Sr. Automation Engineer - Utilities & Operations Support

Job Description

Job Description

About Company:

JC Automation Corp. (JCA) was founded in 1997 with the mission of filling a gap between technology and regulatory requirements in the life science manufacturing industry. The company offers highly capable resources at an affordable cost to build solutions and execute projects in: Automation, Control Systems Integration, Information Technology, System Integration and Regulatory Compliance.

JCA is a HUBZone Certified Small Business Firm, NMSDC Certified Minority Business Enterprise, and Certified Critical Industry Supplier. It’s mission is to add value by delivering quality services & solutions on time all the time by transforming processes & technology into business advantages.

About the Role

We are seeking a Senior Automation Engineer with deep expertise in utilities and critical systems to support control system operations and capital project activities within a regulated pharmaceutical manufacturing environment. This role requires hands-on experience with a broad range of automation platforms supporting HVAC, Water Treatment, Purified Water, Cogeneration, and plant utilities infrastructure, combined with a strong understanding of regulatory compliance and on-call operations support.

Responsibilities

• Participate in the selection of new control system equipment and instrumentation for capital projects, ensuring regulatory compliance including 21 CFR Part 11.
• Ensure all instrumentation and control systems are correctly specified for their intended application within utilities and critical infrastructure areas.
• Provide operational support for HVAC systems, Water Treatment Plants, Purified Water Systems, Cogeneration, and other plant utilities infrastructure.
• Support troubleshooting of complex automation, instrumentation, and electrical systems in live manufacturing operations.
• Participate in on-call rotations and provide rapid response to automation and control system issues impacting production.
• Collaborate with engineering, validation, quality, and operations teams to ensure system reliability and compliance.
• Review and support development of technical documentation including system specifications, control strategies, and design packages.
• Work on a Monday–Friday administrative schedule (8am–5pm) with on-call availability as required.

Requirements & Qualifications

Required

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related technical discipline; or advanced certifications/specialized training in automation, control systems, or instrumentation.
• Experience: Minimum 5–8 years of experience supporting automation and control systems in industrial or pharmaceutical manufacturing environments.
• Utilities Expertise: Strong hands-on experience supporting HVAC systems, Water Treatment and Purified Water Systems, Cogeneration/power systems, and plant utilities infrastructure.
• Capital Projects: Proven experience in selection, evaluation, and implementation of control system equipment and instrumentation for capital projects.
• Control Platforms: Extensive experience with Allen-Bradley/Rockwell, Siemens (Apogee, Insight, Desigo, S5), ABB, GE Fanuc, Schweitzer Engineering (SEL), and Trane HVAC control systems.
• Regulatory: Demonstrated experience ensuring compliance with 21 CFR Part 11, data integrity, and GMP expectations for automation systems.
• Availability: Willingness to participate in on-call rotations and support extended hours as required by operations.

Preferred

• Certifications: ISA Certified Automation Professional (CAP) or equivalent industry certification.
• Environment: Experience in pharmaceutical, biotech, or similarly regulated manufacturing environments.

Skills

Technical Skills

• Allen-Bradley / Rockwell Automation platforms (PLC, SCADA, HMI).
• Siemens platforms: Apogee, Insight, Desigo, S5.
• ABB, GE Fanuc, Schweitzer Engineering (SEL relays and systems).
• Trane HVAC control systems.
• Utilities systems: HVAC, Water Treatment, Purified Water, Cogeneration.
• 21 CFR Part 11 compliance and data integrity requirements.
• Capital project support: control system selection, design review, and implementation.
• Technical documentation: system specifications, control strategies, design packages.

Soft Skills

• Strong leadership and ability to guide cross-functional teams.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving capabilities in complex, live operations.
• Effective communication with engineering, quality, operations, and capital project stakeholders.
• Ability to manage competing priorities in fast-paced, regulated environments.
• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.