2026 Fall Co-Op Automation Engineer

Simtrabps

Bloomington (IN)

On-site

USD 2,755,200 - 4,132,800

Full time

14 days+

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Benefits offered by this job

Medical & Dental Coverage

401(k) Plan with Company Match

Paid Holidays

Paid Time Off

Parental Leave

Education Assistance

Job summary

Simtra BioPharma Solutions invites undergraduates to join Fall Co-op in Bloomington, IN. You will work on automation projects using Ignition SCADA, PLCs, and data collection to improve manufacturing processes. Roles include designing, developing, and deploying automated solutions with cross-functional teams.

You will gain hands‑on experience solving real-world problems in a pharmaceutical manufacturing environment, with learning sessions and site visits offered throughout the program.

Qualifications

Pursuing a BS or MS in Engineering, Computer Science, or related field.
Currently enrolled as a Junior, Senior, or Graduate Student.
Strong understanding of process automation and control systems (PLC/SCADA).
Experience with Python or MATLAB is a plus.

Responsibilities

Assist in designing, developing, and implementing automated solutions.
Work with cross-functional teams to identify automation opportunities and digital transformation.
Troubleshoot and test automated systems to ensure functionality and compliance.
Analyze data to support process improvements and efficiency gains.

Skills

Process automation

Industrial controls (PLC/SCADA)

Data analysis

Python

MATLAB

Microsoft Office

Education

BS/MS in Automation/Chemical/Mechanical/Electrical/Systems Engineering, Computer Science

Currently enrolled as a Junior, Senior, or Graduate Student

Tools

Ignition SCADA

Cross-functional collaboration tools

Job description

Simtra BioPharma Solutions (Simtra) is a world-class Contract Development Manufacturing Organization, partnering with pharmaceutical and biotech companies to bring their sterile injectable products to market. With facilities in Bloomington, Indiana, US and Halle/Westfalen, Germany, we offer a wide range of delivery systems including pre-filled syringes, liquid/lyophilized vials, diluents for reconstitution, powder-filled vials and sterile crystallization.

Our product types include biologics and small molecules, cytotoxics, highly potent compounds, diluents for reconstitution and vaccines - which are all directly injected into patients worldwide. As such, there is a strong emphasis on quality and continuous improvement at Simtra. We hold ourselves to the highest quality and regulatory standards.

While our primary focus is cGMP manufacturing, we offer many support services including formulation and development, lyophilization optimization, global regulatory support and secondary packaging. Our teams are driven to help clients scale, innovate and bring life-changing medicines to patients worldwide.

Why join Team Simtra?

Make it HAPPEN - We bring a growth mindset to every opportunity, developing new skillsets and exceeding our expectations and those of our customers.
Make it TOGETHER - We work as one, respecting each voice and tapping into our unique strengths across teams-so we can solve problems in new ways.
Make it RIGHT - We hold ourselves to a high standard of excellence, fulfilling our commitments to the customer, their patients, and our team members.
Make it COUNT - We take pride in our day-to-day work, knowing the impact we make - taking on challenges big and small to improve patient health.

This role:

Simtra is seeking highly motivated undergraduate and students for our Fall Co-op Program. We look for diverse students with inquisitive minds and the desire to challenge themselves. Our co-op students work closely with industry professionals and learn quickly how to problem solve on real-world projects that contribute to clinical research and manufacturing processes. In addition to on-the-job experience, we offer learning sessions with top leadership, site visits to local projects and social events.

The Opportunity:

The Process Automation & Controls team focuses on optimizing and automating manufacturing processes to improve efficiency, quality, and compliance in pharmaceutical production through automation and digital transformation initiatives.

Responsibilities/Projects:

This position offers experience in working on key projects using Ignition SCADA, PLCs, and SCW. The co-op student will assist in designing, developing, and implementing automated solutions using data collection, analysis, and visualization. The individual will work with cross-functional teams to identify areas for automation and digital transformation and conduct troubleshooting and testing of automated systems to ensure functionality and compliance.

Required Qualifications:

Pursuing a BS or MS degree in Automation/Chemical/Mechanical/Electrical/Systems Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field
Currently enrolled as a Junior, Senior, or Graduate Student
Strong understanding of process automation, industrial controls systems (PLC, SCADA), and data analysis
Experience with Python, MATLAB, or other programming languages is a plus
Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
Excellent organizational, oral and written communication skills
Strong attention to detail including the ability to accomplish a task while demonstrating a thorough concern for all the areas involved
Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work well with others in a proactive, positive and constructive manner
Proven critical thinking and creativity skills; solve problems by applying technical and functional experiences
Highly motivated, self-driven individual with passion working within pharmaceutical industry

In return, you'll be eligible for [1] :

Day One Benefits