Automation Engineer

Automation Engineer

We're partnered with a well-established pharmaceutical manufacturer that is making significant, long-term investments in plant-wide automation, data integrity, and system modernization. This is a hands-on Automation Engineer role for someone who wants real technical ownership — not a position managing integrators or living in meetings.

If you enjoy writing and troubleshooting PLC and HMI code yourself, working inside a regulated GMP environment, and improving how a complex manufacturing site actually runs day to day, this role offers depth, stability, and meaningful impact.

What Makes This Role Different

• You write the code. This is an individual contributor role — not an integrator manager or support-only position.
• Modern Rockwell stack already in place. The site is standardized on Rockwell and actively expanding it.
• Regulated environment done seriously. Change control, validation, documentation, and data integrity are part of the culture — not afterthoughts.
• Long-term modernization, not firefighting. The company is ~75% through major CSV and automation initiatives, with a solid framework already built and more coming.

Core Responsibilities

• Design, write, modify, and troubleshoot PLC programs using Rockwell ControlLogix and CompactLogix (Studio 5000 / RSLogix 5000)
• Develop and maintain HMI applications using FactoryTalk View SE
• Work within a cGMP pharmaceutical environment, following strict change control, validation, and documentation practices
• Support IQ / OQ / PQ validation activities and ensure compliance with 21 CFR Part 11 and ALCOA+ data integrity principles
• Maintain clear, revision-controlled documentation (functional specs, code comments, change logs)
• Migrate legacy and standalone systems into a plant-wide Rockwell architecture
• Support automation for utilities and facility systems (e.g., HVAC, alarms, monitoring)
• Collaborate closely with Maintenance, Engineering, and Quality to resolve issues and improve system reliability
• Participate in an on-call rotation (typically ~1 week/month once fully ramped)

Absolute Requirements (Non-Negotiable)

• 3+ years of hands-on PLC and HMI programming using Rockwell / Allen-Bradley platforms
  • ControlLogix and/or CompactLogix
  • Studio 5000 / RSLogix 5000
  • Ladder Logic, Structured Text, Function Block
• Solid understanding of industrial networking (EtherNet/IP; DeviceNet helpful)
• Experience working under regulated manufacturing expectations
• Strong documentation habits and comfort working within change control
• Ability to independently troubleshoot automation issues on the plant floor

A 2-year technical degree (Automation, Electronics, Instrumentation, etc.) is absolutely acceptable. A 4-year EE is not required and is not a filter.

Ideal Background (Strong Plus)

• 5+ years in pharma, API, or other FDA-regulated manufacturing
• PlantPAx DCS programming or configuration experience
• Familiarity with ISA-88 / S88 batch control concepts
• Exposure to:
  • FactoryTalk Historian
  • FactoryTalk Batch
  • CSV / GAMP 5
• Writes clean, maintainable code that others can support

What You'd Work On

• Migrating older automation and HVAC systems into a centralized & standardized Rockwell platform
• Expanding plant-wide alarms and early-warning systems for GMP-critical spaces
• Supporting predictive and preventative maintenance through better automation and data
• Building out historian data, asset models, and operator-focused HMIs
• Supporting the evolution from paper or "paper-on-glass" records toward more integrated automation

What Success Looks Like

• You can independently write, modify, and troubleshoot Rockwell PLC/HMI code without relying on an integrator
• Automation changes are clean, well-documented, and audit-ready
• Maintenance and Operations trust the systems you support
• Downtime and surprises decrease because issues are caught earlier and handled correctly
• Validation and Quality partners see you as disciplined and reliable, not a risk

Common Misfits (This Will Not Be a Fit If…)

• Your background is primarily Siemens TIA Portal, Ignition, or Wonderware
• You've mostly supported systems but haven't actually written PLC/HMI code
• Your experience is limited to legacy PLC-5 or SLC with no modern Logix platforms
• You're uncomfortable with documentation, validation, or regulated change control
• You prefer managing vendors rather than doing the technical work yourself

Work Environment & Compensation

• Onsite role at a single manufacturing location (no travel)
• Standard daytime schedule; limited off-hours except during on-call rotation
• Competitive base salary (targeting roughly $70K–$135K, flexibility for strong fits)
• Full benefits package including medical, retirement, PTO, and paid holidays

If this is a role that interests you and you'd like to learn more, click apply now and a recruiter will be in touch with you to discuss this great opportunity. We look forward to speaking with you!

About ManpowerGroup, parent company of Manpower, Experis, Talent Solutions, and Jefferson Wells

ManpowerGroup® (NYSE: MAN), the leading global workforce solutions company, helps organizations transform in a fast-changing world of work by sourcing, assessing, developing, and managing the talent that enables them to win. We develop innovative solutions for hundreds of thousands of organizations every year, providing them with skilled talent while finding meaningful, sustainable employment for millions of people across a wide range of industries and skills. Our expert family of brands – Manpower, Experis, Talent Solutions, and Jefferson Wells – creates substantial value for candidates and clients across more than 75 countries and territories and has done so for over 70 years. We are recognized consistently for our diversity - as a best place to work for Women, Inclusion, Equality and Disability and in 2022 ManpowerGroup was named one of the World's Most Ethical Companies for the 13th year - all confirming our position as the brand of choice for in-demand talent.