Automation Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Automation Engineer

Job Description

The Automation Engineer develops, maintains, and troubleshoots PLC and HMI programs that support production and utility systems in a regulated biopharmaceutical environment. The role focuses primarily on daily troubleshooting and sustaining existing automation systems rather than extensive new program development. The Automation Engineer follows strict documentation practices in compliance with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 and works extensively with Rockwell Automation platforms, including ControlLogix, CompactLogix, PlantPAx, and FactoryTalk applications. This position supports a growing automation team dedicated to keeping the facility running reliably while integrating new automated equipment.

Responsibilities

• Develop, maintain, and troubleshoot PLC programs for production and utility systems in a regulated manufacturing environment.
• Develop, maintain, and troubleshoot HMI applications to support safe and efficient operation of automated equipment.
• Perform daily troubleshooting of automation systems to minimize downtime and ensure reliable facility operations.
• Sustain and optimize existing PLC and HMI programs, focusing on continuous improvement rather than extensive new development.
• Work with Rockwell Automation platforms, including ControlLogix, CompactLogix, PlantPAx, and FactoryTalk applications, to support plant operations.
• Apply and follow documentation practices that comply with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 and cGMP requirements.
• Collaborate with production, utilities, and engineering teams to diagnose and resolve control system issues.
• Support the introduction and integration of new automated equipment into existing control architectures.
• Ensure that automation changes are properly documented, tested, and implemented in accordance with regulatory and internal standards.
• Contribute to maintaining a reliable automation infrastructure for the manufacture of active pharmaceutical ingredients.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Automation or a closely related field.
• At least 3 years of experience troubleshooting PLC programs in a regulated environment.
• At least 3 years of experience troubleshooting HMI programs in a regulated environment.
• At least 3 years of experience developing PLC programs for production or utility systems.
• At least 3 years of experience developing HMI programs for production or utility systems.
• At least 3 years of experience working in a regulated environment with strong documentation requirements.
• Hands-on experience with Rockwell Automation platforms such as ControlLogix, CompactLogix, PlantPAx, and FactoryTalk.
• Proficiency in Allen-Bradley PLC programming and troubleshooting.
• Experience in controls engineering, including automation systems design and support.
• Demonstrated ability to follow and apply FDA 21 CFR Part 11-compliant documentation practices.
• Solid troubleshooting skills for PLCs, HMIs, and related control system components.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience supporting automation systems in a biopharmaceutical or pharmaceutical manufacturing environment.
• Familiarity with cGMP-compliant manufacturing of active pharmaceutical ingredients.
• Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team focused on facility reliability and continuous improvement.
• Strong communication skills to collaborate with operations, utilities, and engineering stakeholders.
• Interest in supporting both existing systems and the introduction of new automated equipment.

Work Environment

The role is based in a biopharmaceutical manufacturing facility specializing in the development and cGMP-compliant production of active pharmaceutical ingredients, including APIs such as Pancreatin and Heparin. The Automation Engineer works primarily on a first-shift schedule, Monday through Friday, typically around 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with some flexibility in hours. The environment is highly regulated and quality-focused, with strict adherence to FDA 21 CFR Part 11 and cGMP standards. Automation systems are built on Rockwell technologies, including ControlLogix, CompactLogix, PlantPAx, and FactoryTalk, supporting both production and utility operations. The facility operates as part of a global pharmaceutical supply chain and emphasizes innovation, reliability, and teamwork in its culture.

This is a Permanent position based out of Fitchburg, WI.

The pay range for this position is $70000.00 - $105000.00/yr.

full health dental and medical benefits 160 days of pto on full calendar year

This is a fully onsite position in Fitchburg,WI.

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 22, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email View email address on ziprecruiter.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.