Automation Engineer III

SLAS (Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening); Greenville (NC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Thermo Fisher Scientific in North Carolina is seeking an Automation Manufacturing Engineer III to optimize production processes, implement new automation technologies, and drive continuous improvement across manufacturing operations.

You will lead cross‑functional teams with R&D, Quality, Production, IT to ensure regulatory compliance and high product quality, while reducing costs and enhancing manufacturing capabilities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in CS/Engineering, or equivalent with 3+ years in manufacturing engineering.
• Experience in regulated industries (pharma/medical device) preferred.
• Strong GMP knowledge and regulatory familiarity.
• Proficiency in PLC programming, HMI/SCADA, DCS, and industrial networks.

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot and support sterile manufacturing systems 24/7.
• Design and implement automation and control systems.
• Document designs and validation protocols.
• Ensure cGMP compliance and regulatory alignment.
• Lead cross-functional automation projects and vendor management.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI/SCADA

DCS platforms

Industrial networking

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Travel willingness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or Engineering

Associate Degree or equivalent

Tools

Allen-Bradley PLCs

FactoryTalk SCADA

D/3 DCS

OPC

SQL Server

Job description

Environmental Conditions

Able to lift 40 lbs. without assistance, Adherence to all Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) Safety Standards, Some degree of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) required (safety glasses, gowning, gloves, lab coat, ear plugs etc.)

Work Schedule

Standard (Mon-Fri)

Environmental Conditions

Able to lift 40 lbs. without assistance, Adherence to all Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) Safety Standards, Some degree of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) required (safety glasses, gowning, gloves, lab coat, ear plugs etc.)

Job Description

As part of the Thermo Fisher Scientific team, you’ll discover meaningful work that makes a positive impact on a global scale. Join our colleagues in bringing our Mission to life every single day to enable our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer. We provide our global teams with the resources needed to achieve individual career goals while helping to take science a step beyond by developing solutions for some of the world’s toughest challenges, like protecting the environment, making sure our food is safe or helping find cures for cancer.

Description

As an Automation Manufacturing Engineer III at Thermo Fisher Scientific, you will optimize production processes, implement new automation technologies, and drive continuous improvement initiatives. You'll work with cross-functional teams to ensure the efficient manufacture of high-quality products while maintaining compliance with regulatory requirements. This position offers the opportunity to contribute meaningfully by enabling our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer through innovative manufacturing solutions.

You will manage process improvement projects, provide technical automation systems expertise for new product introductions and implement industrial controls and automation systems solutions. Working with R&D, Quality, Production, and other departments, you'll optimize existing automated processes while ensuring consistent product quality and regulatory compliance. Your analytical skills and engineering expertise will help drive cost reductions, improve efficiency, and enhance manufacturing capabilities across our operations.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field preferred with 3 + years of experience. Associate Degree or equivalent with 5 + years of experience required. Equivalent combinations of education, training, and experience in manufacturing engineering within regulated industries (pharmaceutical, medical device, or similar) will be considered.
• Strong knowledge of GMP and life sciences regulatory requirements.
• Proficiency in PLC programming, HMI/SCADA systems, DCS platforms, and industrial networking (e.g., Profibus, EtherNet/IP).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and organizational abilities.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a dynamic manufacturing environment.
• Experience supporting engineers and technicians in a production setting.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and prioritize effectively.
• Experience with risk assessment methodologies and root cause analysis.
• Familiarity with change management principles and processes.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and relevant engineering/automation software.
• Willingness and ability to travel up to 20%, including support of Factory Acceptance Tests (FATs) at domestic and international vendor sites.
• Ability to work in cleanroom environments as required.

Key Responsibilities

• Troubleshooting & Support: Provide on‑call (24/7) technical support, troubleshooting, and optimization for sterile manufacturing systems, including autoclaves, parts washers, filling lines, and CIP/SIP systems.
• System Design & Implementation: Contribute to automation and control system design; oversee contractors during implementation, commissioning, and validation of systems (e.g., D3 DCS, Siemens, Allen‑Bradley) for both production and utility systems.
• Documentation: Develop, review, and maintain functional design specifications (FDS), software design documentation, and validation protocols.
• Compliance & Validation: Ensure all systems comply with cGMP, GAMP 5, and FDA regulatory requirements.
• Project Execution: Partner with cross‑functional teams (Process Engineering, Operations, Validation, Quality, IT) to execute automation projects, manage vendors, and support system upgrades and lifecycle management.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Hands‑on experience with Allen‑Bradley PLCs (ControlLogix preferred) and process control systems.
• Experience developing and supporting Rockwell FactoryTalk SCADA applications.
• Familiarity with D/3 (or similar) DCS platforms, or ability to quickly learn.
• Experience with OPC communication setup and configuration.
• Working knowledge of SQL Server, including data queries, support, and basic database management.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and technical drawings.
• Basic understanding of HVAC, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems.
• Experience configuring and troubleshooting servo systems and variable frequency drives (VFDs).
• Experience with Optima and IMA sterile filling systems is highly preferred.
• Willingness and ability to travel up to 20%, including support of Factory Acceptance Tests (FATs) at domestic and international vendor sites.

Benefits

We offer competitive remuneration, annual incentive plan bonus, healthcare, and a range of employee benefits. Thermo Fisher Scientific offers employment with an innovative, forward‑thinking organization, and outstanding career and development prospects. We offer an exciting company culture that stands for integrity, intensity, involvement, and innovation!

Other

Relocation assistance is not provided.

Must be legally authorized to work in the United States now and in the future, without sponsorship.

Must be able to pass a comprehensive background check, which includes a drug screening.