Senior Siemens S7 PLC Engineer

Job Description

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced Siemens S7 PLC Engineer to support a major pharmaceutical/biopharmaceutical project in Holly Springs, NC . The consultant will provide hands-on PLC programming, troubleshooting, commissioning, and automation support within a regulated manufacturing environment.

The ideal candidate will have strong experience working with Siemens S7 PLC platforms , industrial automation systems, HMI/SCADA, controls troubleshooting, and equipment integration. Experience in pharmaceutical, biotechnology, life sciences, or other GMP-regulated manufacturing environments is highly preferred.

This is a long-term onsite contract of approximately 10 months , and candidates must be available to start within 2–3 weeks .

Key Responsibilities

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• Develop, modify, troubleshoot, and maintain Siemens S7 PLC control programs .
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• Support PLC programming and automation activities throughout the project lifecycle.
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• Troubleshoot PLC, HMI, instrumentation, and control-system issues in a manufacturing environment.
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• Perform PLC code reviews, logic modifications, testing, and debugging.
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• Support equipment integration and communication between PLCs, HMIs, SCADA systems, and other automation platforms.
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• Participate in commissioning, startup, testing, and site acceptance activities .
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• Execute and support FAT, SAT, commissioning, and qualification-related activities as required.
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• Review control-system specifications, functional requirements, and automation documentation.
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• Develop or modify PLC logic, sequences, interlocks, alarms, permissives, and control strategies.
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• Troubleshoot industrial communication networks and PLC-to-device communications.
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• Support HMI development, modifications, alarm configuration, and operator-interface functionality.
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• Collaborate with electrical, instrumentation, process, engineering, validation, and manufacturing teams.
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• Document automation changes, testing activities, troubleshooting results, and system updates.
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• Ensure automation activities are performed in accordance with applicable GMP, safety, quality, and site procedures .
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• Provide onsite support during equipment installation, commissioning, startup, and production readiness.
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• Assist with resolving automation issues and minimizing equipment downtime.
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• Participate in project meetings and provide technical updates to project leadership.
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Required Qualifications

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• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Automation Engineering, Computer Engineering , or a related technical discipline; equivalent experience may be considered.
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• Strong hands-on experience with Siemens S7 PLCs .
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• Experience with Siemens TIA Portal and/or STEP 7 .
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• Strong understanding of PLC programming, troubleshooting, sequencing, interlocks, alarms, and controls logic.
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• Experience with HMI/SCADA systems and industrial automation.
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• Experience with industrial communication protocols and PLC/device integration.
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• Hands-on experience with commissioning, startup, troubleshooting, and system testing.
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• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, control drawings, I/O lists, and automation documentation.
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• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
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• Excellent communication and documentation skills.
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• Ability to work effectively in a fully onsite project environment .
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Preferred Qualifications

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• Experience in pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device, or other GMP-regulated manufacturing environments .
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• Experience supporting automation projects from design through commissioning and startup.
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• Experience with Siemens WinCC, PCS 7, or related Siemens automation platforms .
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• Experience with Rockwell/Allen-Bradley PLCs in addition to Siemens.
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• Knowledge of industrial networking, including Ethernet/IP, Profinet, Profibus, or similar protocols.
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• Experience with manufacturing equipment integration.
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• Familiarity with GAMP 5, 21 CFR Part 11, data integrity, and computerized system validation (CSV) concepts.
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• Experience supporting FAT/SAT and validation documentation in regulated environments.
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