Automation Engineer

Job Title: Automation Engineer

Type: Full-time

Location: Remote

Job Summary

Seeking a motivated and technically curious Entry-Level Automation Engineer to support automation systems used in pharmaceutical manufacturing and life sciences operations. This role offers an opportunity to work with programmable logic controllers, supervisory control systems, manufacturing execution systems, and automated laboratory or production equipment while supporting operational efficiency, product quality, and regulatory compliance.

Key Responsibilities

• Automation System Support: Assist with the operation, monitoring, and maintenance of automated systems used in pharmaceutical production, packaging, and process control.
• PLC and HMI Assistance: Support basic troubleshooting and documentation for Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs), and associated control components under senior engineering guidance.
• Process Control Monitoring: Review process data, equipment alarms, system events, and operating parameters to help identify unusual conditions and support timely escalation.
• SCADA System Support: Assist with Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system documentation, alarm review, trend monitoring, and configuration records.
• Equipment Integration: Help coordinate the integration and testing of sensors, instruments, control panels, and automated manufacturing equipment.
• Technical Documentation: Prepare and update automation specifications, system descriptions, wiring documentation, configuration records, test scripts, and maintenance logs.
• System Testing: Participate in functional testing, troubleshooting exercises, and verification activities to confirm that automation systems operate according to approved requirements.
• GxP Compliance Support: Assist with documentation and testing activities for regulated automation systems, following cGMP, data integrity principles, and applicable procedures.
• Computerized System Support: Help maintain system inventories, access documentation, backup records, and change-control documentation for systems used in regulated environments.
• Troubleshooting and Root-Cause Support: Collect system logs, document technical issues, and assist senior engineers with identifying potential causes of automation failures.
• Continuous Improvement: Support initiatives to improve equipment reliability, reduce recurring alarms, enhance process consistency, and streamline manufacturing workflows.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work with Manufacturing, Engineering, Quality Assurance, IT, and Validation teams to support automation projects and maintain system readiness.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Basic understanding of industrial automation, instrumentation, process control, and manufacturing systems.
• Familiarity with PLCs, HMIs, SCADA systems, sensors, and control-system fundamentals.
• Awareness of pharmaceutical manufacturing processes and cGMP requirements.
• Basic knowledge of computerized system validation (CSV), data integrity, and electronic records compliance is an advantage.
• Ability to read technical diagrams, equipment specifications, system documentation, and process flow diagrams.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint for technical reporting and documentation.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams.
• Willingness to learn regulated automation platforms, control system testing, and pharmaceutical engineering practices.
• Preferred: Academic projects, internships, or laboratory exposure involving PLC programming, process instrumentation, SCADA, industrial control systems, or automated laboratory equipment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Instrumentation and Control Engineering, Automation Engineering, Mechatronics, Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology, or a related technical discipline.