Senior Automation Engineer

Cambrex Corp.; Charles City (IA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare

Life insurance

Retirement planning

Job summary

Cambrex Charles City is seeking a Senior Automation Engineer to lead and support site automation systems in a cGMP API manufacturing environment. You will handle DCS/PLC/HMI integrations, troubleshoot complex issues, and drive capital projects from design through startup.

Role requires strong process control knowledge, hands-on PCS 7 experience, and collaboration with Operations, IT, Maintenance, Quality, and vendors to ensure compliant, reliable manufacturing operations.

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with Distributed Control Systems (DCS), PLCs, HMIs, and process control applications.
• Experience supporting capital projects including design review, equipment integration, commissioning, and startup.
• Familiarity with cGMP and regulated manufacturing environments.

Responsibilities

• Serve as project lead or SME on site automation systems (DCS/PLCs/HMIs) and automation infrastructure.
• Troubleshoot complex automation issues and provide timely technical solutions.
• Support daily production activities by diagnosing control system issues and implementing corrective actions.
• Maintain automation system reliability through proactive monitoring and lifecycle management.
• Develop and maintain automation standards, specifications, procedures, and documentation.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver integrated automation solutions.
• Review and approve automation design packages and change controls.

Skills

DCS

PLC

HMI

Automation systems

cGMP/Regulated

Capital projects

Troubleshooting

Process control

Education

BS Electrical/Automation/Engineering

Tools

Siemens PCS 7

Job description

Cambrex is a leading global contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) that provides drug substance development and manufacturing across the entire drug lifecycle, as well as comprehensive analytical and IND enabling services.

With over 40 years of experience and a team of 2,000 experts servicing global clients from North America and Europe, Cambrex offers a range of specialized drug substance technologies and capabilities, including continuous flow, controlled substances, liquid-phase peptide synthesis, solid-state science, material characterization, and highly potent APIs.

Your Work Matters.

At Cambrex, we strive to build a culture where all colleagues have the opportunity to:

• engage in work that matters to our customers and the patients they serve
• learn new skills and enjoy new experiences in an engaging and safe environment
• strengthen connections with coworkers and the community

We’re committed to attracting and nurturing a passionate team of valued professionals in our fast-paced and growing company. We offer a competitive benefits package that includes healthcare, life insurance, planning for retirement, and more!

Your Future Matters.

Known for our customer-focused scientific and manufacturing excellence, as well as our strong commitment to quality and safety, we offer a range of career and growth opportunities across our global network of locations. Together with our customers, we aim to improve the quality of life for patients around the world. Start a career where You Matter by applying today!

Job Overview

As a part of the Engineering Department, the Senior Automation Engineer provides technical leadership and engineering support for site automation systems and capital projects at the Cambrex Charles City manufacturing site. This role is responsible for maintaining, troubleshooting, optimizing, and improving automation systems that support safe, reliable, and compliant pharmaceutical manufacturing operations while supporting the planning, design, execution, commissioning, qualification, and startup of capital projects that enhance manufacturing capabilities, operational reliability, and regulatory compliance.

The Senior Automation Engineer serves as a key technical resource for Distributed Control Systems (DCS), process automation, equipment integration, and automation engineering solutions within a cGMP API manufacturing environment. The position works closely with Operations, Maintenance, Quality, Process Engineering, Project Engineering, contractors, and automation vendors to troubleshoot automation issues, implement system improvements, and successfully deliver capital projects.

The successful candidate will have strong hands‑on experience with process automation systems, preferably Siemens PCS 7, along with experience supporting capital projects, equipment integration, commissioning, and startup activities in a regulated manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Serve as project lead or subject matter expert on site automation systems, including Distributed Control Systems (DCS), PLCs, HMIs, process control applications, and automation infrastructure.
• Troubleshoot complex automation issues impacting manufacturing operations and provide timely technical solutions.
• Support daily production activities by diagnosing control system issues, identifying root causes, and implementing corrective actions.
• Maintain automation system reliability through proactive monitoring, troubleshooting, preventive improvements, and lifecycle management.
• Develop and maintain automation standards, engineering specifications, procedures, and technical documentation.
• Support automation system backups, upgrades, configuration management, and obsolescence planning.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams, including Engineering, Operations, IT, Maintenance, and Quality, to deliver integrated automation solutions.
• Review and provide technical approval for automation design packages, control narratives, and change control documentation.
• Identify opportunities for automation or advanced control to improve efficiency, reduce risk, and enhance product quality.
• Oversee vendor and integrator relationships, including scope of definition, project execution, and performance management.
• Ensure alignment with corporate IT/OT cybersecurity standards.

All employees are required to adhere to DEA, EPA, FDA and cGMP regulations as they relate to the operation of the Company; and to adhere to all company safety rules and procedures. All employees are expected to report to work regularly and promptly. Other duties relating to departmental mission, not specifically detailed in this section may be assigned.

Qualifications/Skills

• cGMP/FDA knowledge and/or experience highly beneficial.
• Minimum 7 - 10 years of industrial automation engineering experience in a cGMP pharmaceutical, biotechnology, chemical, or other process manufacturing environment.
• Hands‑on experience with Distributed Control Systems (DCS), PLCs, HMIs, process control applications, and industrial automation systems.
• Experience with automation system troubleshooting, configuration changes, and system improvements in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience supporting capital projects, including automation scope development, design review, equipment integration, commissioning, and startup activities.
• Strong understanding of process control principles, including control loops, alarms, interlocks, sequences, and instrumentation interfaces.
• Ability to interpret and review engineering documentation, including control narratives, functional specifications, instrumentation drawings, and automation design packages.
• Experience working in a regulated manufacturing environment with knowledge of cGMP requirements preferred.
• Strong problem‑solving, communication, and cross‑functional collaboration skills.

Education, Experience & Licensing Requirements

BS Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Computer Engineering highly preferred: other related fields will be considered with appropriate experience and knowledge.

Cambrex is committed to providing a safe and productive work environment. All offers of employment are contingent on the successful completion of a comprehensive pre‑employment screen. The pre‑employment screen may consist of several components including but not limited to a drug test, criminal record check, identity verification, reference checks, education and employment verification, and may vary based on federal, state, and local laws. Refusal to submit to testing will result in disqualification of further employment consideration.

All requirements are subject to possible modifications to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Cambrex Corporation is an Equal Opportunity / Aff mative Action employer and will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), ancestry, national origin, place of birth, age, marital status, disability/handicap, genetic information, veteran status, or other characteristics protected by federal, state, and/or local law.