Automation Engineer

Automation Engineer

ABEC is a leading supplier to the biopharmaceutical manufacturing industry. ABEC's unique value is based on combining long experience with the ability to engineer, design, manufacture, commission, qualify, and service the entire bioprocess to reduce overall cost, shorten time to market, and maximize productivity. ABEC's products include process and equipment engineering/consulting services, comprehensive site services, bioreactors and fermenters, filtration and chromatography systems, prep and hold systems, and cleaning/sterilization systems.

The Automation Engineer utilizes independent judgment to perform the day-to-day project duties of designing, developing and releasing deliverables used in the fabrication of equipment for pilot and commercial scale biopharmaceutical manufacturing (primarily piping assemblies for fluid & gas handling and motorized agitation systems). Primary responsibility involves generating design plans. This position requires a high level of attention to detail along with the ability to develop a strong understanding of Bioprocessing Equipment design standards.

Responsibilities

• Assume a project lead role to interface with customer and ensure customer satisfaction.
• Executes quality management plan in accordance with quality standards.
• Understand all project requirements and objectives.
• Defines automation scope of work and develops all required specifications.
• Estimates automation hardware, software and manpower requirements.
• Coordinates design and/or manufacturing and software efforts to ensure compliance.
• Forecast and communicate status as required.
• Support design and manufacturing with integration of system controls as requested.
• Programs PLC, OIT, HMI, DCS controllers and smart instruments as requested.
• Manages automation employees or contractors in execution of work.
• Accounts for all contractor resources assigned to project.
• Assists with Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT) and Site Acceptance Tests (SAT)
• May evaluate and recommend automation upgrades to existing equipment or systems.
• Supports Field Services with respect to automation needs both planned and unscheduled.
• Maintain organized project and/or software records.
• Control project cost.
• Meeting Project schedules.
• Provide technical support to customers, sales and marketing.
• Execute other tasks as assigned.
• Will play an active role in identifying and driving Continuous Improvement (CI) opportunity.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or related discipline or equivalent automation related job experience.
• 5+ years with current automation systems experience.
• Proficient with one or more of the following hardware/software platforms: Allen-Bradley, Delta V, or Siemens.
• Current automation and control systems design, development, and programming from scope and P&ID framework.
• English language proficiency, both written and oral speaking skills.
• cGMP and GAMP 5 experience in Bio-Pharm or Pharmaceutical industry experience preferred.
• Detail oriented with a solid understanding of current programming standards, industry design fundamentals, and related simulation/de-bugging processes.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Good organizational skills with the ability to multi-task across functional groups.
• Must work well both independently and in a team-oriented, collaborative environment.
• Limited travel will be required (not expected to exceed 20%). International travel possible.
• Awareness of and prior experience with implementing Continuous Improvement (CI) a plus.
• Prior Lean/Six Sigma experience a plus.