Automation Engineer

Sanofi; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 75,000 - 108,000; Full time

Job summary

Sanofi is seeking an Automation Engineer at their Swiftwater, PA site to support manufacturing system automation, changes, testing, and on‑call support. You will collaborate with QA, IT, and operations to ensure compliant, efficient automation across DCS/SCADA environments and PLCs.

The role requires 2+ years in biopharma automation, knowledge of DeltaV/Aveva/OPC, and a bachelor’s degree in engineering. Excellent communication and cross‑functional teamwork are essential.

Qualifications

• Automation and Engineering: 2+ years of direct experience in automation systems in biopharma.
• Knowledge in DCS (DeltaV), SCADA (Aveva), PLCs in manufacturing.
• Data acquisition from PLCs into higher level apps using OPC preferred.
• Team collaboration and strong communication across projects.
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering and English proficiency.

Responsibilities

• System Integration: ensure seamless automation system integration with digital applications.
• Deliverable Accountability: ensure GMP/compliance, specs, test protocols, validation.
• On-call support and cross‑functional collaboration with Operations, QA, IT.
• Troubleshoot and optimize automated process equipment to improve yield.

Skills

Automation

Process control

DCS/SCADA

PLC

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering

Tools

DeltaV

Aveva

OPC

Job description

Job Title: Automation Engineer Location: Swiftwater, PA

About the Job

Sanofi is an innovative global healthcare company with one purpose: to pursue scientific miracles to improve lives. Our team strives to transform the practice of medicine, connecting our science to communities in meaningful ways. Within our Sanofi Manufacturing & Supply Ambition, we’re redefining our strategy, culture, and processes to make a tangible impact worldwide. In this role, you'll join the Manufacturing Systems & Automation department at our Swiftwater site, supporting directly the manufacturing system automation. The role will support implementation of changes to the automation systems, updating design documents, executing testing, troubleshooting events, and being a part of the site automation on-call support. The role will provide Subject Matter Expert (SME) level support of all automated process control systems used in licensed manufacturing (including dedicated clean utilities) of the building that the Automation Engineer has been assigned to. The position will be the Manufacturing Systems & Automation Site Support interface with Operations personnel, QA Compliance, Information Systems, Engineering, Maintenance and the site wide Automation Support technicians.

The Automation Engineer must exhibit strong customer communication skills and have in-depth technical knowledge of process control systems and equipment used in biotech/ pharmaceutical manufacturing and utility systems. This position will support the highly complex automated systems installed in the new and existing manufacturing facilities, security and its support systems.

Expected results from this position would include hands‑on support of automated system in manufacturing (including Building Automation Systems), troubleshooting of automated process equipment and process systems, coordination of contractors, execution of site change controls, aiding in the investigation of process deviations and providing expertise for process evaluation and product improvements for better quality and yields.

The role will provide improved response time to failures in manufacturing and implement site automation standard procedures and Global Engineering Practices.

Join a global network that powers how Sanofi delivers — seamlessly, purposefully, and at scale. In Manufacturing & Supply, you’ll help reimagine how life‑changing treatments reach people everywhere, faster.

About Sanofi

We’re an R&D‑driven, AI‑powered biopharma company committed to improving people’s lives and delivering compelling growth. Our deep understanding of the immune system and innovative pipeline – enables us to invent medicines and vaccines that treat and protect millions of people around the world. Together, we chase the miracles of science to improve lives.

Main responsibilities

• System Integration: Ensure seamless integration of automation systems with digital applications to support production, quality control, and data management.
• Deliverable Accountability: Ensure compliance with GMP and regulatory standards (C&Q), including user/functional/detailed specification development, test protocols, and system validation.
• Work closely with the client to understand their needs and develop strategies tailored to their organization through site assessments.
• Risk and Compliance Management: Identify and proactively manage risks. Ensure compliance with GMP to minimize disruptions to timelines and costs.
• Training and Support: Develop and deliver specialized training materials for staff to ensure proper operation and maintenance of automated systems. Provide ongoing support post‑implementation.
• Collaboration and Documentation: Collaborate with Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Quality, Facilities, and Tech Transfer departments to capture and document detailed requirements.
• Standards and Best Practices: Develop standards and best practices for development and validation activities. Lead cross‑functional teams through design reviews and user acceptance testing during the development change and validation process.
• Operational Meetings: Participate in facility operational meetings to ensure facility reporting needs are met.
• Operational Oversight: Oversee the daily monitoring, troubleshooting, and support of automation systems (PLCs, SCADA, DCS, and other control systems) to ensure continuous production with minimal downtime and maximum efficiency.
• Continuous Improvement: Identify, propose, and implement process and system improvements to enhance automation performance, reduce costs, and improve flexibility in manufacturing operations.
• Cross‑Functional Collaboration: Work closely with engineering, production, quality, IT, and other cross‑functional teams to ensure alignment of automation systems with production goals and regulatory requirements.
• Compliance & Risk Management: Ensure that all automation activities comply with GMP, safety standards, and other relevant regulations. Lead efforts to manage risks associated with automation systems and address any compliance issues proactively.
• On‑Call Support: Be available to provide "on call" support during off‑shift hours, based on a rotating schedule, to support manufacturing operations.

About you

Basic Qualifications

• Automation and Engineering: 2+ years of direct experience in automation systems and automation support within biopharma or related industries is preferred.
• Process Control Systems: Knowledge in systems like DCS (DeltaV), SCADA (Aveva), PLCs, and related automation technologies in a manufacturing context.
• Machine connectivity understanding with data acquisition from PLCs into higher level applications like Historian, ERPs, etc... using current technologies like OPC is preferred.
• Soft and Technical Skills: Team Collaboration: Ability to collaborate effectively with cross‑functional teams.
• Analytical Skills: Problem‑solving abilities.
• Communication: Effective communication skills for engaging diverse stakeholders across projects.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Electrical, Chemical, Mechanical, Automation, Computer Science, Biotechnology, Computer Sciences, and/or applicable technical field related to engineering in the biopharma sector. Relevant work experience may be substituted for the required college degree.
• Languages: English: Proficiency in both written and spoken English.

Why choose us?

Bring the miracles of science to life alongside a supportive, future‑focused team. Discover endless opportunities to grow your talent and drive your career, whether it’s through a promotion or lateral move, at home or internationally. Enjoy a thoughtful, well‑crafted rewards package that recognizes your contribution and amplifies your impact. Take good care of yourself and your family, with a wide range of health and wellbeing benefits including high‑quality healthcare, prevention and wellness programs and at least 14 weeks’ gender‑neutral parental leave. Shape the future of medicine and vaccine delivery with cutting‑edge technology, ensuring seamless launches and a resilient global supply. Power industry‑leading performance by leveraging digital, data, and AI‑driven innovation – at speed and scale Transform lives worldwide by delivering life‑changing treatments anywhere, anytime.

Salary and benefits

The salary range for this position is: $75,000.00 - $108,333.33 All compensation will be determined commensurate with demonstrated experience. Employees may be eligible to participate in Company employee benefit programs. Additional benefits information can be found through the LINK.

Equal opportunity

Sanofi US Services and its U.S. affiliates are Equal Opportunity employers committed to a culturally inclusive workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; creed; religion; national origin; age; ancestry; nationality; marital, domestic partnership or civil union status; sex, gender, gender identity or expression; affectional or sexual orientation; disability; veteran or military status or liability for military status; domestic violence victim status; atypical cellular or blood trait; genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing) or any other characteristic protected by law. #GD-SP #LI-SP #vhd

US and Puerto Rico Residents Only Sanofi Inc. and its U.S. affiliates are Equal Opportunity and Affidavit Action employers committed to a culturally inclusive and diverse workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; creed; religion; national origin; age; ancestry; nationality; natural or protective hairstyles; marital, domestic partnership or civil union status; sex, gender, gender identity or expression; affectional or sexual orientation; disability; veteran or military status or liability for military status; domestic violence victim status; atypical cellular or blood trait; genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing) or any other characteristic protected by law.

North America Applicants Only

The salary range for this position is: $75,000.00 - $108,333.33 All compensation will be determined commensurate with demonstrated experience. Employees may be eligible to participate in Company employee benefit programs. Additional benefits information can be found through the LINK.