Automation Engineer

United Pharma; South Carolina; On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

United Pharma is seeking an experienced Automation Engineer to support automation systems and manufacturing operations in a pharmaceutical/biotechnology setting. The ideal candidate will have hands-on PLC programming, control systems integration, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement within regulated facilities.

Responsibilities include designing and maintaining automation for manufacturing, configuring PLC-based controls, and validating equipment through FAT/SAT.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related technical field.
• 3–5 years of experience in automation engineering or process control.
• Experience in pharmaceutical/biotech regulated environments preferred.
• Hands-on PLC programming, configuration, and troubleshooting.
• Familiarity with HMI, SCADA, DCS, and industrial communication protocols.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, implement, and maintain automation and control systems for pharmaceutical manufacturing.
• Program, configure, troubleshoot, and maintain PLC-based control systems.
• Support automation platforms including PLCs, HMIs, SCADA, DCS.
• Assist installation, commissioning, testing, and qualification of equipment.
• Integrate automation with process equipment, manufacturing systems, and utilities.
• Troubleshoot control system failures and process automation issues.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Validation, and Maintenance teams.
• Support equipment upgrades and automation improvement projects.
• Develop and maintain automation documentation and system configurations.
• Support FAT, SAT, commissioning, and qualification activities.
• Ensure compliance with GMP, company procedures, and regulatory standards.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI/SCADA/DCS

Industrial automation

Troubleshooting

Cross-functional collaboration

Regulatory compliance

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Automation Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Instrumentation

Tools

Allen-Bradley/Rockwell

Siemens

Mitsubishi

Job description

We are seeking an experienced Automation Engineer to support automation systems and manufacturing operations within a pharmaceutical or biotechnology environment. The ideal candidate will have experience with industrial automation, PLC programming, control systems, equipment integration, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement in regulated manufacturing facilities.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design, develop, implement, and maintain automation and control systems for pharmaceutical and biotechnology manufacturing operations.
• Program, configure, troubleshoot, and maintain PLC-based control systems.
• Support automation platforms, including PLCs, HMIs, SCADA, DCS, and related control systems.
• Support installation, commissioning, testing, and qualification of new manufacturing equipment and automated systems.
• Integrate automation systems with process equipment, manufacturing systems, and facility utilities.
• Troubleshoot control system failures, equipment malfunctions, communication issues, and process automation problems.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Validation, and Maintenance teams to resolve technical issues.
• Support equipment upgrades, system modifications, and automation improvement projects.
• Develop and maintain automation documentation, including functional specifications, control narratives, test documentation, and system configuration records.
• Support FAT, SAT, commissioning, and qualification activities.
• Ensure automation systems comply with GMP requirements, company procedures, and applicable regulatory standards.

Skills & Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Instrumentation, or a related technical field.
• 3–5 years of experience in automation engineering, process control, or industrial automation.
• Experience working in pharmaceutical, biotechnology, biopharmaceutical, or other regulated manufacturing environments preferred.
• Hands-on experience with PLC programming, configuration, and troubleshooting.
• Knowledge of automation and control systems such such as Allen-Bradley/Rockwell, Siemens, Mitsubishi, or similar platforms.
• Experience with HMI, SCADA, DCS, and industrial communication protocols.
• Understanding of instrumentation, sensors, actuators, process controls, and automated manufacturing equipment.
• Experience with equipment installation, commissioning, FAT, SAT, and qualification.
• Knowledge of GMP requirements, GxP practices, and regulated manufacturing documentation.
• Familiarity with validation and qualification activities for automated systems.
• Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and root cause problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams, vendors, and system integrators.
• Strong communication, documentation, and project coordination skills.