Automation Engineer

SoTalent; Round Lake (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sign-on bonus

Healthcare benefits

Retirement savings plans

Paid leave

Job summary

SoTalent is seeking an experienced Automation Engineer to enhance manufacturing operations at a production facility. You will focus on improving automated systems, increasing equipment reliability, and driving efficiency across the site.

Working with production, quality, and CI teams, you will modernise processes and advance digital manufacturing initiatives. A sign-on bonus is available for external candidates after an initial period.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field required.
• 8+ years in an engineering role within manufacturing.
• Experience in regulated production environments and pharma materials.
• Strong knowledge of compliance, safety standards, and validation processes.
• Experience with industrial automation systems including PLCs and safety systems.
• Familiarity with robotics, machine vision, and motion control technologies.
• Understanding of hydraulics and pneumatics in mechanical systems.
• Exposure to Industry 4.0 concepts and data analytics.
• Knowledge of continuous improvement methodologies (e.g., Six Sigma).
• Experience developing and executing validation protocols.

Responsibilities

• Identify opportunities to improve control systems and reliability.
• Design and implement solutions aligned with priorities and long-term goals.
• Diagnose and optimise automated systems for performance and uptime.
• Contribute to digital transformation via automation and data integration.
• Ensure regulatory compliance and quality standards with cross-functional teams.
• Develop and execute validation plans and document outcomes.
• Lead investigations and corrective actions for non-conformances.
• Manage change control for equipment and system updates.
• Provide technical leadership on complex projects.
• Mentor and guide engineering teams on performance initiatives.

Skills

PLC & Safety Systems

Robotics & Motion Control

Machine Vision

Industry 4.0 & Analytics

Six Sigma / Continuous Improvement

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

Tools

SCADA

Serialization

Job description

Join an organisation committed to improving healthcare outcomes worldwide. Here, your work contributes directly to enhancing quality of life by advancing how essential medical products are developed and delivered. You’ll be part of a collaborative environment where innovation, accountability, and teamwork are central to everything we do.

This role offers more than just a career step—it provides the opportunity to contribute to meaningful, real-world impact.

A sign-on bonus is available for successful external candidates after an initial employment period.

The Role

They are looking for an experienced Automation Engineer to support and enhance manufacturing operations at a production facility. In this position, you will focus on improving automated systems, increasing equipment reliability, and driving efficiency across the site.

Working closely with production, quality, and continuous improvement teams, you will play a key role in modernising processes and advancing digital manufacturing initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify opportunities to improve control systems, address outdated components, and increase equipment reliability
• Design and implement solutions that align with operational priorities and long-term business objectives
• Diagnose and optimise automated systems to improve performance, uptime, and consistency
• Contribute to digital transformation efforts, including automation and data integration initiatives
• Ensure compliance with regulatory and quality standards in collaboration with cross-functional teams
• Develop and execute validation plans and document outcomes
• Lead investigations into non-conformance issues and implement corrective actions
• Manage change control processes related to equipment and system updates
• Act as a technical expert for troubleshooting and performance-related challenges
• Provide guidance and leadership on complex engineering projects

What You Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (e.g. Electrical, Mechanical, Chemical, or similar)
• Significant experience (typically 8+ years) in an engineering role within a manufacturing environment
• Willingness to work in a regulated production setting involving specific pharmaceutical materials
• Strong knowledge of compliance requirements, safety standards, and validation processes
• Experience with industrial automation systems, including PLCs and safety systems
• Familiarity with robotics, machine vision, and motion control technologies
• Understanding of mechanical systems, including hydraulics and pneumatics
• Experience with SCADA or serialisation systems is advantageous
• Proven ability to develop and execute validation protocols
• Exposure to modern manufacturing concepts such as Industry 4.0, including advanced analytics or AI-driven systems
• Knowledge of continuous improvement methodologies (e.g. Six Sigma)

Additional Information

• This is an on-site, full-time role with limited travel requirements
• Candidates must have the legal right to work in the United States; visa sponsorship is not available
• Compensation is competitive and based on experience, skills, and location, and may include performance-related incentives
• A comprehensive benefits package is offered, including healthcare, retirement savings plans, paid leave, and wellbeing support programmes

We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace and welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to legally protected characteristics.