Automation Technician

Spectraforce Technologies, Inc.; New Philadelphia (PA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Spectraforce Technologies, Inc. in Philadelphia, PA seeks an Automation Technician to support field commissioning, testing and startup of a pharmaceutical biotechnology facility.

The role requires hands-on troubleshooting of electro‑mechanical systems, calibration, PLC/HMI/SCADA work, and compliance with cGMP and ECN processes to bring the site online safely and efficiently. You'll work with Rockwell, Siemens and Emerson platforms, document activities, and coordinate with vendors to support

Qualifications

• Associate degree in Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering Technology, Automation, or related discipline.
• Minimum 5 years of automation, instrumentation, or electrical controls experience in pharma/biotech/medical devices.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work independently and with project teams.

Responsibilities

• Provide field commissioning, testing, and startup support for automated equipment and BAS/PCS/ITOT networks.
• Troubleshoot PLCs, HMIs, SCADA, and field instrumentation; perform calibration and diagnostics.
• Read P&ID, wiring diagrams, and AF&ID; document ECN-compliant changes and regulatory records.

Skills

Automation

Instrumentation

Electrical controls

Communication

Capital project experience

Education

Associate degree

Tools

Rockwell ControlLogix 5000

FactoryTalk

Siemens Desigo BAS

Vaisala viewLinc EMS

Emerson DeltaV

Digital multimeters

Loop calibrators

Job description

Position Title: Automation Technician

Work Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104

Assignment Duration: 12 Months

Position Summary:

We are seeking a highly skilled Automation Technician to support the field commissioning, testing, and startup of a state-of-the‑art pharmaceutical biotechnology facility.

The role will be instrumental in deploying, commissioning and testing critical automated equipment , infrastructure, ensuring seamless integration across Building Automation Systems (BAS), PLCs, EMS, HMIs, SCADA, Process Control Systems (PCS) and ITOT networks.

This position requires hands‑on electro‑mechanical troubleshooting, precise instrument calibration, code review and troubleshooting, and strict adherence to the Engineering Change Notification (ECN) process and cGMP documentation standards to bring the facility online safely and efficiently.

Key Responsibilities:

• Specific Platforms: Hands‑on experience with Rockwell Automation (Allen‑Bradley) Contrologix 5000 PLCs, FactoryTalk, Siemens Desigo BAS, Vaisala viewLinc EMS and familiar with Emerson Delta V.
• Hardware & Software: High proficiency in using computer interfaces for system diagnostics, along with a deep understanding of industrial IT networks (Ethernet/IP, PROFINET, BacNet, etc.).
• System Maintenance & Optimization: Support, maintain, and troubleshoot Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), Human Machine Interfaces (HMIs), Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems, and Building Automation Systems (BAS).
• System Commissioning & Testing: Execute field I/O checkout, loop checks, and functional testing for automated pharmaceutical process equipment, clean utilities, and HVAC systems.
• Electrical & Wiring Diagnostics: Troubleshoot low‑voltage wiring, control loops, and field instrumentation. Utilize digital voltage multimeters and related diagnostic tools to identify and resolve electrical faults safely and efficiently.
• Blueprint & Schematic Navigation: Read, interpret, and redline schematic wiring diagrams, Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&ID), and Automation Flow & Instrumentation Diagrams (AF&ID) to execute repairs and modifications.
• Logic & Programming: Access and navigate ladder logic to diagnose machine faults, track system states, and support engineering in minor logic modifications or process improvements.
• Network Infrastructure: Troubleshoot and maintain the industrial IT network infrastructure connecting automation components, ensuring seamless data acquisition and system communication.
• Calibration & Instrumentation: Perform routine and non‑routine instrument calibration using specialized calibration equipment to ensure process accuracy and regulatory compliance.
• Diagnostic Tools: Demonstrated proficiency operating digital voltage multimeters, loopcalibrators, and other specialized instrument calibration equipment. Perform and oversee loop checks, Signal verification, troubleshooting of instrumentation to ensure proper installation and functionality.
• Documentation & Compliance: Maintain accurate records of all maintenance, troubleshooting, and calibration activities in alignment with Engineering Change Notification (ECN) process, Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) and site standard operating procedures.
• Ensure that instrumentation installation complies with project specifications.
• Where applicable organize testing and verification strategy for instrumentation.
• Support necessary functional testing of control systems, alarms, and safety systems.
• Review P&ID's , Loop Drawings / Wiring Diagrams, Technical Specifications and calibration records (As Applicable).
• Execute and document infield verification and resolve any discrepancies.
• Strong understanding of Instrumentation systems including pressure, temperature, flow, level, control valves, analyzers etc....
• Maintain and organize tracker for identified discrepancies and issues and drive to resolution ensuring minimal impact to project timelines.

Qualification & Experience

• Associate's degree in Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering Technology, Automation, or a related technical discipline (or equivalent military/professional experience).
• Minimum 5 years of automation, instrumentation, or electrical controls experience, preferably within the pharmaceutical, biotech, or medical device industries.
• Strong communication skills.
• Experience with Large Capital Project Execution
• Strong attention to detail and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and cross‑communicate with project team, contract vendors, sub‑ contractors.

Key Skills, Abilities, and Competencies:

Describe critical skills and abilities needed to successfully perform the job, which should be representative of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Experience with ISA

• Experience with ISA