Senior Automation Engineer

AbbVie Inc.; Branchburg Township (NJ); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Medical/Dental/Vision insurance

401(k)

Job summary

AbbVie is seeking a seasoned Automation Engineer to lead the design, implementation, and integration of OT automation projects across manufacturing and lab operations. This role provides technical support, configures PLCs and SCADA, and ensures compliance with change control processes.

The ideal candidate will have 4+ years of experience in process automation, experience with Ignition SCADA and Allen‑Bradley PLCs, and a strong understanding of GMP/FDA requirements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in CS or engineering with 4+ years of relevant experience.
• Experience with SCADA/PLC programming and HMI development.
• Familiar with FDA, GMP, 21 CFR 11 and data integrity in pharmaceutical manufacturing.
• Knowledge of Windows Server OS and related components incl. AD, DHCP, DNS.
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage external vendors.

Responsibilities

• Acts as SME for Automation Applications, Process Control systems, robotics and understands system integration protocols.
• Provides input on manufacturing issues and process improvements.
• Performs or reviews configuration and programming to meet requirements and compliance.
• Provides training for OT Systems Users/Engineers in new automation technologies.
• Diagnoses and troubleshoots OT System hardware, software, and networking issues; replaces defective components as needed.
• Supports OT Systems lifecycle including validation and qualification documentation.
• Perform OT administration tasks such as OS updates, backups, and access management.
• Establishes project management techniques for monitoring, reporting, and controlling automation projects.
• Works off-peak hours for maintenance and system changes as needed.
• Complies with EHS requirements and continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills

OT Systems leadership

Cross-functional teamwork

Troubleshooting

Process controls

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS or engineering

Tools

Ignition SCADA

Allen-Bradley PLCs

HMI graphics

Windows Server

Active Directory

Job description

Company Description

About AbbVie

AbbVie's mission is to discover and deliver innovative medicines and solutions that solve serious health issues today and address the medical challenges of tomorrow. We strive to have a remarkable impact on people's lives across several key therapeutic areas including immunology, oncology and neuroscience - and products and services in our Allergan Aesthetics portfolio. For more information about AbbVie, please visit us at www.abbvie.com. Follow @abbvie on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, Xand YouTube.

Job Description

This role is responsible for leading the design, implementation, and integration of automation projects/systems across manufacturing and laboratory operations and provides technical support and troubleshooting for system assigned. Responsible for moderate to complex configuration and programming of Operation Technology (OT) Systems as per AbbVie change management procedures for the manufacturing process, utilities and Facilities Control Systems.

Responsibilities

• Acts as Subject Matter Expert (SME) for Automation Applications, Process Control systems, robotics and possess an understanding of common system integration communication protocols.
• Provides process controls input and recommendations regarding manufacturing issues and process improvements.
• Perform or review configuration and programming using defined practices to establish compliance with users and functional requirements.
• Provides training for OT Systems Users/Engineers in new automation technologies and process control applications.
• Diagnosing and troubleshooting OT System hardware, software, and networking issues, replace defective components as needed. Responsible for implementing and validating OT systems upgrades and data migrations for DCS, PLCs, Ignition SCADA, and Data Historian systems.
• Support OT Systems lifecycle including validation activities by developing and executing qualification protocols plus associated documentation like System Functional and Design Specifications.
• Perform scheduled OT Systems administration and maintenance tasks such as operating systems (OS) and anti-virus updates, patching, users accounts management, critical data back-up and others.
• Establish project management techniques in monitoring, reporting, and controlling automation projects according to size and criticality (small to medium projects).
• Work schedule flexibility to perform or support maintenance work and other changes to systems in production during off-peak hours. This might require occasionally working evenings or on weekends.
• Conform to EHS management system requirements and compliance obligations, promote continuous improvement, and consider EHS aspects during the design and change process. Comply with all EHS procedures and policies including incident reporting, use of PPE, waste management and disposal, and any other program applicable according to the position duties.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science or engineering with a minimum of four (4) years of relevant experience required
• Experience with SCADA and PLCs (such as Ignition and Allen-Bradley PLCs), programming in ladder logic and instructional texts, HMI graphics development and management
• Knowledge of authoring and supporting commissioning and qualification activities, including change control process
• Experience with FDA, GMP, 21CFR11, Data Integrity, Safety and Environmental legislation within pharmaceutical, biotechnology and/or Medical Device manufacturing processes, including best operational practices and regulatory expectations
• Knowledge of Windows Server Operating Systems and related components as related to OT system configuration including Active Directory, User Administration, TCP/IP with DHCP, WINS and DNS
• Ability to provide technical program leadership, including external vendor management and lead cross-functional teams including internal and external resources

Additional Information

Applicable only to applicants applying to a position in any location with pay disclosure requirements under state orlocal law:

• The compensation range described below is the range of possible base pay compensation that the Companybelieves ingood faith it will pay for this role at thetimeofthis posting based on the job grade for this position.Individualcompensation paid within this range will depend on many factors including geographiclocation,andwemayultimatelypaymore or less than the posted range. This range may bemodifiedin thefuture.
• We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick),medical/dental/visioninsurance and 401(k) to eligibleemployees.
• This job is eligible toparticipatein our short-term incentiveprograms.

Note: No amount of payis considered to bewages or compensation until such amount is earned, vested, anddeterminable.Theamountandavailabilityof anybonus,commission, incentive, benefits, or any other form ofcompensation and benefitsthat are allocable to a particular employeeremains in the Company's sole and absolute discretion unless and until paid andmay bemodifiedat the Company's sole and absolute discretion, consistent withapplicable law.

AbbVie is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to operating with integrity, driving innovation, transforming lives and serving our community. Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled.

US & Puerto Rico only - to learn more, visit https://www.abbvie.com/join-us/equal-employment-opportunity-employer.html

US & Puerto Rico applicants seeking a reasonable accommodation, click here to learn more:

https://www.abbvie.com/join-us/reasonable-accommodations.html