Sr Automation Engineer - Packaging

Automation Engineer

His role is responsible for providing day-to-day automation engineering support in Formulation, Filling, and Packaging operations; including execution of automation projects of varying complexities.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Demonstrate solid understanding of programming, troubleshooting, maintenance, and user administration of the various automation platforms used at the Thousand Oaks site including, but not limited to, Emerson DeltaV DCS, Allen Bradley PLC, Siemens SIMATIC WinCC, Siemens PLC, Intellution/Proficy iFix, Siemens BAS, and Siemens S7 • Demonstrate good understanding of programming, maintenance, and troubleshooting of Packaging Vision Systems (Markem, Systech & Cognex), Automated Vacuum Tester (AVT), Systech Camera and Serialization, Vial labeler (Neri), Unit Carton Labeling system (LSI), and Printing System (Wolke). • Display standard engineering principles to resolve difficult problems, and lead projects from concept to final design. • Administer all aspects of the control system lifecycle in a regulated environment. • Develop improved and robust control system strategies for manufacturing processes. • Draft, update, and routinely verify system specifications and standard operating procedures (SOP) for the automation systems supported. • Train users on control system functionality (programmable logic controller, process control, computer/control networks, and instrumentation). • As a Subject Matter Expert (SME), lead, train, and mentor other automation engineers and/or technicians as requested in automation systems. • Use experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals with minimal supervision. • Implement sustainable system to reduce User Interventions (UI) occurrence and re-occurrence. • With minimal guidance, schedule and lead a team through the planning and execution of automation projects, or a defined piece of a larger project. Includes generating detailed, accurate project schedules and cost estimates, preparing business case justifications, interfacing with cross-functional development groups and technical support groups. • Contribute to cost estimating of major capital budget items and the spending of approved project funds. In addition, performs financial planning and assists in the analysis to justify project approval. • Investigate and analyze customer service problems and design improvement suggestions. Recommend design improvements through adaptations and modifications of standard technical principles. • Manage routine small projects with complex features without assistance. • Provide automation support via on-call during off-hours as part of a 24/7 operation. • Execute and adhere to pharmaceutical change control standards and policies. • May perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of the basic principles in various engineering disciplines. • Able to prioritize multiple tasks from multiple customers. • Able to elevate issues up to a higher authority when needed. • Able to discuss encountered technical issues, both verbally and in written form. • Excellent communication skillset is a must and ability to work as a collaborative team member. • Demonstrated ability to solve routine design, process, and automation engineering problems without assistance. • Able to effectively lead and train less experienced engineers. Effectively operate and potentially facilitate cross functional teams with minimal guidance. • Able to effectively run projects, coordinate contractors, and direct the activities of technicians. • Organize and present technical and project management overviews without assistance.

Education/Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering field is required. • Minimum of 3 years of PLC automation/controls experience in a GMP pharmaceutical environment is required. • Solid experience with automation system instrumentation and field device technology. • Experience with control systems (Allen Bradley, Intellution/iFix, Siemens BAS, Siemens S7, SIMATIC WinCC) is required. • Experience with real-time data historians such as OSI PI, and Vision systems (Systech/Cognex) in a manufacturing environment is preferred. • DeltaV experience is a plus. • Knowledge of cGxP manufacturing and processes is a plus. • Knowledge of pharmaceutical production equipment including autoclaves, parts washer, lyophilizers, process tanks, filling machines and CIP/SIP systems is a plus.