Lead Network Engineer

Delan Associates, Inc.; Baltimore (MD); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Catalyx seeks an Automation Engineer to support plasmid manufacturing operations and plant automation systems. You will provide hands-on automation, controls support for manufacturing equipment, facility systems, and production processes, focusing on reliable and compliant operations.

Responsibilities include troubleshooting PLCs, HMIs, instrumentation, and control systems; supporting commissioning, qualification, startup, and change controls; and maintaining thorough documentation and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Automation/Controls or related field.
• 2–5 years in automation, controls, instrumentation, or manufacturing engineering.
• Experience with PLC and HMI systems.
• Experience in regulated environments (pharma/biotech) preferred.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day automation and controls support for plasmid manufacturing processes.
• Troubleshoot PLCs, HMIs, instrumentation, and related equipment.
• Support modification and optimization of automation systems to improve equipment reliability.
• Assist with development, testing, implementation, and documentation of automation system changes.
• Participate in equipment commissioning, qualification, startup, and troubleshooting activities.
• Work with Manufacturing and Maintenance teams to identify automation-related issues and implement corrective actions.

Skills

PLC & HMI

Instrumentation

Troubleshooting

Automation support

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's in Electrical/Automation/Controls or related field

Tools

PLC hardware

HMI software

Instrumentation

Job description

Catalyx is seeking an Automation Engineer to support plasmid manufacturing operations and plant automation systems. This role will provide hands-on automation, and controls support for manufacturing equipment, facility systems, and production processes, with a focus on maintaining reliable and compliant operations

Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day automation and controls support for plasmid manufacturing processes and plant operations.
• Troubleshoot automation, control systems, PLCs, HMIs, instrumentation, and related manufacturing equipment.
• Support the maintenance, modification, and optimization of automation systems to improve equipment reliability and production efficiency.
• Assist with the development, testing, implementation, and documentation of automation system changes.
• Participate in equipment commissioning, qualification, startup, and troubleshooting activities.
• Work with Manufacturing and Maintenance teams to identify automation-related issues and implement effective corrective actions.
• Support plant control systems, process equipment, utilities, and facility automation as needed.
• Assist with system upgrades, software changes, alarm management, and control strategy improvements.
• Maintain accurate technical documentation, including automation specifications, system documentation, change controls, and troubleshooting records.
• Support investigations, deviations, CAPAs, and other quality-related activities associated with automation systems.
• Ensure automation activities comply with applicable GMP, safety, quality, and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and external vendors/contractors on automation projects and technical issues.
• Participate in on-call or off-hours support activities when required to maintain plant operations.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering, Controls Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field; equivalent experience may be considered.
• 2-5 years of experience in automation, controls, instrumentation, or manufacturing engineering.
• Experience working with PLC and HMI systems, industrial control systems, or manufacturing automation.
• Ability to troubleshoot electrical, controls, instrumentation, and automation-related issues.
• Experience supporting manufacturing or plant operations in a pharmaceutical, biotechnology, chemical, or other regulated environment is preferred.
• Familiarity with GMP, GxP, FDA-regulated environments, or computerized system validation is a plus.
• Experience with automation system documentation, change controls, testing, commissioning, or qualification is preferred.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to respond effectively to equipment and production issues.
• Ability to work collaboratively with Manufacturing, Engineering, Maintenance, Quality, and other technical teams.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Willingness to provide occasional off-hours or on-call support when required.