Automation Engineer

Virtue America; United States; On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Virtue America is seeking a motivated Entry-Level Automation Engineer to support automation systems in a regulated Pharma/Life Sciences environment. You will assist with system monitoring, troubleshooting, and data reporting while maintaining cGMP compliance.

Responsibilities include supporting PLC/HMI/SCADA/DCS, process improvements, and validation activities (FAT, SAT, IQ, OQ, PQ). Strong technical writing and teamwork are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's in Engineering or related field.
• Basic understanding of PLC, HMI, SCADA, DCS, sensors and instrumentation.
• Familiarity with pharmaceutical manufacturing processes.
• Understanding of cGMP, GDP, SOPs and change control.
• Basic knowledge of 21 CFR Part 11 and CSV/CSA preferred.
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting abilities.
• Effective technical writing and communication.

Responsibilities

• Assist operation, monitoring, and maintenance of automated manufacturing and laboratory systems.
• Support basic troubleshooting and configuration of PLC, HMI, SCADA, and DCS.
• Monitor equipment performance, alarms, trends, and process parameters to identify automation issues.
• Assist in implementing automation improvements for pharmaceutical manufacturing, packaging, utilities, and laboratory processes.
• Investigate automation-related issues and collaborate with Engineering, Manufacturing, QA, and Maintenance teams.
• Collect automation data, analyze trends, and prepare technical reports for continuous improvement.
• Assist with automation system qualification and validation activities (FAT, SAT, IQ, OQ, PQ).
• Prepare and maintain SOPs, system specifications, test scripts, change controls, and technical documentation per GDP.

Skills

PLC/HMI/SCADA/DCS

Analytical thinking

Technical writing

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Pharma industry familiarity

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s in Engineering

Tools

PLC/HMI/SCADA systems

Job description

We are seeking a motivated and technically oriented Entry-Level Automation Engineer to support automation, control systems, and manufacturing process improvement activities within a regulated Pharma/Life Sciences environment. The role will assist with automation system monitoring, troubleshooting, documentation, and process optimization while maintaining compliance with cGMP and FDA requirements.

Key Responsibilities:

• Automation Support: Assist with the operation, monitoring, and maintenance of automated manufacturing and laboratory systems.
• Control Systems: Support basic troubleshooting and configuration of PLC, HMI, SCADA, and distributed control systems (DCS).
• System Monitoring: Monitor equipment performance, alarms, trends, and process parameters to identify potential automation issues.
• Process Automation: Assist in implementing automation improvements for pharmaceutical manufacturing, packaging, utilities, and laboratory processes.
• Troubleshooting: Investigate automation-related issues and collaborate with Engineering, Manufacturing, QA, and Maintenance teams to identify root causes.
• Data & Reporting: Collect automation and process data, analyze trends, and prepare technical reports to support continuous improvement.
• Validation Support: Assist with automation system qualification and validation activities, including FAT, SAT, IQ, OQ, and PQ documentation and execution.
• Documentation: Prepare and maintain SOPs, system specifications, test scripts, change controls, and technical documentation in accordance with GDP requirements.
• Compliance: Ensure automation activities follow cGMP, FDA, data integrity, and site-specific quality procedures.
• Continuous Improvement: Participate in projects focused on improving equipment reliability, process efficiency, automation performance, and manufacturing consistency.

Required Skills:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Automation Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Instrumentation Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Biotechnology, Pharmaceutical Engineering, or a related field.
• Basic understanding of PLC, HMI, SCADA, DCS, sensors, instrumentation, and industrial control systems.
• Familiarity with pharmaceutical manufacturing processes and automated production equipment.
• Understanding of cGMP, GDP, SOPs, change control, deviation, and validation concepts.
• Basic knowledge of CSV/CSA and 21 CFR Part 11 is preferred.
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting abilities.
• Good technical writing and communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to work effectively in a regulated Pharma/Life Sciences environment.