Automation Project Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

Valspec—a global provider of system validation and lifecycle services—provides commissioning and qualification of computerized systems for clients in the Life Sciences industry. Established in 1999, Valspec's mission is to provide a wide spectrum of services that help its clients meet their capital project and lifecycle maintenance goals.

Valspec's projects are critical to the industry, and to the people who rely on its products. Many projects ensure that life-changing drugs are available to those who need them; others streamline production to meet demand at a lower cost, allowing for the discovery of new and innovative therapies.

Automation Project Engineer Building Systems & Facilities Automation

Onsite | Monday-Friday | 6-Month Contract (Potential Extension)

Join Valspec

Valspec is a leading engineering and validation consulting firm serving the life sciences industry. We partner with pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and advanced manufacturing organizations to deliver automation, engineering, validation, and compliance solutions that support critical operations and facilities.

We are seeking an Automation Project Engineer to support a pharmaceutical research and development campus. This role will work directly with facility maintenance and engineering teams to support building automation systems, utility controls, lighting control systems, and related automation infrastructure.

This is an excellent opportunity for an engineer with 2-5 years of experience who is looking to expand their knowledge of facility automation systems while contributing to meaningful engineering projects in a highly technical environment.

Position Summary

The Automation Project Engineer will provide engineering and automation support for facility and utility systems across a complex research environment. The successful candidate will work with Building Automation Systems (BAS), lighting controls, utility skid control systems, PLC interfaces, and supporting network infrastructure.

This role combines hands-on automation support, project coordination, technical documentation, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Support Building Automation Systems (BAS) including supervisory control, monitoring, graphics, schedules, alarms, and system modifications.
• Assist with automation projects supporting facility, laboratory, and utility operations.
• Troubleshoot automation, controls, communication, and system integration issues.
• Support lighting control systems and associated building integrations.
• Interface with utility control systems including water, gas, waste treatment, compressed air, and related facility systems.
• Review automation drawings, control schematics, vendor documentation, and technical submittals.
• Coordinate with maintenance personnel, engineering teams, contractors, and equipment vendors.
• Develop and maintain technical documentation, change records, testing protocols, and engineering reports.
• Execute system testing and verification activities following Good Engineering Practices (GEP).
• Support networked control systems utilizing protocols such as BACnet, Modbus, and Ethernet/IP.
• Assist with system backups, user administration, firmware updates, and automation system maintenance activities.
• Analyze trends, alarms, and system performance data to identify improvement opportunities.
• Participate in project planning, scope development, and implementation activities.
• Support commissioning, startup, and operational readiness efforts for facility automation projects.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Automation, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Computer Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• 2-5 years of experience supporting automation, controls, facility systems, building automation, or related engineering environments.
• Exposure to Building Automation Systems (BAS) such as Niagara, Metasys, Desigo, Automated Logic, EcoStruxure, or similar platforms.
• Understanding of industrial control systems, PLCs, or facility automation technologies.
• Familiarity with networking fundamentals including IP addressing, switches, VLANs, and industrial communication protocols.
• Ability to read and interpret P&IDs, electrical drawings, control schematics, and technical documentation.
• Strong troubleshooting, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience within pharmaceutical, biotechnology, laboratory, research, healthcare, or regulated manufacturing environments.
• Exposure to facility utility systems, clean utilities, environmental controls, or laboratory infrastructure.
• Familiarity with lighting control systems such as Lutron, nLight, Wattstopper, or similar platforms.
• Experience with PLC platforms including Allen-Bradley, Rockwell Automation, Siemens, or related technologies.
• Understanding of SDLC documentation, change management, and engineering documentation practices.
• Basic scripting experience using Python, PowerShell, or similar tools.
• Experience with building management systems, SCADA, or system integration projects.
• Industry certifications such as Niagara, CAPM, Network+, or comparable credentials.

Why Join Valspec?

• Opportunity to work on impactful automation and facility engineering projects within the life sciences industry.
• Gain exposure to multiple automation platforms and advanced facility technologies.
• Collaborative team environment with experienced engineering professionals.
• Potential for contract extension and future project opportunities.
• Competitive compensation and benefits package.

Why Join Valspec?

At Valspec, we offer more than just a job — we provide a career experience rooted in a standout culture, collaborative environment, and a strong sense of ownership. As an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) company, every team member has a stake in our success, fostering a shared commitment to excellence and innovation.  We also offer a highly competitive benefits package, including:

• Premium medical coverage
• 401(k) with company match
• Tuition reimbursement
• Unique performance incentives
• And more — all designed to support your growth, well-being, and future.

Join a team where your contributions matter, your development is prioritized, and your success is shared.

When receiving e-mails from a Proconex or Valspec recruiter, you will only receive e-mails from addresses ending in @proconexdirect.com, @proconex.net or @valspec.net.  Any other domains are impersonations and should be ignored.

Candidates must be legally eligible to work in the United States without company sponsorship.  Also, we are not interested in working on a corp-to-corp basis with other companies at this time.

Any third-party unsolicited resume submission(s) will immediately become the property of Valspec. Valspec will not pay any fee to a submitting employment agency, person, or entity unless a signed agreement is established.

Valspec is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status or any other protected class. We are committed to providing a professional environment free of any discrimination or harassment, and we are proud to be a Drug-Free Workplace.