Principal Engineer - Batch SME (FactoryTalk Batch)
Xperior Global
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Benefits offered by this job
Job summary
Qualifications
- 8–10+ years of experience in process automation, with strong focus in Life Sciences.
- Deep expertise with FactoryTalk Batch required.
- Experience designing and implementing ISA-88 batch architectures.
Responsibilities
- Act as trusted advisor to pharmaceutical clients, defining batch strategies.
- Own the design and architecture of ISA-88 compliant batch solutions.
- Mentor and guide a growing team of engineers.
Skills
Tools
Job description
Job Title: Principal Engineer - Batch SME (FactoryTalk Batch)
Place of Work: Northeast U.S. (MA, CT, NY, VT, NH, NJ)
Department: Operations
Our client is a large national engineering and system integration firm delivering advanced automation and control solutions across Life Sciences, CPG, and other process industries. With decades of experience and a strong presence across North America, they partner with leading manufacturers to design, standardize, and deploy scalable automation solutions across complex, regulated environments. Life Sciences is a key growth area, where they support pharmaceutical clients in advancing digital manufacturing capabilities.
We are seeking a Principal Engineer – Batch SME to serve as the technical and client‑facing leader for batch automation initiatives across our client’s Life Sciences portfolio. This is not a traditional project execution role. You will act as a thought leader and solution architect, partnering directly with major Life Science End Users to define batch strategies, architect scalable solutions, and shape and grow a dedicated batch practice. This role is foundational – our client is building a practice around this individual.
- Act as a trusted advisor to pharmaceutical clients, defining the batch strategies and system architectures to deliver business outcomes.
- Lead discovery conversations to challenge assumptions, shape requirements, and define the right solution approach.
- Position our client as a Main Automation Partner (MAP) for strategic customers.
- Own the design and architecture of ISA‑88 compliant batch solutions using batch platform software, primarily Rockwell FactoryTalk Batch.
- Define recipe structures and reusable frameworks.
- Establish standards and best practices across projects and clients.
- Lead the technical scoping of major engagements, including breaking down processes into phases and operations, structuring batch implementations, supporting proposal development with clear solution definition, and partnering with commercial teams to translate technical architecture into executable project scope.
- Serve as the SME for batch capability within the region.
- Mentor and guide a growing team (20–30 engineers over time) as a resource and thought leader.
- Provide technical oversight across multiple projects and clients.
- Help define internal standards, reusable assets, and delivery methodologies.
- Stay engaged in key projects as a technical authority, particularly during startup and commissioning.
- Participate in projects from the very first line of code; the ability to lead and also execute is essential.
- 8–10+ years of experience in process automation, with a strong focus in Life Sciences (required).
- Deep, hands‑on expertise with FactoryTalk Batch (required).
- Proven experience designing and implementing ISA‑88 batch architectures (not just exposure).
- Recipe design and development.
- Integration with SCADA / HMI systems.
Experience with:
- SCADA systems (Ignition or similar).
- Control system architectures and network design.
- Exposure to other batch platforms (e.g., DeltaV) is valuable, but Rockwell expertise is essential.
- Strong experience in GxP‑regulated environments.
- Author design specifications from scratch, not just execute protocols.
- Develop functional and detailed design documents in regulated environments.
- Lead technical discussions with clients.
- Challenge requirements and propose better solutions.
- Operate as a consultative partner, not just an implementer.
- Comfortable operating in ambiguous environments where you define the solution, not receive it.
- System design, configuration, and testing.
- Startup and commissioning in live manufacturing environments.
- Strong troubleshooting capability in high‑pressure startup scenarios.
- Shape a practice, not just join a team.
- Work directly with major pharmaceutical clients on high‑visibility initiatives.
- Ready to step into a visible, influential leadership role.
- Motivated to build something – not just execute.
- Competitive base salary aligned to market for senior batch SMEs.
- Performance‑based bonuses, including company, project and “Above & Beyond” incentives.
- Above & Beyond bonus for salaried employees that work over 40 hours on active projects and training, paid at straight time at the equivalent hourly rate.
- 401(k) with immediate vesting.
- Medical, dental, and vision.
- Generous PTO and paid holidays.
- Ongoing training and professional development.
Our client welcomes applications from qualified candidates with U.S. work authorization, including those currently on H‑1B visas eligible for transfer. For candidates aligned with long‑term business needs, there is also a clear pathway toward employment‑based permanent residency (I‑140 sponsorship).
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