Junior Automation Specialist at Principia

Puerto Rico Manufacturers Association; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Principia is seeking a Junior Automation Specialist to support automation projects and day-to-day manufacturing operations within the pharmaceutical industry. The selected candidate will collaborate with automation professionals, engineering teams, and manufacturing personnel to support automated systems and equipment.

The ideal candidate has 1–2 years of relevant automation or manufacturing experience, familiarity with PLC/SCADA/HMI, and exposure to MES platforms such as PharmaSuite, PMX, or

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical/Computer/Mech/Automation or related field.
• 1–2 years in automation or manufacturing systems; pharma exposure preferred.
• Basic PLC-based control systems knowledge (Allen‑Bradley preferred).
• Exposure to HMI/SCADA in automated manufacturing.
• Exposure to MES platforms such as PharmaSuite/PMX/Tulip preferred.
• Understanding GMP, data integrity, and FDA 21 CFR Part 11, or willingness to learn.
• Strong troubleshooting, analytical and problem‑solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Support installation, setup, configuration, testing, and troubleshooting of manufacturing equipment.
• Develop and maintain system configuration and technical documentation.
• Update automation documents to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Support MES configuration activities (PharmaSuite, PMX, Tulip, or similar).
• Provide on-site and on-call technical support for devices, servers, apps, and interfaces.
• Assist with system administration tasks including hot fixes, security, access, and upgrades.
• Participate in Life Cycle Management and software upgrades, testing and implementation.
• Troubleshoot production issues involving PLC/SCADA/HMI/MES interfaces.
• Assist with calibration, backups, and maintenance activities.
• Contribute to root-cause investigations and CAPA actions.
• Provide day-to-day technical assistance to operators and maintenance staff.
• Support testing, commissioning, qualification and validation activities.

Skills

Troubleshooting

Analytical thinking

Documentation

Teamwork

PLC knowledge

HMI/SCADA exposure

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, Automation/Controls

Tools

PharmaSuite

PMX

Tulip

Allen-Bradley

Job description

Junior Automation Specialist at Principia

8/31/2026

We’re seeking a Junior Automation Specialist to support automation projects and day-to-day manufacturing operations within the pharmaceutical industry. The selected candidate will work closely with experienced automation professionals, engineering teams, manufacturing personnel, and other technical resources to support automated systems, manufacturing applications, and associated equipment.

The ideal candidate should have approximately 1–2 years of relevant experience, preferably within a pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device, or other regulated manufacturing environment. Candidates with strong technical backgrounds and relevant academic or internship experience may also be considered.

• Job Type: Regular / Contractor
• Schedule: Rotating Shifts (Day, Night, Weekend coverage as needed)
• Duration: 12 months (for contractor)

Job Description:

• Support the installation, setup, configuration, testing, and troubleshooting of scales, communication devices, and other manufacturing equipment.
• Assist in the development and maintenance of system configuration and technical documentation.
• Update, review, and verify automation-related documents to ensure accuracy and compliance with applicable procedures.
• Support electronic configuration activities within Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), such as PharmaSuite, PMX, Tulip, or similar platforms.
• Provide on-site and on-call technical support for day-to-day manufacturing activities, including troubleshooting of devices, servers, applications, and system interfaces.
• Assist senior resources with system administration activities, including hot fixes, security administration, user access management, server upgrades, and system maintenance.
• Support Annual Access Roster Reviews, Business Continuity Plan (BCP) activities, Disaster Recovery (DR) exercises, and associated documentation and reports.
• Participate in System Life Cycle Management activities, including software upgrades, patches, testing, and implementation support.
• Troubleshoot basic to moderately complex production issues involving PLC, SCADA, HMI, MES, and control-system interfaces, with guidance from senior team members as required.
• Participate in Automation and Controls maintenance activities, including software and firmware updates, system backups, configuration verification, and calibration-related support.
• Assist with root cause investigations and implementation of corrective and preventive actions related to PLC, SCADA, MES, and other automation platforms.
• Provide day-to-day technical assistance to manufacturing operators, maintenance personnel, engineers, and technicians.
• Support testing, commissioning, qualification, and validation activities associated with automation and manufacturing systems.
• Escalate complex technical issues to senior automation resources and actively participate in troubleshooting and resolution activities.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, Automation/Controls, or a related technical field.
• Approximately 1-2 years of relevant automation or manufacturing systems experience; experience in a pharmaceutical or other regulated manufacturing environment is preferred.
• Basic knowledge or hands-on exposure to PLC-based control systems, preferably Allen-Bradley/Rockwell Automation.
• Exposure to HMI and/or SCADA systems in an automated manufacturing environment.
• Exposure to MES platforms such as PharmaSuite, PMX, Tulip, or similar systems is preferred.
• Basic understanding of industrial communication networks, instrumentation, servers, and manufacturing system interfaces is desirable.
• Basic understanding of GMP requirements, data integrity principles, and FDA 21 CFR Part 11, or demonstrated willingness to learn.
• Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to develop and maintain clear and accurate technical documentation.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team and communicate with manufacturing, engineering, quality, and technical personnel.
• Willingness to continuously learn and develop technical skills in automation, controls, and manufacturing systems.