Automation Lead

BARRINGTON JAMES LIMITED Singapore Branch; Singapore; On-site; SGD 80,000 - 110,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm in Singapore is seeking a Lead Automation Engineer for a 6-month contract. The role involves overseeing automation projects in API manufacturing, managing a team, and ensuring compliance with regulations. Ideal candidates should have 7–12 years of experience and strong skills in PLC systems. This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to take charge of automation systems in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• 7–12 years of experience in automation engineering in API/pharmaceutical manufacturing.
• 2–3 years in a lead or supervisory role.
• Proven experience in project management and troubleshooting.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and implementation of control systems in API manufacturing.
• Manage and mentor a team of automation engineers.
• Oversee automation projects and regulatory compliance.

Skills

PLC expertise (Siemens, Allen-Bradley)

DCS and SCADA systems

Leadership and team management

Analytical problem-solving

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical or related field

Job description

Job Title: Lead Automation Engineer – API Manufacturing

Location: Singapore, Tuas

Experience: 7–12 years (API / pharmaceutical plant preferred)

Employment Type: 6 months Contract Role

Job Summary

We are looking for an experienced Lead Automation Engineer to oversee the automation systems of our API manufacturing operations. The role involves leading automation projects, managing a team of engineers/technicians, and ensuring optimal performance, compliance, and reliability of plant automation systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and implementation of PLC/DCS control systems, SCADA, and instrumentation in API manufacturing.

• Manage, mentor, and guide a team of automation engineers and technicians.

• Plan, execute, and oversee automation projects, including system upgrades, commissioning, and validation (FAT/SAT/IQ/OQ/PQ).

• Collaborate with production, process, quality, and maintenance teams to drive automation solutions that enhance safety, quality, and productivity.

• Troubleshoot and resolve complex automation issues to minimize downtime and ensure regulatory compliance.

• Develop and maintain technical documentation, including control system architecture, P&IDs, loop diagrams, and SOPs.

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives, implementing process optimization through automation.

• Ensure all automation activities comply with cGMP, FDA, and other regulatory standards.

Qualifications & Skills

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical, Instrumentation, Automation, or related engineering field.

• 7–12 years of experience in automation engineering in API/pharmaceutical manufacturing, with at least 2–3 years in a lead or supervisory role.

• Strong expertise in PLCs (Siemens, Allen-Bradley, or equivalent), DCS, SCADA, and HMI systems.

• Proven experience in project management, commissioning, troubleshooting, and validation of automation systems.

• Knowledge of regulatory compliance (cGMP, FDA) and pharmaceutical industry standards.

• Excellent leadership, mentoring, and team management skills.

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.

• Effective communication skills for cross-functional collaboration and reporting.

Preferred

• Experience in batch and continuous process control in pharmaceutical manufacturing.

• Familiarity with automation system lifecycle management and vendor coordination.

• Hands-on experience with process improvement and cost optimization projects.