sciences (biotech, pharma, ATMP).
• Expert-level experience with DeltaV DCS and/or Rockwell / Allen Bradley PLC/SCADA platforms.
• Proven ability to author, interpret, and own URS/FRS/DS documentation.
• Experience designing system architectures across DCS, PLCs, SCADA, MES, OSI-PI and/or other historians and data systems.
• Strong understanding of ISA‑88 batch control, ISA‑95 manufacturing hierarchy, and GAMP 5.
• Hands‑on experience supporting biologics and sterile/aseptic manufacturing environments.
• Understanding multisite standards for global manufacturers

Other Preferred

• Experience in professional services or consulting industry highly preferred.
• Strong communicator and influencer across engineering, quality, IT/OT, and manufacturing.
• Structured thinker with advanced troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Skilled at managing multiple priorities in a high pressure, regulated environment.
• Ability to manage scope and track project changes
• Demonstrated leadership and mentorship abilities.

Project Farma is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability status, age, or veteran status or any other characteristics protected by applicable law. PerkinElmer is committed to a culturally diverse workforce.

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. We will not sponsor applicants for current or future work visas for this position. This position may require significant travel to support project and business needs. We cannot employ anyone with an invalid driver's license.

The annual compensation range for this full-time position is $130,000 - 165,000. The final base pay offered to the successful candidate will be determined by factors including internal equity, work location, as well as individual qualifications, such as job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.