Automation Engineer (DCS)

Radiometer; Muskegon (MI); On-site; USD 105,000 - 145,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus/incentive pay

Job summary

Cytiva is seeking an Automation Engineer (DCS) for its Muskegon, MI site to lead start‑up and establishment of distributed control systems. The role involves collaboration with the Uppsala team, training end users, and delivering robust manufacturing controls for plastics and biotech processes.

The ideal candidate has a chemical/mechanical/electrical engineering background or 15+ years in a similar setting, plus hands‑on experience with DeltaV/800xA/PlantPAx and GAMP validation.

Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in chemical, mechanical, electrical engineering or equivalent, or 15+ years of relevant experience.
• Minimum five years of direct management or maintenance experience on automation systems (DeltaV/800xA/PlantPAx).
• Experience with ISA S88 batch standard and GAMP validation approaches.
• Strong cross‑functional communication and coordination in 24/7 manufacturing environments.
• Travel up to 5–10%, domestic and international.

Responsibilities

• Lead automation projects from concept through configuration and development with vendors and the Uppsala team.
• Monitor system performance, provide technical support, and train operators and engineers on DCS/PLC systems.
• Create technical documentation, execute validation plans, and drive continuous improvement of control systems.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Coordination

Project planning

Education

Bachelor's degree in chemical, mechanical or electrical engineering

Tools

Emerson DeltaV

ABB 800xA

Rockwell PlantPAx

Job description

Bring more to life. Are you ready to accelerate your potential and make a real difference within life sciences, diagnostics and biotechnology? At Cytiva, one of Danaher’s 15+ operating companies, our work saves lives—and we’re all united by a shared commitment to innovate for tangible impact. You’ll thrive in a culture of belonging where you and your unique viewpoint matter. And by harnessing Danaher’s system of continuous improvement, you help turn ideas into impact – innovating at the speed of life. Working at Cytiva means being at the forefront of providing new solutions to transform human health. Our incredible customers undertake life-saving activities ranging from fundamental biological research to developing innovative vaccines, new medicines, and cell and gene therapies. At Cytiva you will be able to continuously improve yourself and us – working on challenges that truly matter with people that care for each other, our customers, and their patients. Take your next step to an altogether life-changing career. Learn about the Danaher Business System which makes everything possible.

The Automation Engineer (DCS) role will support Cytiva’s new plant for manufacturing of chromatography resins located in Muskegon, MI. This exciting role will lead start-up and establishment of distributed control systems (DCS) on the site to support all parts of manufacturing and building management. You are expected to travel outside of the US as the Muskegon site cooperates with our Uppsala site in Sweden. Your duties vary from assisting with deployment of world class distributed control systems, changes and improvements to systems and training of end users. You will work in a highly collaborative environment with the Operational Technology team in Uppsala Sweden. This position reports to the Sr. Manager, Engineering and is part of the Engineering team located in Muskegon, MI and will be an on-site role.

What you will do:

• Lead automation projects and teams through concept planning, configuration, and development. This will work take place in cooperation with vendors and the Uppsala Sweden automation team.
• Monitoring system performance and functionality, and provide technical support, operator and engineer training and instruction for the various DCS and PLC (Programmable Logic Control) systems at the site.
• Develop technical documentation of projects and maintenance activities, execute validation plans, and continuously work to improve the various control and operating systems.

Who you are:

• Bachelors degree in chemical, mechanical, electrical engineering or similar discipline or 15+ years of experience in a similar setting.
• Have a minimum of five years of direct experience in management, and/or maintenance of current process automation systems like Emerson DeltaV and ABB 800xA, and Rockwell PlantPAx.
• Have direct experience with automation project execution observing the ISA S88 batch standard and Good Automated Manufacturing Practices (GAMP).
• Possess strong communication and coordination skills across a multi-disciplinary spectrum for manufacturing, including operations, maintenance, engineering, quality, and management of control systems in a 24/7 environment.
• Problem solving and technical issue resolution in commissioning and operating environments to deliver safe and robust systems for manufacturing.
• Travel, Motor Vehicle Record & Physical/Environment Requirements: Ability to travel – 5-10%, overnight, domestic and international.

It would be a plus if you also possess previous experience in:

• Direct experience in programming and/or configuration of Emerson DeltaV, ABB 800xA, or Rockwell PlantPAx.
• Has experience in the Life Sciences or Pharmaceutical industry with knowledge of requirements for documentation, change management and validation as well as the batch concept.
• Working with control systems in a virtualized environment.
• Experience with the full lifecycle of safety instrumented systems.
• Have knowledge of the ISA 95 standard, as well as basic understanding of control system.

Cytiva, a Danaher operating company, offers a broad array of comprehensive, competitive benefit programs that add value to our lives. Whether it’s a health care program or paid time off, our programs contribute to life beyond the job. Check out our benefits at Danaher Benefits Info.

This job is also eligible for bonus/incentive pay. Note: No amount of pay is considered to be wages or compensation until such amount is earned, vested, and determinable. The amount and availability of any bonus, commission, benefits, or any other form of compensation and benefits that are allocable to a particular employee remains in the Company's sole discretion unless and until paid and may be modified at the Company’s sole discretion, consistent with the law.

Danaher Corporation and all Danaher Companies are committed to equal opportunity regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or other characteristics protected by law. The U.S. EEO posters are available here. We comply with federal and state disability laws and make reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact: 1-202-419-7762 or [e-mail].

Danaher is a leading global life sciences, biotechnology, and diagnostics innovator, helping to solve many of the world’s most important health challenges, ultimately improving quality of life for billions of people today, while setting the foundation for a healthier, more sustainable tomorrow. The Danaher ecosystem is made up of more than 15 businesses united by a shared commitment to innovate for tangible impact. Please read our Applicant Data Privacy Notice carefully here.