Lead Automation Engineer, MES & Digital Systems - Project Farma

PerkinElmer; United States; Remote; USD 80,000 - 198,000; Full time

Job summary

PerkinElmer is seeking a Lead Automation Engineer, MES & Digital Systems to drive design, implementation, and lifecycle management of digital systems across biologics, pharmaceutical, and novel therapy manufacturing facilities. This is a billable role requiring expertise with MES platforms, data repositories, serialization, and ERP/LIMS/CMMS integration.

The candidate will serve as a client liaison during delivery, lead documentation and validation activities, and mentor junior engineers while

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Automation, Electrical, Chemical, Mechanical, or related).
• Minimum 4-16+ years in automation engineering within GMP life sciences (biotech, pharma, ATMP).
• Expert-level experience with MES platforms, Data Repositories, Serialization and integration to manufacturing applications (ERP, LIMS, CMMS, etc).
• Proven ability to author, interpret, and own URS/FRS/DS documentation.
• Experience designing system applications and data flows across the full spectrum of manufacturing applications.
• Strong understanding of ISA-88 batch control, ISA-95 manufacturing hierarchy, and GAMP 5.
• Hands-on experience supporting biologics and sterile/aseptic manufacturing environments.
• Understanding multisite standards for global manufacturers

Responsibilities

• Automation Design & Architecture: Develop system architectures and data flows for biologics, pharmaceutical, and advanced therapy manufacturing (DCS, PLC/SCADA, MES, historians, network layers).
• Automation Design & Architecture: Develop product recipe strategies across the full application layer of ERP, MES and DCS Batch.
• Automation Design & Architecture: Detailed knowledge of Master data and how to define and control Master Data.
• Automation Design & Architecture: Create ISA-88/ISA-95-aligned architecture diagrams, inc Application and Data Flow diagrams.
• Automation Design & Architecture: Ensure architecture supports scalability, cybersecurity, data integrity, and multi-product flexibility.
• URS / FRS / Design Documentation: Lead the creation, review, and approval of URS (User Requirements Specifications), FRS (Functional Requirements Specifications), DS / DDS (Design Specifications), Functional & Control Narratives, Recipe Design Documentation (ISA-88 compliant), Automation Standards & Engineering Guidelines
• URS / FRS / Design Documentation: Work cross functionally to translate process requirements into robust digital system design documents.
• Digital System Implementation: Configure, program, and deploy Digital System within the manufacturing environment.
• Digital System Implementation: Develop, modify, and test MES (eBR, RbE, eLogbooks, Equipment Tracking, Weigh & Dispense), LIMS, Serialization and CMMS application functionality.
• Digital System Implementation: Support integration of OEM skids: bioreactors, chromatography systems, filtration skids, CIP/SIP, and fill finish equipment.
• Commissioning, Validation & GMP Compliance: Detailed knowledge of FAT, SAT, IQ/OQ, and PQ protocols in alignment with GAMP 5 and 21 CFR Part 11.
• Commissioning, Validation & GMP Compliance: Ensure all changes meet data integrity requirements, change control processes, and validation lifecycle rules.
• Commissioning, Validation & GMP Compliance: Lead deviation investigations, CAPAs, and risk assessments related to Digital systems.
• Manufacturing & Operations Support: Serve as SME for troubleshooting, system optimization, batch failure analysis, and performance enhancements.
• Manufacturing & Operations Support: Support 24/7 operations through structured root cause analysis and resolution of Digital System issues.
• Manufacturing & Operations Support: Develop long-term lifecycle plans for upgrades, patches, and system expansions.
• Cross Functional Leadership: Collaborate with IT/OT, process engineering, MSAT, quality, and capital project teams to deliver integrated system solutions.
• Cross Functional Leadership: Manage vendors, system integrators, and OEMs; review design packages and ensure alignment with internal standards.
• Cross Functional Leadership: Mentor junior engineers and act as technical SME during audits and regulatory inspections.

Skills

Automation engineering

GMP life sciences

Leadership / mentoring

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Automation, Electrical, Chemical, Mechanical, or related)

Tools

MES platforms

ERP

LIMS

CMMS

ISA-88

ISA-95

Job description

When joining PerkinElmer, you select an experienced and trusted leader in scientific solutions, with the support of a global service network and distribution centers, providing the right solution, at the right time, to meet critical customer needs. With over an 80+ year legacy of advancing science and a mission of innovating for a healthier world, our dedicated team collaborates closely with commercial, government, academic and healthcare customers to deliver our broad portfolio of analytical solutions, and OneSource services.

Job Title

Lead Automation Engineer, MES & Digital Systems - Project Farma

Location(s)
US Remote - AL, US Remote - CA, US Remote - CO, US Remote - DC, US Remote - IL, US Remote - IN, US Remote - MA, US Remote - MD, US Remote - MO, US Remote - NC, US Remote - NJ, US Remote - NY, US Remote - OH, US Remote - OR, US Remote - PA, US Remote - TX, US Remote - VA

Job Description

Project Farma will consider candidates’ ranging from 4 - 16+ years’ relevant experience. The successful candidate will reside in one of Project Farma’s primary markets and be willing to travel domestically, to meet client project requests.

• Market locations include but are not limited to: Boston, Philadelphia, DMV, Northern New Jersey, Chicago, Indianapolis, Columbus, St Louis, Kansas City, Raleigh-Durham, Houston, Dallas, Boulder, Portland, San Francisco, San Diego, and Los Angeles.

The Lead Automation Engineer, MES & Digital Systems provides subject matter expertise in the design, implementation, and lifecycle management of digital systems across biologics, pharmaceutical, and novel therapy manufacturing facilities. This is a fully billable role, requiring experience with various MES platforms, Data Repositories, Serialization and integration to manufacturing applications (ERP, LIMS, CMMS, etc) and the ability to author, interpret, and lead documentation such as URS, FRS, Functional Narratives, and detailed system architecture designs.

In addition to technical experience, the Lead Automation Engineer, MES & Digital Systems acts as client liaison during delivery of Project Farma service engagements. They are strategically responsible for client satisfaction through project delivery while maintaining and growing client relationships. Key

Responsibilities
Automation Design & Architecture

• Develop system architectures and data flows for biologics, pharmaceutical, and advanced therapy manufacturing (DCS, PLC/SCADA, MES, historians, network layers).
• Develop product recipe strategies across the full application layer of ERP, MES and DCS Batch.
• Detailed knowledge of Master data and how to define and control Master Data.
• Create ISA-88/ISA-95-aligned architecture diagrams, inc Application and Data Flow diagrams.
• Ensure architecture supports scalability, cybersecurity, data integrity, and multi-product flexibility.

URS / FRS / Design Documentation

• Lead the creation, review, and approval of: URS (User Requirements Specifications), FRS (Functional Requirements Specifications), DS / DDS (Design Specifications), Functional & Control Narratives, Recipe Design Documentation (ISA-88 compliant), Automation Standards & Engineering Guidelines
• Work cross functionally to translate process requirements into robust digital system design documents.

Digital System Implementation

• Configure, program, and deploy Digital System within the manufacturing environment.
• Develop, modify, and test MES (eBR, RbE, eLogbooks, Equipment Tracking, Weigh & Dispense), LIMS, Serialization and CMMS application functionality.
• Support integration of OEM skids: bioreactors, chromatography systems, filtration skids, CIP/SIP, and fill finish equipment.

Commissioning, Validation & GMP Compliance

• Detailed knowledge of FAT, SAT, IQ/OQ, and PQ protocols in alignment with GAMP 5 and 21 CFR Part 11.
• 2/2
• Ensure all changes meet data integrity requirements, change control processes, and validation lifecycle rules.
• Lead deviation investigations, CAPAs, and risk assessments related to Digital systems.

Manufacturing & Operations Support

• Serve as SME for troubleshooting, system optimization, batch failure analysis, and performance enhancements.
• Support 24/7 operations through structured root cause analysis and resolution of Digital System issues.
• Develop long-term lifecycle plans for upgrades, patches, and system expansions.

Cross Functional Leadership

• Collaborate with IT/OT, process engineering, MSAT, quality, and capital project teams to deliver integrated system solutions.
• Manage vendors, system integrators, and OEMs; review design packages and ensure alignment with internal standards.
• Mentor junior engineers and act as technical SME during audits and regulatory inspections.

Experience Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Automation, Electrical, Chemical, Mechanical, or related).
• Minimum 4-16+ years in automation engineering within GMP life sciences (biotech, pharma, ATMP).
• Expert-level experience with various MES platforms, Data Repositories, Serialization and integration to manufacturing applications (ERP, LIMS, CMMS, etc).
• Proven ability to author, interpret, and own URS/FRS/DS documentation.
• Experience designing system applications and data flows across the full spectrum of manufacturing applications.
• Strong understanding of ISA-88 batch control, ISA-95 manufacturing hierarchy, and GAMP 5.
• Hands-on experience supporting biologics and sterile/aseptic manufacturing environments.
• Understanding multisite standards for global manufacturers

Other Preferred

• Strong communicator and influencer across engineering, quality, IT/OT, and manufacturing.
• Structured thinker with advanced troubleshooting and problem solving skills.
• Skilled at managing multiple priorities in a high pressure, regulated environment.
• Demonstrated leadership and mentorship abilities.

Project Farmais committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability status, age, or veteran status or any other characteristics protected by applicable law. PerkinElmer is committed to a culturally diverse workforce.

Applicants mustbe authorized towork in the United States on a full-time basis. We will not sponsor applicants for current or future work visas for this position. This position may require significant travel to support project and business needs. We cannot employ anyone with an invalid driver’s license.

The annualcompensation range for this full-time position is $80,000 - $198,000. The final base pay offered to the successful candidate will bedeterminedby factors including internal equity, work location, as well as individual qualifications, such as job-related skills, experience, and relevant education o__r training.

PerkinElmer is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability status, age, or veteran status or any other characteristics protected by applicable law. PerkinElmer is committed to a culturally diverse workforce.