Automation Controls Engineer III

PCI Pharma Services; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 93,360 - 107,280; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid time off

401(k)

Job summary

A leading biopharmaceutical firm in California is seeking an Automation Engineer III to design, maintain, and troubleshoot automated control systems for manufacturing. Candidates should possess at least a bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline, with 5-8 years of engineering experience and strong knowledge of GMP and automation standards. This role will support biopharmaceutical processes, ensuring compliance and enhancing system performance. The company offers competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance and paid time off.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 to 8 years of relevant engineering experience.
• At least 4 years of cGMP experience.
• Able to work autonomously and collaboratively.

Responsibilities

• Design and specify automated control systems.
• Maintain and troubleshoot automated control systems.
• Program automated control systems to meet functional requirements.
• Document changes to systems per change management procedures.

Skills

Automation standards

Control platforms (Allen Bradley, Siemens)

GMP knowledge

Critical thinking

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in related discipline

Tools

Microsoft Office

Wonderware

iFix

Ignition

Job description

Life changing therapies. Global impact. Bridge to thousands of biopharma companies and their patients.

We are PCI

Our investment is in People who make an impact, drive progress and create a better tomorrow. Our strategy includes building teams across our global network to pioneer and shape the future of PCI.

Summary

This role is responsible for designing, specifying, and maintaining control systems supporting biopharmaceutical manufacturing facilities and processes, including aseptic filling operations. This position supports end users in designing, specifying, maintaining, diagnosing, repairing, and upgrading automated control systems and instrumentation, including completion of GMP-related documentation. The Automation Engineer III will lead technical assessments and upgrade projects for automated control systems and instrumentation, including managing projects through to successful completion.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Design and specify automated control systems.
• Maintain and troubleshoot automated control systems.
• Direct and perform installation of automation hardware and software.
• Program automated control systems to achieve the functional requirements.
• Oversee mechanical systems installation and participate in commissioning activities.
• Provide input for and author URS, FRS, SAT, IQ, OQ, PQ, and SOP documents.
• Evaluate existing systems for continuous improvement.
• Provide in‑depth technical review of all documents and complete GMP documentation including change controls, data integrity assessments, deviations and CAPAs, and the closing of audit observations.
• Research new technologies and implement new/upgraded systems.
• Document changes to systems per change management procedures.
• Travel between facilities to support all functional areas.
• Regular and reliable attendance on a full‑time basis (or in accordance with posted schedule).
• Responsible for exhibiting professional behavior with both internal and external business associates that reflects positively on the company and is consistent with the company’s policies and practices.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in ChE, EE, IE, ME, CS, or similar discipline or equivalent experience required.
• Minimum of 5 to 8 years of relevant engineering experience including a minimum of 4 years cGMP experience.
• Well‑developed understanding of automation standards (including GAMP).
• Well‑developed ability with control platforms from multiple vendors (Allen Bradley, Siemens, Wonderware, iFix, Ignition, PI)
• Strong working knowledge of GMP, aseptic techniques, and laboratory compliance.
• Highly proficient in Microsoft Office applications.
• Excellent attention to detail, critical thinking, and communication skills.
• Able to work autonomously, drive results, and collaborate in a cross‑functional environment.

The base salary hiring range for this position is $93,360 – $107,280 plus eligibility for an annual performance bonus. Final offer amounts are determined by multiple factors including but not limited to specific and relevant experience, education, credentials, geography, and subject matter expertise. PCI offers full‑time employees a competitive benefits package that includes paid time off, health insurance coverage (including dental and vision), flexible spending account, and 401(k).

Join us and be part of building the bridge between life changing therapies and patients. Let’s talk future.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement

PCI Pharma Services is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. We do not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, marital or domestic or civil union status, familial status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetics, disability, military eligibility or veteran status, or any other protected status.

At PCI, Equity and Inclusion are at the core of our company’s purpose: Together, delivering life‑changing therapies. We are committed to cultivating an inclusive workplace by holding ourselves accountable to the highest standards of understanding, fairness, respect, and equal opportunity – at every level. We envision a PCI community where everyone can belong and grow, and we strive to bring this vision to reality by continuously and intentionally assessing our people practices, policies and programs, marketing approach, and workplace culture.

IF YOU ARE A RESIDENT OF CALIFORNIA OR APPLYING FOR A JOB IN CALIFORNIA PLEASE READ: For Los Angeles applicants, we abide by the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring. Learn more about the policy here: https://bca.lacity.gov/fair-chance