Automation & Controls Specialist

Biopharma Careers; Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 98,000 - 147,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

PTO

Retirement contributions

Job summary

MilliporeSigma’s Milwaukee, WI site seeks an Automation and Controls Specialist to design, program, and implement control strategies that optimize manufacturing using PLCs, SCADA, DCS, and HMI. You will lead end-to-end automation projects and collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure safety, quality, and reliability.

You will mentor junior staff, develop documentation, and stay current with automation trends, ISO 9001 compliance, and scalable robotic solutions for production and QC

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a relevant engineering field with 2+ years (Master’s) or 4+ years (Bachelor’s) of experience.
• Proficiency in automation, robotics, and control systems across PLCs, SCADA, DCS, HMIs.

Responsibilities

• Designs and implements automation, control, and robotic systems.
• Diagnoses and optimizes automation and control systems for throughput and reliability.
• Lead end-to-end automation projects and collaborate with cross-functional teams.

Skills

PLCs

SCADA

DCS

HMI

Motion control

Robotics

Mechatronics

Python

Automation

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Mechatronics, Computer or Controls Engineering

Master’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Mechatronics, Computer or Controls Engineering

Tools

CAD

MATLAB

C/C++

Python

Job description

Work Your Magic with us! Start your next chapter and join MilliporeSigma.Ready to explore, break barriers, and discover more? We know you've got big plans - so do we! Our colleagues across the globe love innovating with science and technology to enrich people’s lives with our solutions in Healthcare, Life Science, and Electronics. Together, we dream big and are passionate about caring for our rich mix of people, customers, patients, and planet. That's why we are always looking for curious minds that see themselves imagining the unimaginable with us.

This role does not offer sponsorship for work authorization. External applicants must be eligible to work in the US.

Your Role:

The Automation and Controls Specialist at the Milwaukee, WI site is responsible for designing, programming, and implementing control strategies to optimize manufacturing processes using advanced automation technologies. This role requires proficiency in configuring and troubleshooting systems such as PLCs, SCADA, DCS, and HMI. While the role focuses on Smart Manufacturing and CapEx projects implementation, day-to-day it may also support diagnosis and resolution of issues related to control systems throughout the Milwaukee Site. Job duties include:

• Understands business and operational needs and identifies opportunities to apply automation, robotics, and mechatronic technologies to improve efficiency and reliability.
• Designs, programs, implements, and optimizes automation, control, and robotic systems including PLCs, SCADA, DCS, HMI, motion control, and electromechanical equipment.
• Diagnoses, upgrades, and optimizes automation, robotics, and control systems to drive maximum throughput, equipment reliability, and operational stability.
• Collaborates with multidisciplinary teams and external partners to lead the successful transfer, validation, and implementation of automated solutions across Production, QC, and Technical Services.
• Works independently with substantial discretion while aligning decisions with engineering standards and company policies.
• Contributes to prototype development, system testing, and documentation of automation and mechatronic innovations.
• Manages end-to-end automation projects and timelines, mentors junior staff, maintains strict technical documentation, and ensures full compliance with safety and quality regulations.
• Serves as the primary automation and controls representative in technical and vendor meetings while independently leading projects of modest complexity.
• Introduces new automated processes in collaboration with quality, regulatory, safety, and production teams.
• Supports product and process launches by ensuring automation readiness and providing troubleshooting and optimization.
• Serves as a technical liaison between automation, maintenance, engineering, and other technical groups.
• Upholds strict safety regulations for all automation systems while providing hands-on training and mentorship to engineers, technicians, and production teams.
• Applies iterative and agile methodologies to automation and controls projects to improve development speed and outcomes.
• Develop and validate sustainable robotic packaging and inspection systems under ISO 9001, smoothly transferring operations to designated teams via comprehensive training, SOPs, and cross-departmental technical support.
• Monitors emerging automation, AI, and robotics trends to develop long-term project concepts with internal innovation teams while actively managing vendor relationships to support operational excellence.

Physical Attributes:

Maintains a strong safety profile while working in environments requiring PPE and a keen awareness of chemical, electrical, and mechanical hazards.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Mechatronics, Computer or Controls Engineering
• 4+ years of academic or industrial experience
• OR
• Master’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Mechatronics, Computer or Controls Engineering
• 2+ years of academic or industrial experience

Preferred Qualifications:

• Proficiency in hardware and software design, programming, and implementation across PLCs, SCADA, DCS, HMIs, motion controls, and automation languages (such as Python, MATLAB, C/C++, and PLC languages).
• Deep experience diagnosing and root‑causing issues within complex automation, electromechanical equipment, and control systems, with secondary skills in CAD, prototyping, and fabrication.
• Skilled in simulation tools, Design of Experiments (DOE), and tuning methodologies to optimize system performance under strict ISO 9001 and safe work guidelines.
• Proven capability to independently plan and execute projects (even with ambiguity), maintain rigorous technical documentation, and rapidly learn emerging mechatronic/AI technologies.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills used to present technical performance updates to leadership, collaborate cross‑functionally, and train production or technical teams.

Pay Range for this position:

$97,800.00 - $146,700.00

The offer range represents the anticipated low and high end of the base pay compensation for this position. The actual compensation offered will be determined by factors such as location, level of experience, education, skills, and other job-related factors. Position may be eligible for sales or performance-based bonuses. Benefits offered by the Company include health insurance, paid time off (PTO), retirement contributions, and other perquisites. For more information.

What we offer:

We are curious minds that come from a broad range of backgrounds, perspectives, and life experiences. We believe that this variety drives excellence and innovation, strengthening our ability to lead in science and technology. We are committed to creating access and opportunities for all to develop and grow at your own pace. Join us in building a culture of inclusion and belonging that impacts millions and empowers everyone to work their magic and champion human progress!