Controls and Automation Engineer

Senior Automation Engineer

Are you an automation professional who thrives on solving complex manufacturing challenges in regulated environments?

We're seeking a Senior Automation Engineer to support a high-impact pharmaceutical manufacturing expansion project focused on increasing vaccine production capacity. This role is ideal for a technically strong automation engineer with hands-on experience across the full system development lifecycle (SDLC) of manufacturing control systems.

Due to the specialized nature of this engagement, we're open to both:

Long-term team members interested in growing their consulting career

Experienced Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) seeking project-based consulting opportunities

What You'll Be Working On

This project supports the implementation of automation systems within a major biopharmaceutical manufacturing environment, helping increase production capabilities for critical vaccine operations.

Key project initiatives include:

• Implementation of the Emerson DeltaV Batch System
• Utilization of PCSD Libraries and DeltaV Live
• Full lifecycle automation project execution
• Integration of manufacturing control systems within a regulated pharmaceutical environment

Responsibilities

As a Senior Automation Engineer, you'll participate in the full lifecycle delivery of automation and manufacturing systems, including:

Automation System Development

• Design, configure, and implement: DCS (Distributed Control Systems), PLC (Programmable Logic Controllers), MES (Manufacturing Execution Systems), Data Historian platforms, including OSI PI
• Develop Software Design Specifications (SDS)
• Participate in design workshops and technical reviews
• Configure automation software and batch control strategies

Testing & Commissioning

• Execute automation testing activities
• Support: SFATs (Shop Factory Acceptance Testing), Vendor FATs, Site Acceptance Testing, Startup and commissioning activities

Project Delivery

• Develop engineering and technical documentation
• Assist with operating and maintenance procedures
• Support validation and qualification efforts
• Collaborate with process, manufacturing, validation, and quality teams

Continuous Improvement

• Assess equipment and process modifications
• Improve operational efficiency, reliability, and manufacturing performance
• Support modernization of manufacturing systems and digital operations

What Makes You a Strong Fit

We're looking for someone who combines automation expertise with strong pharmaceutical manufacturing knowledge.

Required Qualifications

5+ years of automation engineering experience

Experience with the SDLC of manufacturing automation systems

Strong understanding of: PLCs, DCS platforms, SCADA Systems, Industrial networking, Process control strategies

Hands-on ISA-88 (S88) Batch experience

Ability to develop and interpret engineering documentation

Experience participating in automation projects from design through startup

Able to travel onsite during critical project phases

Preferred Experience

Candidates with the following experience will stand out:

Automation Platforms

• Emerson DeltaV
• DeltaV Batch
• DeltaV Live
• Allen-Bradley Controllers
• Allen-Bradley HMI Systems

Pharmaceutical & Biotech

• FDA-regulated manufacturing environments
• Biotechnology facilities
• Pharmaceutical production facilities
• Vaccine manufacturing operations

Validation & Compliance

• IQ / OQ / PQ protocol development and execution
• Computer System Validation (CSV)
• Commissioning & Qualification (C&Q)
• GxP manufacturing systems

Work Environment & Travel

Location

Primarily Remote

Onsite Expectations

• Travel required during commissioning and startup activities
• Ability to be onsite when project milestones require support

Relocation

• Temporary relocation willingness is highly desirable

Expenses

• Project-related travel expenses reimbursed at cost

Contract Duration

6-24+ Month Assignment Long-term extension potential based on project needs and performance.

Why Join Us?

At Valpro, you'll work alongside industry-leading automation professionals supporting some of the most innovative pharmaceutical and biotechnology manufacturers in the world.

You'll gain exposure to:

• Large-scale automation programs
• Advanced DeltaV Batch implementations
• Complex manufacturing digital transformation initiatives
• Critical vaccine and life sciences manufacturing projects

If you're passionate about automation, process technology, and helping manufacturers solve challenging production problems, we'd love to talk with you.

Keywords

DeltaV, Emerson DeltaV, DeltaV Live, DeltaV Batch, PLC, DCS, SCADA, MES, OSI PI, Automation Engineer, Batch Automation, ISA-88, S88, Pharmaceutical Manufacturing, Biotech, CSV, IQ/OQ/PQ, FAT, SAT, Commissioning, Validation, Vaccine Manufacturing

Valpro offers flexible career options that includes benefits such as paid time off, paid holidays, medical, 401K match, and other unique incentives.

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 Valpro. Valpro will not pay any fee to a submitting employment agency, person, or entity unless a signed agreement is established.

Valpro 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.