Sr. Automation Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

Description

Position Summary:

We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Sr. Automation Engineer to support and oversee the management of all on-site industrial controls systems BMS, PMS, EMS and PCS infrastructure and RLAN IT/OT architecture, both new and existing. The successful candidate will play a critical role in the development, implementation, and maintenance of instrumentation and control systems, ensuring site compliance, GMP, and non-GMP requirements.

Position Responsibilities:

• Gatekeep standards for new system architecture design, and oversee the installation of instrumentation and control systems, including building automation systems, data systems, process control, DCS, and utility PLCs in harmony with site standards.

• Maintain Automation master plan for the entire site to manage and support Automation base.

• Manage the life cycle and change control process for all automation control systems at the site to ensure compliance and operational efficiency.

• Provide support to maintenance teams for troubleshooting instruments and control systems.

• Develop training programs for instrumentation and control systems to enhance the skills of the team.

• Manage vendors and consultants, ensuring that contracts contain appropriate technical specifications and are delivered according to requirements.

• Stay abreast of developments in instrumentation and control technology and standards, applying relevant advancements to enhance operations.

• Interface with users, peers, and management to ensure appropriate input and integration of local and corporate standards.

• Provide technical expertise during regulatory audits to ensure compliance with industry standards.

• Author, review, revise, or approve Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) as required.

• Oversee the entire implementation of essential automation infrastructure from conception to completion.

• Lead/Coordinate Factory Acceptance Test and Site Acceptance Test for all automation.

Technical Skills and Competence Required:

• Demonstrated experience in the design, implementation, and maintenance of automation systems within a GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) environment.

• Proficiency in PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) programming, SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems, DCS (Distributed Control System), and other automation technologies.

• Knowledge of industry standards such as ISA-88, ISA-95, and GAMP (Good Automated Manufacturing Practice).

• Familiarity with regulatory requirements, including FDA regulations, cGMP (current Good Manufacturing Practice), and other relevant guidelines governing the pharmaceutical industry.

• Technical Experience leading and managing automation projects from concept through commissioning, ensuring adherence to project timelines and budgets.

• Understanding of equipment and system validation processes, including IQ (Installation Qualification), OQ (Operational Qualification), and PQ (Performance Qualification).

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, as Sr Automation Engineers often collaborate with cross-functional teams, vendors, and management.

• Ability to troubleshoot complex automation issues, identify root causes, and implement effective solutions.

• Basic understanding of IT/OT (Information Technology/Operational Technology) digital concepts, with the ability to integrate automation systems EMS, DCS, PCS and BMS into broader digital frameworks.

• Life-cycle management of Automation Systems.

• Efficient Project Management skills.

• Excellent written and oral communication skills for concise and practical presentations.

• Implementation, testing, and qualification of automation for large-scale projects.

• Proficiency in English, both written and oral.

• Computer proficiency with email; internet/online training; working knowledge of Microsoft Office, including Word and Excel; familiarity with manufacturing software programs.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, chemical engineering, automation engineering, or a related field is required. Advanced technical degrees will be considered a plus.

• 10 years managing automation systems experience in automation engineering, particularly in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology sectors is required.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Lithia Springs, GA.

The pay range for this position is $67.00 - $79.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Lithia Springs,GA.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 5, 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.