Senior Automation Controls Engineer - Life Sciences Industry

KEY SKILLS

Ignition, Rockwell, Siemens, Modicon, Client iFIX, Rockwell Automation FactoryTalk View, Emerson DeltaV, Rockwell PlantPAx, 480VAC, AutoCAD, HART, SQL, Oracle.

JOB SUMMARY

We have a Senior Controls Automation Engineer position available in our Wilmington, MA office. This position requires demonstrated technical proficiency in implementing automation solutions with PLC, DCS, HMI, and SCADA platforms. The Senior Controls Engineer will interact directly with customers and lead a team of engineers in identifying requirements, developing specifications, and implementing/testing/commissioning/qualifying automation solutions. This leadership role within the business unit requires strong problem‑solving abilities, methodical project management skills, well‑balanced people skills, an aptitude for business efficiency, and an interest in creating partnerships. The Senior Controls Engineer demonstrates success by securing repeat work with both new and existing customers.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Deliver innovative automation solutions and design standards either self‑directed or as a leader of a team. The candidate must conceptualize, detail, and implement control systems for industrial processes and machinery that meet our customers' requirements. This involves developing a control system architecture, selecting components, detailing schematic diagrams and system documentation, programming controllers (PLC, DCS, RTU), programming process visualization (HMI/SCADA), developing databases for archiving/displaying historical system data, and implementing/commissioning the control system at the client's facility. Knowledge of controller programming languages such as Ladder, Sequential Function Chart, Structured Text, and others is required. Knowledge of standard programming languages such as VBA, .NET, and SQL for the development of HMI/SCADA systems is preferred. For larger systems, experience with industrial networking used to connect control system components and instrumentation is preferred. The Senior Controls Engineer would design, detail, and implement various fiber, wired, and wireless systems using industrial protocols (Ethernet/IP, Profinet, Modbus, etc.). This position often requires project management responsibilities, including developing project execution plans, work breakdown structures, associated budgets, task prioritization and scheduling, task ordering, time tracking and reporting, financial tracking and reporting, early problem identification, conflict management/resolution, leading and supporting a team, and attending project status meetings. This also includes overseeing daily operations and activities of projects up to $1M. This position is often responsible for ensuring overall project profitability. The ideal candidate must have a diverse engineering skillset with the ability to work independently. Will act as a technical lead on projects and guide lower‑level engineers and technicians. Could also act as a Project Manager on smaller projects.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

A Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical/Control Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or Computer Science is required.

EXPERIENCE

Over 12 years with capabilities in the PLC hardware/software platforms such as Rockwell Automation, Siemens, and Modicon. In‑depth understanding of HMI/SCADA hardware/software platforms such as Client iFIX, Rockwell Automation FactoryTalk View, Inductive Automation's Ignition, and Siemens. In‑depth understanding of DCS hardware/software platforms such as Emerson DeltaV, Rockwell PlantPAx, or similar. Familiarity with electrical schematics, including power distribution under 480VAC, control panels, and associated NEC references is desired. Experience with AutoCAD is also desired. Experience leading a team of engineers/technicians to provide control system solutions. Experience mentoring less experienced engineers. Proven experience in managing, leading, and guiding automation design and implementation projects in the Life Science industry. Proven experience with all phases of automation projects, including conceptual, basis of design, implementation, testing, start‑up, and commissioning of Process Control System (PCS), SCADA, and DCS in the Life Science industry. Strong knowledge of S88 Batch. Familiarity with relevant regulatory requirements of the life science industry such as cGMP, 21 CFR Part 11, etc. Familiarity with GAMP5, System and Software Development Life Cycles methodologies, and validation. Strong knowledge of IT/OT networking. Extensive knowledge of automation protocols such as HART, Foundation Fieldbus, Traditional I/O, Profibus, Ethernet I/P, OPC, Modbus TCP/IP, etc. Experience with relational databases such as SQL, Oracle, etc. Excellent technical writing and verbal communication skills. Professional references, preferably one from each of the following: a subordinate, a peer, and a manager.

TRAVEL

Ability to travel up to 25%.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF POSITION

Seeing, color perception, hearing, clear speech, dexterity in hands, driving, lifting, ability to mount/dismount equipment, pushing, and pulling.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Standard office environment, on‑site office environment, diverse industrial environments, frequent use of a personal computer, facsimile/copy machines, and phones. Salary $150k‑$175k with uncapped bonus, which would bring total compensation to around $200k. Header We have a Sr. Automation Engineer position available in our Wilmington, MA office. This position requires demonstrated technical proficiency in implementing automation solutions with PLC, DCS, HMI, and SCADA platforms. Excellent communication skills are needed as they will be working with clients.

KEY POINTS

Experience in Life Sciences in liquid and/or powder facilities/companies. Batch S88 experience is required (small molecule - fluids, powders). Work is mainly done in North Boston. All companies are fair game for recruiting - engineering system integrators are the best fit but will consider candidates from Life Science Manufacturing if they have remained hands‑on while in a leadership capacity.

MUST HAVE

A Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical/Control Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or Computer Science. 12+ years of process automation experience in Life Sciences. Must have run multiple projects within Batch S88 (small molecule liquid or powder) facilities/companies. Ignition. Rockwell. Relevant regulatory requirements of the life science industry. Interview Process Round 1 – HR phone screen (30 minutes) Round 2 – Video interview with hiring team (30‑45 minutes) Round 3 – Onsite interview #J-18808-Ljbffr MDAEdge