Associate Principal Automation Engineer

PowerToFly; New Jersey; On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Participation in short-term incentive programs

Job summary

PowerToFly in New Jersey is looking for an automation specialist responsible for designing and maintaining automation systems across manufacturing operations. You will lead automation projects, ensure compliance with regulations, and provide technical support for various systems.

The ideal candidate has a Bachelor’s degree and at least six years of relevant experience, particularly in distributed control systems and regulatory standards. Attractive benefits and a compensation package are included.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 6 years of relevant experience required.
• Experience with DCS, SCADA, and PLCs.
• Solid understanding of pharmaceutical manufacturing processes.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and maintain automation systems.
• Lead small to medium-sized automation projects.
• Provide technical support and troubleshooting for OT systems.

Skills

Distributed Control Systems (DCS)

SCADA

PLC programming (ladder logic)

Commissioning and qualification

Regulatory compliance (FDA, GMP)

Education

Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, or related discipline

Master's degree in computer science, engineering, or related discipline

Tools

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. Leads small to medium‑size automation projects to assure the project is implemented as per the project schedule. Provides technical support and system troubleshooting for systems and areas assigned to this position. Responsible for the administration and maintenance of assigned OT systems as per applicable departmental procedures.

Responsibilities

• Develops moderate to complex control configuration or programming in accordance with design documents to meet functional requirements.
• Acts as a subject‑matter expert for automation applications, leading the design and deployment of automated visual systems, aggregation, and other track‑and‑trace systems on packaging and manufacturing lines.
• Integrates vision inspection technologies (cameras, lighting, optics) with track‑and‑trace hardware (printers, scanners) to form a cohesive quality and identification system.
• Ensures 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).
• Leads the development and execution of OT systems lifecycle deliverables, including validation activities and associated documentation such as system functional and design specifications.
• Evaluates and implements new tools for OT systems administration and maintenance, such as operating system and antivirus updates, user account management, and critical data backup.
• Establishes project‑management techniques to monitor, report on, and control automation projects according to size and criticality (small to medium projects). Supports capital projects when automation expertise is required.
• Coordinates and develops 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. Conforms to EHS management system requirements and compliance obligations, promotes continuous improvement, and considers EHS aspects during the design and change process.
• Provides training for OT systems users and engineers in new automation technologies and process control applications.
• Diagnoses and troubleshoots OT system hardware, software, and networking issues, replaces defective components as needed. Implements and validates OT systems upgrades and data migrations for DCS, PLCs, SCADA, and data historian systems. Complies with all 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 in computer science, engineering, or related discipline with a minimum of four (4) years of relevant experience.
• Working experience administering and/or configuring distributed control systems (DCS) such as Emerson DeltaV, Foxboro I/A.
• Working experience with SCADA and PLCs (such as 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 exposure to 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 and instructional texts is highly desired.
• Experience with HMI graphics development and management is desired.
• Experience administering and/or configuring a data historian system is desired.

Compensation

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 the Company may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range. This range may be modified in the future.

Benefits

• Comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick), medical/dental/vision insurance and 401(k) to eligible employees.
• Eligibility to participate in short‑term incentive programs.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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.