Senior Automation Engineer

AstraZeneca; Coppell (TX); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

AstraZeneca seeks an experienced OT Automation Engineer to lead site automation and SCADA systems in a pharmaceutical manufacturing environment. This role focuses on PLC/HMI, batch, historian, and MES interfaces, with emphasis on validation, compliance, and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities include reviewing specifications, solving complex problems, training staff, and coordinating with third‑party vendors.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or related field.
• 4 years of experience in industrial automation in manufacturing, pharma preferred.
• Experience fixing or interpreting control logic, batch sequences, or PLC programs.
• Knowledge of GMP related to facility development and operation.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate development, implementation, and support of site automation and SCADA systems (PLC/HMI, batch, historian, MES interfaces).
• Review and approve technical specifications, drawings, and code.
• Lead solving, root cause analysis, and corrective actions.
• Train others on systems and procedures.
• Develop and implement validation protocols and maintain SOPs.
• Monitor system performance and identify improvement opportunities.
• Coordinate third‑party suppliers during system development, installation, and qualification.
• Provide on‑call automation support.

Skills

Problem-solving skills

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering/CS or related field

Tools

Rockwell Automation

SCADA systems

PLC programming

Job description

PLEASE NOTE: "This is an operational technology (OT) role focused on industrial control systems (PLC/SCADA/HMI) in a pharmaceutical manufacturing environment — not IT, software, or DevOps automation."

Key Accountabilities

• Ethics & Compliance
• Financial & Project Management
• Leadership & Collaboration
• Continuous Improvement

Essential Functions

• Coordinate development, implementation, and support of site automation and SCADA systems (PLC/HMI, batch, historian, MES interfaces).
• Review and approve technical specifications, drawings, and code.
• Lead solving, root cause analysis, and corrective actions.
• Train others on systems and procedures.
• Develop and implement validation protocols and maintain SOPs.
• Monitor system performance and identify improvement opportunities.
• Coordinate third‑party suppliers during system development, installation, and qualification.
• Provide on‑call automation support.

Other Responsibilities

• Author and handle change records, deviations, CAPAs, and investigations.
• Support internal/external audits and interactions with regulatory agencies.
• Lead capital project execution within budget and timelines.
• Evaluate and specify new automation tools and equipment.
• Maintain documentation and ensure compliance with GMP, SOPs, and safety requirements.

Safety, Health & Environment

• Promote a safe work environment and proactively address hazards.

Delivery & Support

• Provide timely on‑call support and collaborate with maintenance and metrology teams.
• Implement change controls to improve qualified systems.

Cost Management

• Promote cost‑conscious decision‑making.

Lean & Standard Work

• Ensure work follows established processes and standard procedures.

People Management

• No direct reports; may provide project‑based or matrix leadership.

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or related field
• Validated 4 years experience in one of the following:
  • Industrial automation systems in a manufacturing environment, preferably pharmaceutical or regulated industry; OR Pharmaceutical/biologics process engineering or quality engineering with direct teamwork on automation and control systems
  • Proven ability to fix or interpret control logic, batch sequences, or PLC programs
  • Knowledge of process and utility development, operation and maintenance
  • Detailed understanding of GMP related to facility development and operation
  • Strong problem‑solving skills

Desirable qualifications:

• Experience with Rockwell Automation control systems
• Experience in automation, SCADA systems, software development
• Comprehensive understanding of IT infrastructure as it relates to automated systems
• Detailed understanding of electrical schematics
• Understanding of instrumentation and maintenance of equipment applied in automated systems
• Lean Leadership principles and application in a GxP environment

Our mission is to build an inclusive environment where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and employees. In furtherance of that mission, we welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of their protected characteristics. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please complete the corresponding section in the application form.