Automation - OT Engineer

Lonza; United States; On-site; Confidential; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) matching

Life insurance

Disability insurance

Employee assistance program

Paid time off

Job summary

Lonza is seeking an Automation - OT Engineer for our Walkersville, MD site. This on-site role delivers technical leadership and hands-on support for OT systems across manufacturing, utilities, and labs, ensuring reliability, security, and regulatory readiness.

You will manage DCS/PLC platforms, contribute to CAPEX/OPEX projects, and uphold data integrity in GMP environments. The role requires 5+ years in OT/industrial automation, experience with DeltaV, Rockwell, Siemens, and strong regulatory

Qualifications

• 5+ years of hands-on OT/industrial automation in regulated settings.
• Experience with DeltaV, Rockwell, Siemens, and Allen-Bradley platforms.
• Knowledge of GMP, 21 CFR Part 11, Annex11 and related standards.
• Ability to develop URS, specs, and CV/CQV support documentation.
• Familiarity with networking, VLANs, and cybersecurity basics.

Responsibilities

• Lead onsite OT automation initiatives and ensure system integrity and compliance.
• Support EMS, BAS, PCS, MES/EBR, LIMS, and related systems lifecycle.
• Program and troubleshoot DCS/PLC platforms and related interfaces.
• Maintain OT networks, backups, patches, and security controls.
• Serve as SME during audits, inspections, and regulatory reviews.
• Collaborate with IT/engineering and suppliers on upgrades and lifecycle.

Skills

OT Engineering

Regulatory compliance

Cross-functional teamwork

Troubleshooting

Documentation

Cybersecurity awareness

Audits & CQV support

Education

Bachelor's in engineering or related field

Tools

DeltaV

Rockwell FactoryTalk

Siemens

Allen-Bradley

MODA-ES

SCADA

DCS

EMS

BAS

LIMS

MES/EBR

Modbus

OPC

Ethernet/IP

DeviceNet

Job description

Automation - OT Engineer

Location : This position is based in our Walkersville, MD office. The typical work schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM-5:00 PM EST.

What you will get:

The full-time base annual salary for this position is expected to range between $117,000 to $136,500.

In addition, below you will find a comprehensive summary of the benefits package we offer:

• Performance-related bonus.
• Medical, dental and vision insurance.
• 401(k) matching plan.
• Life insurance, as well as short-term and long-term disability insurance.
• Employee assistance programs.
• Paid time off (PTO).

Compensation for this role will be determined by the candidate's qualifications, skills, experience, and relevant knowledge.

What will you do:

• The Automation Engineer (OT) is responsible for delivering technical leadership and hands‑on support for site-based automation and Operational Technology (OT) systems. This is an Onsite position with the main site located in Walkersville, MD, with an expectation to support all of Walkersville's satellite offices. The role ensures the integrity, reliability, security, and compliance of OT infrastructure and industrial automation platforms across manufacturing, utilities, quality control, and laboratory environments.
• Key systems supported include Environmental Monitoring Systems (EMS), Building Automation Systems (BAS), Process Control Systems (PCS), Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES/EBR), and Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS). The position supports system lifecycle management from design through validation, supports CAPEX/OPEX projects, and plays a role in ensuring data integrity, cybersecurity, and regulatory readiness in alignment with GMP, 21 CFR Part11, and Annex11 requirements.
• Support and maintain Automation/OT infrastructure including DCS, PCS, PLC, EMS, BAS, LIMS, MES/EBR, Recipe Management, and Batch Record systems.
• Program, configure, and support automation systems such as DCS and PLC platforms (e.g., DeltaV, Siemens, Allen Bradley).
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex Automation/OT issues related to hardware, control logic, system performance, and network communications.
• Administer OT networks and infrastructure, including virtualized servers, data storage, endpoint devices, IP/VLAN configurations, and network diagrams.
• Ensure Automation/OT system compliance with 21 CFR Part11, Annex11, GAMP, and internal quality standards.
• Support cybersecurity initiatives including system inventory, endpoint protection, remote access, network segmentation, and disaster recovery.
• Manage OT system administration tasks, including backups, patching, software updates, user management, and recovery procedures.
• Act as Subject Matter Expert (SME) for Automation/OT systems during audits, inspections, and regulatory engagements.
• Participate in quality investigations, including deviations, CAPAs, root cause analysis, and audit responses related to Automation/OT systems.
• Collaborate with engineering, IT, and vendors for installation planning, system upgrades, lifecycle management, and vendor assessments.
• Contribute to OT deliverables in CAPEX/OPEX projects, including system implementations, upgrades (e.g., EMS, PCS), and strategic site initiatives (e.g., Endo2.0).
• Maintain accurate Automation/OT asset inventories and support disaster recovery testing and data integrity risk assessments.
• Assist in the development and review of documentation, including SOPs, system specifications, and work instructions related to OT.
• Deliver informal training and technical guidance to operators, maintenance, and engineering staff on Automation/OT systems and best practices.
• Provide on‑call support and limited travel (up to 25%) to support operations across satellite sites.

What we are looking for:

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, information systems, or related field preferred, with 5+ years of hands‑on experience in OT or industrial automation in regulated manufacturing or lab settings.
• Proficient in control systems and automation platforms such as DeltaV, Rockwell FactoryTalk, Siemens, Allen Bradley, and MODA-ES.
• Skilled in SCADA, PLC, HMI, DCS, MES/EBR, EMS, BAS systems, and industrial communication protocols like Modbus, OPC, Ethernet/IP, and DeviceNet.
• Strong experience managing automation and controls projects across design, procurement, construction, validation, and operational phases.
• Familiar with regulatory and compliance standards such as 21 CFR Part11, GAMP, GMP, Annex11, IEC62443, and NIST guidelines.
• Capable of developing URSs, technical specifications, control system drawings, and supporting CQV and continuous improvement efforts.
• Working knowledge of network infrastructure (VLANs, Cisco switching, firewalls, virtual environments) and relevant certifications (e.g., ISA/IEC62443, Security+, vendor-specific).
• Excellent troubleshooting, documentation, and interpersonal skills; effective at cross‑functional collaboration in fast‑paced, regulated environment