Automation Engineer - Advanced Therapy Bioreactors

ABEC; Bethlehem (Clearfield County); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

ABEC in Bethlehem is seeking an Automation Engineer responsible for designing, developing, and testing automation software for bioreactor systems. This role demands a Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering and 3-5+ years of relevant automation experience. Responsibilities include programming PLCs, supporting Factory Acceptance Tests, and interfacing with internal teams. The position requires proficiency with Allen-Bradley or related platforms, and the ability to manage project costs. Limited travel is expected, with a focus on continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent automation job experience required.
• 3-5+ years with current automation systems experience.
• Detail-oriented with understanding of programming standards.

Responsibilities

• Assume a project lead role interfacing with internal/external teams.
• Define automation scope and work based on project requirements.
• Program PLCs, OITs, HMIs, DCS controllers as needed.
• Support Factory and Site Acceptance Tests.
• Estimate automation and hardware requirements for projects.

Skills

Proficient with Allen-Bradley, Delta V, or Siemens

Microcontroller programming (C/C++)

Automation and control systems design

Troubleshooting electro-mechanical equipment

Education

Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or related discipline

Job description

Company Overview

ABEC is a leading supplier to the biopharmaceutical manufacturing industry. ABEC's unique value is based on combining long experience with the ability to engineer, design, manufacture, commission, qualify, and service the entire bioprocess to reduce overall cost, shorten time to market, and maximize productivity. ABEC's products include process and equipment engineering/consulting services, comprehensive site services, bioreactors and fermenters, filtration and chromatography systems, prep and hold systems, and cleaning/sterilization systems.

Position Summary

The Automation Engineer is responsible for performing the day-to-day project duties of designing, developing, and testing automation software for bioreactor systems. Primary responsibilities include translating User Requirement Specifications (URS) into functional automation code and testing software functionality with various electro‑mechanical systems.

Responsibilities

• Assume a project lead role to interface with internal teams, external contractors, and drive automation development for projects.
• Define automation scope of work and develop required specifications based on thorough understanding of project requirements and objectives.
• Program PLCs, OITs, HMIs, MCUs, DCS controllers and smart instruments as requested.
• Develop plans for and assist with Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT) and Site Acceptance Tests (SAT).
• Support design and manufacturing with integration of system controls as requested.
• Coordinate design and/or manufacturing and software efforts to ensure compliance.
• Estimate automation, hardware, software and manpower requirements for project.
• Control project costs and meet target project milestones.
• Execute quality management plans in accordance with quality standards.
• Evaluate and recommend automation upgrades to existing equipment or systems.
• Provide technical support to customers, sales and marketing.
• Support Field Services with respect to automation needs both planned and unscheduled.
• Maintain organized project and/or software records.
• Play an active role in identifying and driving Continuous Improvement (CI) opportunity.
• Execute other tasks as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or related discipline, or equivalent automation related job experience.
• 3-5+ years with current automation systems experience.
• Proficient with one or more of the following hardware/software platforms: Allen-Bradley, Delta V, or Siemens.
• Experience with microcontroller programming (C/C++) a plus.
• Current skills in automation and control systems design, development, and programming from scope and P&ID framework.
• cGMP and GAMP 5 experience in Bio-Pharm or Pharmaceutical industry experience preferred.
• Detail oriented with a solid understanding of current programming standards, industry design fundamentals, and related simulation/de‑bugging processes.
• Experience troubleshooting electro‑mechanical equipment a plus.
• Must be proficient in English with excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Good organizational skills with the ability to multi‑task across functional groups.
• Must work well both independently and in a team‑oriented, collaborative environment.
• Limited travel will be required (not expected to exceed 20%). International travel possible.
• Awareness of and prior experience with implementing Continuous Improvement (CI) or Lean/Six Sigma a plus.