Senior Automation and Controls Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

Title: Senior Automation & Controls Engineer (Life Sciences & Advanced Manufacturing)
Location: Baltimore, MD area
Schedule: Will work Monday / Wednesday onsite at the corporate office in Owings Mills, with flexibility to work onsite at Life Sciences clients in the area as needed.

Our client is a specialized engineering and automation firm that designs, implements, and supports complex process control and industrial automation systems for highly regulated manufacturing environments. Seeking a Senior Automation & Controls Engineer to lead the design, development, and execution of automation projects supporting critical production operations.

This is an opportunity for an experienced engineer who enjoys working across the full project lifecycle, from concept development and system architecture through programming, commissioning, startup, and client support.

Position Overview:
As the Senior Automation & Controls Engineer, you will serve as a technical lead on complex automation and process control projects. Will be responsible for developing control system solutions, managing technical project activities, coordinating multidisciplinary engineering efforts, and supporting system startup and validation activities.

The ideal candidate combines strong controls engineering expertise with the ability to lead projects, collaborate with clients, and mentor junior engineering staff.

Key Responsibilities:
• Lead the design and implementation of industrial automation and control systems for manufacturing and process environments.
• Develop control system architectures, network designs, and automation strategies for new and existing facilities.
• Create, review, and approve engineering deliverables including:

• Control narratives
• Functional specifications
• Instrumentation specifications
• Network architecture documentation
• Control panel designs
• Construction drawing packages

• Develop project budgets, engineering estimates, and technical scopes of work.
• Coordinate technical activities across engineering disciplines and project stakeholders.
• Provide technical direction to engineers, designers, and drafting personnel.
• Program, configure, and troubleshoot PLC, HMI, SCADA, and distributed control systems.
• Support factory acceptance testing (FAT), site acceptance testing (SAT), commissioning, startup, and qualification activities.
• Interpret and apply relevant industry standards, codes, and best practices.
• Collaborate directly with clients, contractors, and operations teams to gather requirements and deliver successful project outcomes.
• Identify scope changes, project risks, and technical challenges while providing recommendations for resolution.

Required Qualifications:
• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• 8+ years of experience in automation, controls engineering, or industrial systems integration.
• Demonstrated experience designing and implementing industrial control systems within regulated manufacturing, process industries, or other complex production environments.
• Strong knowledge of instrumentation and process measurement technologies including flow, pressure, temperature, level, and analytical devices.
• Experience with motor control systems, drives, MCCs, and industrial electrical equipment.
• Ability to review and develop electrical and controls design documentation.
• Experience programming and supporting Rockwell Automation platforms, including:

• RSLogix 5
• RSLogix 500
• RSLogix 5000 / Studio 5000
• FactoryTalk View SE
• FactoryTalk View ME
• RSLinx

• Working knowledge of industrial networking and communication protocols.
• Strong client-facing communication and project coordination skills.

Preferred Qualifications:
• Professional Engineer (PE) license.
• Master's degree in a related engineering discipline.
• Experience supporting pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device, or other regulated manufacturing environments.
• Familiarity with industry standards and guidelines including ISA, GMP, GAMP, and related regulatory frameworks.
• Experience with computerized system validation, qualification, or regulated system documentation.
• Experience with SCADA platforms, historian systems, and manufacturing data solutions.
• Exposure to one or more of the following technologies: