Associate Principal Automation Engineer

Allergan; Branchburg Township (NJ); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Medical/Dental/Vision insurance

401(k) plan

Job summary

Allergan is looking for an Automation Engineer in Branchburg Township, New Jersey. The role involves designing, implementing, and maintaining automation systems across manufacturing operations to ensure optimal performance.

Candidates should possess a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or Engineering, complemented by significant experience in automation, particularly in Distributed Control Systems. The position offers a comprehensive benefits package, including paid leave and medical insurance.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of relevant experience in automation systems.
• Expertise in administering Distributed Control Systems (DCS).
• Solid understanding of FDA and GMP regulations.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement automation systems for manufacturing.
• Lead automation projects and provide technical support.
• Integrate vision inspection technologies with track-and-trace hardware.

Skills

Control configuration

Automation Applications

SCADA programming

Troubleshooting

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or Engineering

Tools

DCS (Emerson DeltaV, Foxboro I/A)

Allen‑Bradley ControlLogix

Job description

Job Description

Responsible for the design, implementation, integration and maintenance of automation systems across manufacturing operations. Responsible for moderate to complex configuration and programming of Operation Technology (OT) Systems as per AbbVie change management procedures for the manufacturing process, utilities and facilities control systems. This role leads small to medium‑sized automation projects, provides technical support and system troubleshooting for assigned areas, and administers and maintains OT systems according to departmental procedures.

Responsibilities

• Develop moderate to complex control configuration or programming in accordance with design documents to meet functional requirements.
• Act as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) for Automation Applications, leading the design and deployment of automated visual systems, aggregation, and other track‑and‑trace systems on packaging and manufacturing lines.
• Integrate vision inspection technologies (cameras, lighting, optics) with track‑and‑trace hardware (printers, scanners) to create a cohesive quality and identification system.
• Ensure seamless data flow and integration from vision and track‑and‑trace systems to control systems (PLCs, printers, scanners) and enterprise‑level software (ERP or MES).
• Lead the development and execution of OT systems lifecycle deliverables, including validation activities and associated documentation such as System Functional and Design Specifications.
• Evaluate and implement new tools for OT systems administration and maintenance, such as operating system and antivirus updates, user account management, and critical data backup.
• Establish project‑management techniques to monitor, report on, and control automation projects according to size and criticality (small to medium projects). Support capital projects when automation expertise is required.
• Coordinate and develop schedules with supply chain and operations to perform or support maintenance and other system changes during off‑peak hours, which may require overtime, overnight, or weekend work. Conform to EHS management system requirements and compliance obligations, promote continuous improvement, and consider EHS aspects during the design and change process.
• Provide training for OT systems users and engineers in new automation technologies and process control applications.
• Diagnose and troubleshoot OT system hardware, software, and networking issues, replace defective components as needed. Implement and validate OT systems upgrades and data migrations for DCS, PLCs, SCADA, and Data Historian systems. Conform to EHS procedures and policies, including incident reporting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related discipline with a minimum of six (6) years of relevant experience required; Master’s degree with a minimum of four (4) years of relevant experience.
• Experience administering and/or configuring Distributed Control Systems (DCS) such as Emerson DeltaV or Foxboro I/A.
• Experience with SCADA and PLCs (e.g., Allen‑Bradley ControlLogix), programming in ladder logic and instructional texts.
• Experience with commissioning and qualification activities, including computerized systems validation.
• Solid understanding of pharmaceutical and biotechnology manufacturing processes, including operational best practices and regulatory expectations.
• Industry experience with FDA, GMP, 21CFR11, data integrity, safety and environmental legislation.

Preferred

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering is highly desired.
• Six years of experience with automation equipment specifically in SCADA and PLC programming in ladder logic is highly desired.
• Experience with HMI graphics development and management is desired.
• Experience administering and/or configuring a data historian system is desired.

Additional Information

The compensation range described below is the range of possible base pay compensation that the Company believes in good faith it will pay for this role at the time of this posting based on the job grade for this position. Individual compensation paid within this range will depend on many factors including geographic location, and may ultimately be more or less than the posted range. This range may be modified in the future.

We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick), medical/dental/vision insurance, and 401(k) to eligible employees.

This job is eligible to participate in our short‑term incentive programs.

AbbVie is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to operating with integrity, driving innovation, transforming lives, and serving our community. Equal Opportunity Employer / Veterans / Disabled.

US & Puerto Rico applicants seeking a reasonable accommodation, click here to learn more: https://www.abbvie.com/join-us/reasonable-accommodations.html

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