Engineer Senior, DeltaV Automation

Engineer Senior, DeltaV Automation

Our client is seeking an External Automation Engineer based in Thousand Oaks, California to augment their Advanced Technology and Automation (ATA) team. This role will support ongoing biological processes and technology development projects in the manufacturing pilot plants by maintaining and improving automation systems, new technology introduction, and critical site support. The successful candidate must exhibit sound analytical thinking and problem-solving skills, exemplary communication and collaboration, and operational excellence. A proven ability to work in cross-functional teams is critical for this role.

Top Must Have Skills

• 3-5 years of DeltaV experience as an automation engineer. DeltaV version 13 or above. Preferred to have experience in both DeltaV operate and DeltaV live.
• Direct experience with bioprocess unit operations such as bioreactors, chromatography, filtration, etc.
• Knowledge and experience upstream and downstream operations either from operator or automation support perspective.
• Impeccable communication skills for collaboration, reporting, and education for a wide audience background.
• Must be self-reliant and be open to learning new things.
• Must be willing to be on call.
• Must be willing to travel to east coast sites (Less than 5% of the time)

Day to Day Responsibilities

• Develop and support process control applications via Distributed Control Systems (DCS), Human Machine Interfaces (HMI), Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition systems (SCADA), and Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC).
• Collaborate with scientific and operational staff to help translate process requirements into automation and engineering design.
• Participate in technical root cause analysis, incident investigations, and troubleshooting on process control issues related to instrumentation and control systems.
• Design and test of automated process equipment. Support new product introductions or new technology introductions by performing engineering assessments, implementing automation system configuration changes, and supporting engineering runs.
• Support capital projects by applying advanced automation engineering principles in the design, specification, configuration, startup, and commissioning of process equipment and systems for capital projects of significant scope and complexity. Demonstrated understanding of project life cycles is preferred. Candidate should be familiar with engineering processes from initial conceptualization through project turnover to operations.
• Development of detailed specification, engineering documents, SOPs, and operating standards.
• Familiarity with industry standards of batch control systems, software development life cycle methodologies, 21 CFR Part 11, and GAMP.
• Ownership and administration of process control automation in process development pilot manufacturing settings.
• Devise new approaches to complex problems through adaptations and modifications of standard automation technical principles.
• Work schedule flexibility to support pilot plant operations and project requirements.
• Support a safe working environment by complying with all necessary environmental health/safety practices, rules, and regulations.

Basic Qualifications

• Biomanufacturing or automation engineering experience
• Delta V batch experience (Version 13 and above)
• B.S or M.S. in Chemical Engineering, Biotech Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field.
• Direct experience with bioprocess unit operations such as bioreactors, chromatography, filtration, et cetera.
• Strong control system automation background in design, installation, programming, and validation of automated processes.
• 2+ years combined experience with Emerson DeltaV DCS systems version 12 or above.
• Strong communication/presentation skills especially with engineering documentation.
• Working knowledge of manufacturing IT networks.
• Must be independent, self-motivated, organized, and able to multi-task.

Employee Value Proposition

The person in this role will learn different aspects of Bio manufacturing and support cuttings edge capital projects. They will also can introduce new technology and mentor.

Red Flags

• Work history does not reflect must have skills
• Unwilling to provide references from previous 2 positions
• Reluctance to relocate or be onsite

Interview Process

Virtual interviews via Webex. I will carry out vetting interviews before passing candidates onto broader team.