Rockwell Automation Lead Engineer / Technical Manager - Bend, OR - Onsite Role

Looking for an experienced automation leader to join our on-site delivery team, taking technical and delivery ownership of Rockwell-based control and process automation at an advanced pharmaceutical manufacturing facility.

The site is primarily focused on Small Molecules and functions as both an API (Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient) development and manufacturing site, as well as a center for Drug Product Formulation.

Role Overview

The Rockwell Automation Lead Engineer / Technical Manager provides senior technical leadership and delivery ownership for Rockwell-based control and process automation systems across manufacturing operations. Combining hands-on engineering authority with team and project management, the role owns the design, configuration, integration and lifecycle support of PLC and SCADA systems within a GMP-regulated framework, and acts as the primary point of accountability for automation standards, compliance and delivery.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership and direction across Rockwell-based control and process automation systems (Allen-Bradley ControlLogix / CompactLogix, FactoryTalk, PlantPAx).
• Own the design, configuration, integration and lifecycle support of PLC / SCADA systems, ensuring alignment with site automation standards and GMP requirements.
• Act as the senior technical authority for Rockwell platforms - Studio 5000 (Logix Designer), FactoryTalk View SE / ME, FactoryTalk Batch, Historian and AssetCentre.
• Manage automation delivery end-to-end: planning, resourcing, scheduling, integrator / vendor coordination and stakeholder reporting.
• Lead troubleshooting and root-cause resolution of complex control-system issues to protect continuous production and minimise downtime.
• Drive computer system validation (CSV / CQV) activities in line with GAMP 5, US FDA 21 CFR Part 11 and EU Annex 11 data-integrity expectations.
• Oversee change control, configuration management, backup / restore, patching and automation (OT) cybersecurity in line with site requirements.
• Define and maintain automation engineering standards, specifications and documentation (URS, FDS / SDS, design and test protocols).
• Mentor and develop engineers and coordinate across operations, quality, IT / OT and equipment vendors.
• Support commissioning, qualification and start-up (C&Q / CQV) and planned shutdown activities as required

Requirements

• Degree in automation, control, electrical engineering or a related discipline (or equivalent demonstrable experience).
• Extensive, senior-level hands-on experience with Rockwell Automation platforms - Allen-Bradley ControlLogix / CompactLogix, Studio 5000 and the FactoryTalk suite; PlantPAx experience strongly preferred.
• Proven leadership / technical-management experience directing automation teams and delivery within a regulated (GMP) pharmaceutical or biotechnology manufacturing environment.
• Strong working knowledge of CSV / GAMP 5, 21 CFR Part 11 and EU Annex 11 data-integrity requirements.
• Solid grounding in change control, OT cybersecurity, industrial networking (EtherNet/IP) and system lifecycle management.
• Experience with C&Q / CQV of automated systems; batch (ISA-88 / S88) experience advantageous.
• Excellent stakeholder-management, troubleshooting and communication skills.