Senior Automation Engineer

Automation Engineer

In this role, you will provide critical day-to-day automation engineering support across Formulation, Filling, Packaging, and Utilities operations. You will play a key role in maintaining reliable manufacturing performance by troubleshooting system issues, optimizing control strategies, and ensuring automation systems operate safely and compliantly. You will also lead and execute automation projects of varying size and complexity—ranging from system enhancements to full equipment integrations—collaborating closely with cross-functional teams to deliver solutions that improve process robustness, efficiency, and digital capability.

• Demonstrate strong proficiency in programming, troubleshooting, maintenance, and user administration across site automation platforms, including Allen-Bradley PLC, Siemens SIMATIC WinCC, Siemens S7, and Intellution/Proficy iFix SCADA.

• Apply sound engineering principles to resolve complex issues and lead projects from concept through final design.

• Administer all phases of the control system lifecycle within a regulated GMP environment.

• Develop and implement robust, sustainable control strategies using both local and global best practices.

• Create, revise, and routinely verify system specifications and SOPs for supported automation systems.

• Train end-users on control system functionality and develop supporting training materials across PLCs, process controls, networks, and instrumentation.

• Serve as a Subject Matter Expert (SME), mentoring and guiding automation engineers and technicians.

• Use experience and sound judgment to plan and achieve goals with minimal supervision.

• Implement solutions that reduce User Interventions (UI) and prevent recurrence.

• Independently schedule, plan, and lead automation projects or major project components, including detailed schedules, cost estimates, business case development, and cross-functional coordination.

• Contribute to cost estimation and capital planning; support financial analysis to justify project investment.

• Investigate customer issues, analyze root causes, and recommend design improvements through adapted or innovative engineering approaches.

• Manage routine small projects with complex technical features without assistance.

• Provide automation on-call support as part of a 24/7 operation.

• Execute and comply with pharmaceutical change control processes and policies.

• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline, with 3+ years of PLC automation/controls experience. Prior experience in a GMP pharmaceutical environment is preferred.

• Strong foundation in engineering principles with hands-on experience in automation instrumentation, field devices, Allen-Bradley PLCs, and Intellution/iFix SCADA.

• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks, manage stakeholder expectations, and escalate issues appropriately.

• Clear, effective written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain technical issues to diverse audiences.

• Demonstrated ability to independently troubleshoot and resolve routine design, process, and automation engineering challenges.

• Experience training and guiding less-experienced engineers and facilitating cross-functional team collaboration with minimal oversight.

• Proven ability to lead projects, coordinate contractors, and direct technician activities.

• Skilled in organizing and presenting technical and project updates effectively.

• Knowledge of cGxP manufacturing, DeltaV, and pharmaceutical equipment (autoclaves, washers, lyophilizers, tanks, filling lines, CIP/SIP systems) is a plus.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to perform sedentary work, with occasional fieldwork around robotic systems, instrumentation, wiring, and control panels.

• Capability to lift, push, pull, or carry up to 25 lbs.

Working Environment

• May work in controlled or classified spaces requiring special gowning.

• May occasionally work in loud environments requiring hearing protection.

• Possible exposure to chemicals such as alcohols, acids, buffers, and celite, with required PPE.

• Ability to work extended hours, weekends, or holidays as needed, including availability outside standard business hours.

What Takeda can offer you:

• Comprehensive Healthcare: Medical, Dental, and Vision

• Financial Planning & Stability: 401(k) with company match and Annual Retirement Contribution Plan

• Health & Wellness programs including onsite flu shots and health screenings

• Generous time off for vacation and the option to purchase additional vacation days

• Community Outreach Programs and company match of charitable contributions

• Family Planning Support

• Flexible Work Paths

• Tuition reimbursement

More about us:

At Takeda, we are transforming patient care through the development of novel specialty pharmaceuticals and best in class patient support programs. Takeda is a patient-focused company that will inspire and empower you to grow through life-changing work.

Certified as a Global Top Employer, Takeda offers stimulating careers, encourages innovation, and strives for excellence in everything we do. We foster an inclusive, collaborative workplace, in which our teams are united by an unwavering commitment to deliver Better Health and a Brighter Future to people around the world.

Empowering our people to shine:

Takeda is proud in its commitment to creating a diverse workforce and providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, parental status, national origin, age, disability, citizenship status, genetic information or characteristics, marital status, status as a Vietnam era veteran, special disabled veteran, or other protected veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws, and any other characteristic protected by law.

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Takeda Compensation and Benefits Summary

We understand compensation is an important factor as you consider the next step in your career. We are committed to equitable pay for all employees, and we strive to be more transparent with our pay practices.

For Location:

USA - CA - Thousand Oaks - Rancho Conejo

U.S. Base Salary Range:

$89,900.00 - $141,240.00

The estimated salary range reflects an anticipated range for this position. The actual base salary offered may depend on a variety of factors, including the qualifications of the individual applicant for the position, years of relevant experience, specific and unique skills, level of education attained, certifications or other professional licenses held, and the location in which the applicant lives and/or from which they will be performing the job. The actual base salary offered will be in accordance with state or local minimum wage requirements for the job location.

U.S. based employees may be eligible for short-term and/ or long-term incentives. U.S. based employees may be eligible to participate in medical, dental, vision insurance, a 401(k) plan and company match, short-term and long-term disability coverage, basic life insurance, a tuition reimbursement program, paid volunteer time off, company holidays, and well-being benefits, among others. U.S. based employees are also eligible to receive, per calendar year, up to 80 hours of sick time, and new hires are eligible to accrue up to 120 hours of paid vacation.

EEO Statement

Takeda is proud in its commitment to creating a diverse workforce and providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, parental status, national origin, age, disability, citizenship status, genetic information or characteristics, marital status, status as a Vietnam era veteran, special disabled veteran, or other protected veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws, and any other characteristic protected by law.