Automation Engineer

Actalent; North Carolina; On-site; USD 90,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

6AM City, LLC in Raleigh, North Carolina, is seeking an Automation Engineer for Manufacturing Operations to develop, install, and support automated systems that enhance reliable, efficient manufacturing operations at its imaging site.

You will lead medium to large automation projects from concept through implementation within a cGMP-compliant environment, focusing on process control, instrumentation, and control software across the plant.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of experience in programming, maintaining, and troubleshooting DCS/PLC/HMI automation in an industrial setting.

Responsibilities

• Develop, install, and support automated systems and equipment that directly support manufacturing operations at the Raleigh imaging facility.

Skills

DCS programming

PLC/HMI

cGMP experience

P&IDs reading

Instrumentation & control

Tools

Foxboro I/A System

Allen-Bradley PLC/HMI

Job description

Job Description

Job Title: Automation Engineer - Manufacturing Operations

Job Description

This role focuses on developing, installing, and supporting automated systems and equipment that enable reliable, efficient manufacturing operations at a Raleigh-based imaging site. The Automation Engineer optimizes process control and instrumentation systems across the plant, serves as a key technical resource for distributed control systems and PLC-based automation, and leads medium to large automation projects from concept through implementation in a highly regulated, cGMP-compliant environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop, install, and support automated systems and equipment that directly support manufacturing operations at the Raleigh imaging facility.
• Design and execute plans to optimize process control and instrumentation systems throughout the plant, improving reliability, efficiency, and product quality.
• Establish and refine work processes and administrative controls, and deploy key functions that ensure robust automation and control performance.
• Provide technical support for a wide variety of instrumentation and control equipment, including troubleshooting and resolving complex electronic and mechanical issues.
• Actively participate as a team member on assigned plant projects, collaborating closely with project engineers, process engineers, mechanics, facilities personnel, and operations staff.
• Ensure all equipment is designed, maintained, and managed for maximum utility and favorable total cost of ownership.
• Serve as a key technical resource for automated systems with a strong focus on preventative maintenance, troubleshooting, and problem resolution.
• Program, configure, and troubleshoot distributed control systems (DCS), PLCs, SCADA systems, and human-machine interfaces (HMIs).
• Perform tasks in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and update SOPs as needed to reflect best practices and current processes.
• Develop, review, and interpret electrical drawings and other technical documentation in support of plant processes and automation systems.
• Communicate ideas, project status, and concerns clearly and effectively when working with cross-functional teams and internal stakeholders.
• Manage historical production data in accordance with current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMPs), ensuring data integrity and compliance.
• Work with internal customers and implementation resources to understand project requirements and translate them into effective automation solutions.
• Manage medium to large automation projects, monitoring scope, schedule, and budget to ensure alignment with the project plan.
• Create and maintain project schedules using project management software such as Microsoft Project or similar tools.
• Deliver regular status updates to leadership, partners, and internal resources, highlighting progress, risks, and mitigation plans.
• Prioritize and balance competing project demands and conflicting requirements to meet business and regulatory needs.
• Develop and manage Change Requests, Exceptions, and Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPAs) in accordance with site procedures.
• Work safely in accordance with applicable regulations, standards, and procedures, minimizing risk to health, safety, and the environment.
• Notify management promptly of unsafe conditions or practices, unlawful activities, or activities that present unreasonable health or environmental risk.
• Report all safety and environmental incidents to management immediately and accurately.
• Enforce environmental, health, and safety (EHS) procedures and respond to EHS concerns within your area of operational responsibility.
• Conduct thorough incident investigations for safety or environmental events that occur within your scope of responsibility.
• Follow through on all safety-related corrective actions within the department to ensure issues are resolved and improvements sustained.

Essential Skills

• 3-5 years of experience in programming, maintaining, and troubleshooting Distributed Control Systems (DCS) and PLC/HMI-based automation in an industrial setting.
• Hands-on experience with Distributed Control Systems, with Foxboro I/A System strongly preferred.
• Hands-on experience with PLCs and HMIs, with Allen-Bradley platforms strongly preferred.
• Experience working in a pharmaceutical or other regulated industrial environment operating under cGMP requirements.
• Proven track record in the design and development of industrial automation, instrumentation, and control systems.
• Ability to develop, read, and understand Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs) and control sch