Automation Technician

Apollo Professional Solutions; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 44,000 - 83,000; Full time

Job summary

Apollopros in Philadelphia is seeking an experienced Automation Technician to support the commissioning, testing, startup, and readiness of a state-of-the-art pharmaceutical manufacturing facility. You will perform field I/O verification, loop checks, signal testing, and integrate equipment with PLC/HMI/SCADA systems.

The role requires hands-on calibration, instrumentation knowledge, and strong documentation skills, with collaboration across engineering, construction, and vendor teams to ensure

Qualifications

• Bachelor-style associates with hands-on automation tech experience in pharma/regulated environments.
• Experience in commissioning, startup and qualification of automated facilities.
• Strong ability to interpret electrical schematics, P&IDs and instrumentation diagrams.

Responsibilities

• Support deployment, commissioning, testing, and startup of automated manufacturing equipment and facility infrastructure.
• Perform field I/O verification, loop checks, signal testing, and functional testing across control systems.
• Troubleshoot PLCs, HMIs, SCADA, BAS, EMS and related instrumentation to ensure reliable operation.
• Assist with calibration, validation, and regulatory compliance under cGMP.
• Maintain accurate documentation and support ECN processes.

Skills

Troubleshooting & repair

PLC

SCADA

BAS/EMS

Instrumentation

Commissioning

Documentation

Education

Associate degree in Mechatronics / Automation Technology

Tools

Rockwell Automation/ Allen-Bradley ControlLogix

FactoryTalk

Siemens Desigo BAS

Vaisala viewLinc EMS

Emerson DeltaV

Job description

Automation Technician Industry: Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology Manufacturing Employment Type: Contract Project Focus: Facility Startup, Automation Commissioning & Systems Integration Join a Cutting-Edge Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Startup Project We are seeking an experienced Automation Technician to support the commissioning, testing, startup, and operational readiness of a state-of-the-art pharmaceutical and biotechnology manufacturing facility. This hands-on role is critical to bringing automated systems online safely, efficiently, and in compliance with regulatory requirements. The ideal candidate will have strong expertise in automation systems, instrumentation, electrical controls, industrial networks, PLC troubleshooting, calibration, and commissioning activities, along with the ability to work effectively across engineering, construction, vendor, and startup teams.

Top Skills for Success

Automation & Technical Expertise

• Hands-on troubleshooting of automation equipment, instrumentation, software, electrical systems, and fluid power systems.
• Strong field commissioning and startup experience.
• Practical knowledge of PLC, SCADA, BAS, EMS, and process control environments.

Project Execution

• Cross-functional communication and collaboration.
• Technical documentation, revision management, and version control.
• Vendor coordination and parts management.

Professional Strengths

• Systems-thinking mindset.
• Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to remain calm and effective under pressure.

Key Responsibilities

Automation Systems Commissioning & Support

Support deployment, commissioning, testing, and startup of automated manufacturing equipment and facility infrastructure. Execute field I/O verification, loop checks, signal testing, and functional testing activities. Support automated process equipment, HVAC systems, clean utilities, and facility control systems.

Control Systems & Industrial Automation

Maintain, troubleshoot, and optimize: PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers) HMIs (Human Machine Interfaces) SCADA systems Building Automation Systems (BAS) Environmental Monitoring Systems (EMS).

Perform troubleshooting and diagnostics of integrated automation platforms and controls.

Platform Experience

Hands-on experience with: Rockwell Automation / Allen-Bradley ControlLogix 5000 PLCs FactoryTalk Siemens Desigo BAS Vaisala viewLinc EMS Familiarity with Emerson DeltaV Electrical & Instrumentation.

Troubleshoot and resolve low-voltage electrical issues, field instrumentation problems, and control loop failures. Utilize digital multimeters, loop calibrators, and specialized testing equipment. Troubleshoot pressure, temperature, flow, level, analyzer, and control valve instrumentation. Verify proper installation and operation of process instrumentation systems.

Programming & Logic Analysis

Access and review ladder logic for machine and process troubleshooting. Track system states and support minor logic modifications and process improvements. Assist engineering teams with control strategy implementation and optimization.

Network & Infrastructure Support

Troubleshoot and maintain industrial automation networks and communications infrastructure. Support systems utilizing technologies such as: Ethernet/IP PROFINET BACnet. Ensure reliable communication and data acquisition across connected control systems.

Calibration & Regulatory Compliance

Perform routine and non-routine instrument calibrations using specialized calibration equipment. Support testing and verification strategies for instrumentation systems. Verify alarms, interlocks, control systems, and safety system functionality. Ensure calibration and maintenance activities comply with cGMP standards and site procedures.

Documentation & Quality Control

Maintain accurate records of commissioning, calibration, maintenance, and troubleshooting activities. Follow Engineering Change Notification (ECN) processes and documentation requirements. Review and interpret: P&IDs Loop drawings Wiring diagrams Technical specifications Calibration records Document field verification activities and resolve discrepancies. Track issues through resolution while minimizing impact to project schedules.

Required Qualifications

Education Associate degree in: Mechatronics Automation Technology Electrical Engineering Technology Related technical discipline Equivalent military or industry experience will also be considered.

Experience Minimum 5 years of automation, controls, instrumentation, or electrical maintenance experience. Experience in pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device, or similarly regulated industries preferred. Experience supporting large capital projects, facility startup, commissioning, or expansion initiatives.

Required Skills Strong understanding of industrial control systems and ISA principles. Ability to interpret electrical schematics, P&IDs, AF&IDs, and technical documentation. Excellent troubleshooting, communication, and organizational skills. Ability to work independently and effectively with project teams, contractors, vendors, and subcontractors. Strong attention to detail and commitment to safety and quality.

Ideal Candidate Profile The ideal candidate is a hands-on automation professional who enjoys solving complex technical challenges in fast-paced project environments. You bring a strong combination of field commissioning experience, control systems expertise, instrumentation knowledge, and regulatory discipline to help deliver successful facility startup and manufacturing readiness.

Keywords: Automation Technician, PLC Technician, Controls Technician, Instrumentation Technician, Commissioning Technician, Allen-Bradley ControlLogix, FactoryTalk, SCADA, BAS, EMS, DeltaV, Industrial Automation, Calibration Technician, Pharmaceutical Manufacturing, Biotechnology Automation, HVAC Controls, Startup and Commissioning, Process Controls, cGMP, Industrial Networks, Electrical Controls Jobs.