Industrial Automation Engineer - Pharmaceutical Manufacturing

Phlow; Petersburg (VA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading pharmaceutical manufacturer based in Petersburg, VA is seeking a highly skilled Automation Engineer. The role includes maintaining and troubleshooting automation systems to ensure optimal production efficiency, performing preventive maintenance, and calibrating process instrumentation. Candidates should have at least 3 years of experience in a regulated manufacturing environment, strong electrical skills, and be familiar with Lean principles. This position offers the chance to contribute to innovative pharmaceutical manufacturing processes.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years in a manufacturing environment, preferably pharmaceutical.
• Strong electrical and mechanical troubleshooting skills.
• Experience with installation and calibration of new equipment.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and troubleshoot automation systems for production efficiency.
• Perform preventive maintenance on production machines and HVAC systems.
• Oversee process instrumentation calibrations and maintain records.

Skills

Control system troubleshooting

Collaboration skills

Documentation skills

Lean manufacturing principles

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree or technical certification in related field

Tools

Computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS)

Rockwell software

Job description

Description

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Automation Engineer to join our pharmaceutical manufacturing plant and help create the future of how medicines are made. The mission is to help brilliant minds bring medicines to life through advanced development and manufacturing in America.

Responsibilities

• Maintain, repair, and troubleshoot all automation systems and process controls to ensure optimal production efficiency and compliance with safety and regulatory standards.
• Diagnose, troubleshoot, and solve control system issues on both process and building systems/equipment, implementing corrective actions to minimize downtime.
• Perform scheduled preventive maintenance on all automation systems, including production machines, HVAC systems, and logic controllers.
• Oversee all process instrumentation calibrations, ensuring on‑time completion, GMP‑compliant record keeping, and root cause analysis for non‑conformances.
• Assist in the installation, commissioning, and calibration of new equipment, ensuring installations comply with industry standards and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain accurate records of maintenance activities and ensure all work is performed in compliance with GMP, OSHA, and other relevant safety and regulatory standards.
• Collaborate closely with production, quality assurance, engineering, and site IT departments to coordinate maintenance activities and minimize disruption to production schedules.
• Identify opportunities for process improvement and recommend enhancements to equipment and maintenance procedures to increase efficiency, reduce costs, and improve safety.
• Work with external contractors and vendors to complete projects, secure spare parts, and implement solutions resulting from root cause analysis and continuous improvement.
• Follow and enforce all safety protocols, including Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures, and maintain a safe working environment.

Requirements

• Deep understanding of Distributed Control Systems (DCS) and ability to assist with daily operational issues and long‑term projects.
• Programming edits, backup management, fault and alarm troubleshooting, I/O point additions, low‑voltage control circuits, Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) parameter programming, and PID tuning.
• Experience diagnosing and solving control system issues on both process and building systems/equipment.
• Experience with preventive maintenance on automation systems, production machines, HVAC systems, and logic controllers.
• Experience overseeing process instrumentation calibrations and GMP record keeping.
• Experience with installation, commissioning, and calibration of new equipment.
• Strong documentation skills; maintain accurate, GMP‑compliant records.
• Strong collaboration skills with cross‑functional departments and external contractors.
• Experience with Lean manufacturing principles and data analysis.
• Knowledge of GMP, OSHA, and other regulatory requirements in a pharmaceutical environment.
• Ability to manage third‑party contractors and related service contracts.

Experience and Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in a manufacturing environment, handling related responsibilities; pharmaceutical or similar regulated industry experience preferred.
• College degree or technical certification in electrical engineering, automation controls, computer science, industrial engineering, systems engineering, or a related field.
• Strong electrical and mechanical aptitude with experience troubleshooting and repairing complex systems.
• Ability to make program edits, UI alterations, and data trending on complex control systems.
• Proficiency in reading and interpreting blueprints, schematics, and technical manuals.
• Familiarity with computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS).
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
• Excellent problem‑solving and communication skills.
• Knowledge and application of lean manufacturing and data analysis.
• Experience managing 3rd‑party contractors and related service contracts.
• Familiarity with R.E. Mason, Rockwell, building HVAC, and data network/server control systems.
• Ability to interpret and apply GMP, OSHA, and other regulatory standards.
• Proficient in CMMS usage.

Schedule and Physical Requirements

• Primary work at the Petersburg, VA manufacturing site; occasional work at the Richmond laboratory site.
• Primary working hours are Monday–Friday 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM; may require off‑hour, weekend, or holiday work based on production schedules.
• Physical: lift up to 55 lb routinely; frequent reaching, bending, twisting, turning, climbing; walk, stand, climb stairs or crossovers for extended periods; work at heights above 4 ft.
• Work in varying indoor factory and outdoor environments, including high noise areas.
• Willing and able to wear required PPE including respirators, gloves, safety glasses, protective clothing.
• Good manual dexterity for hand tools, instrumentation, and measuring devices.
• Near and far visual acuity required for operating equipment, reading gauges, monitoring processes.