Automation & OT Engineer

HW3; Baltimore (MD); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A pharmaceutical manufacturing company is seeking a skilled Automation & OT Engineer for a 6-month contract in the Baltimore area. You will be involved with DCS and other automation technologies critical for GMP-compliant production. The ideal candidate has 3–5 years of experience in a GMP-regulated environment, strong troubleshooting skills, and hands-on experience with automation systems. This position offers the opportunity to work on innovative projects in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of experience in Automation or Process Control Engineering within GMP-regulated industries.
• Experience in system validation and change control processes.
• Familiarity with cybersecurity and OT network architectures.

Responsibilities

• Design and support automation systems for pharmaceutical production.
• Provide technical support for GMP-regulated OT systems.
• Lead system lifecycle management for DCS and PLC systems.

Skills

Hands-on experience with DCS platforms

Strong knowledge of GMP compliance

Troubleshooting skills

Effective communication skills

Tools

Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC)

Building Automation Systems (BAS)

SCADA systems

Job description

Automation & Operational Technology (OT) Engineer

Location: Maryland (Washington DC–Baltimore Area) | On‑Site | 6‑Month Contract (Option to Extend)

We are seeking a highly skilled Automation & OT Engineer to support our pharmaceutical manufacturing operations in the Washington DC–Baltimore area. This role offers hands‑on involvement with Distributed Control Systems (DCS) and other automation technologies that drive GMP‑compliant production, utilities, and laboratory environments.

About the Role

As an Automation & OT Engineer, you will be responsible for maintaining, troubleshooting, and enhancing automation and control systems—including DCS, PLCs, SCADA, and related GMP‑critical infrastructure. You will ensure these systems operate safely, securely, and in full compliance with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), 21 CFR Part 11, and Annex 11 regulations. You’ll play a key role in system lifecycle management (SLC), validation, change control, and data integrity, helping to sustain a compliant and resilient automation environment for pharmaceutical manufacturing and utilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and support automation and control systems, with an emphasis on DCS platforms used in pharmaceutical production and utilities.
• Provide day‑to‑day technical support for GMP‑regulated OT systems, ensuring maximum uptime, regulatory compliance, and data integrity.
• Lead and participate in system lifecycle management (design, commissioning, qualification, validation, and decommissioning) for DCS, PLC, and SCADA systems.
• Execute and support CAPEX and OPEX projects, including DCS expansions, control strategy enhancements, and infrastructure upgrades.
• Develop and maintain system documentation, including design specifications, functional specifications, configuration records, and change control documentation.
• Ensure all systems meet GMP, 21 CFR Part 11, Annex 11, and data integrity requirements for electronic records and audit trails.
• Partner with IT and Cybersecurity teams to strengthen OT network segmentation, patch management, and cyber risk mitigation for automation systems.
• Collaborate cross‑functionally with Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, and Validation to drive process reliability, efficiency, and compliance improvements.

Key Systems You’ll Support

• Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC) – e.g., Allen‑Bradley
• Building Automation Systems (BAS)
• Process Control Systems (PCS)
• Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES / EBR)
• Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS)
• SCADA and PLC‑based control systems

What We’re Looking For

• 3–5 years of experience in Automation, OT, or Process Control Engineering within GMP‑regulated industries (pharmaceuticals, biotech, or life sciences).
• Hands‑on experience with DCS platforms and automation control strategies for GMP manufacturing.
• Strong knowledge of GMP, GAMP 5, 21 CFR Part 11, and Annex 11 compliance.
• Familiarity with OT/ICS cybersecurity, network architectures, and system hardening.
• Proven ability to troubleshoot, document, and communicate effectively in a regulated environment.
• Experience with system validation, change control, and audit readiness processes.

Seniority level

• Mid‑Senior level

Employment type

• Contract

Job function

• Manufacturing and Engineering
• Pharmaceutical Manufacturing and Biotechnology Research