Senior Automation Engineer

KBI Biopharma, Inc.; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

KBI Biopharma, Inc. in Durham, NC is seeking a Senior Automation Engineer to lead and support automation projects across capital and operational facilities.

You will oversee site instrumentation, MES/SCADA/History data, and validation protocols, while coordinating with quality systems and suppliers to ensure compliant, reliable biopharma operations. You should bring 8+ years in instrumentation/automation, strong PLC/HMI/SCADA experience, and profibus/fieldbus knowledge.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science degree in an engineering discipline; progressively responsible automation experience.
• 8+ years in instrumentation/automation development, implementation, and maintenance.
• Experience with PLCs, HMIs, SCADA, networking, and fieldbus systems (Profibus preferred).

Responsibilities

• Direct or support concurrent automation engineering projects for capital and operational initiatives.
• Oversee site instrumentation, automation hardware/software, MES/SCADA, and data historians.
• Support commissioning, validation, and quality systems (CAPA, Change Control, Deviation).
• Develop and maintain SOPs and documentation for installed systems.
• Coordinate with outside contractors and manage project scope, budget, and timelines.

Skills

Instrumentation & controls

PLCs, HMIs, SCADA

Profibus/Fieldbus

OPC/OSI PI

Windows servers & Microsoft apps

Biopharma manufacturing

Education

B.S. in engineering

B.S. in engineering + 12 years experience

Tools

Unicorn

Wonderware

Rockwell FactoryTalk

RSLogix

Siemens Apogee

OPC

Job description

Job Summary

Job Summary The Facilities Engineering Department is responsible for all aspects of maintaining the site infrastructure in an active reliable state to support cGMP operations. Facilities Engineering oversees the architectural features of the buildings, Structural/Civil, Biotech process and laboratory equipment and systems, HVAC, Plant and Clean Utility Systems, Electrical Power and Lighting, and Automation for the facility. A Senior Automation Engineer is responsible for providing technical support for ongoing operations by serving as a system owner for Facilities automation systems, maintaining the site in a compliant state, and ensuring engineering and quality standards are maintained. Facilities Engineering is responsible for the generation and implementation of Change Controls, Corrective Actions Preventive Actions, Deviations, and other quality system records. As a part of project execution, a Senior Automation Engineer will support the design, implementation, commissioning, and validation of new systems or the modification of existing systems and serve as a project manager or lead project engineer for multiple concurrent projects. For larger, more complex projects, a Senior Automation Engineer will manage KBI engineering resources by assigning tasks, setting work priorities, and being responsible for project completion. A Senior Engineer will also manage outside contractors and trades. Project Management activities may include scope definition, scope adherence, stakeholder agreement, budgeting, scheduling, risk management, procurement, and installation support.

Responsibilities

Direct or support concurrent automation engineering projects on both technical and project management aspects for capital and operational projects while ensuring their success in meeting their respective objectives. Support the maintenance oversight of site instrumentation, plant level automation hard and software, and oversight of the Manufacturing Execution Systems, Building Management System, and Data Historian. Support Validation with the planning and execution of commissioning and validation protocols. Support CAPA, Change Control, Deviation, Risk Analysis, Root Cause Analysis, and other Quality Systems. Develop and maintain standard operating procedures and other procedures for installed systems. Support and comply with engineering standards, drawing controls, project controls and other procedures and standards necessary for the successful operation of the department as well as the creation and maintenance of the same.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor of Science degree in an engineering discipline and a minimum of 8 years of progressively responsible instrumentation/automation development, implementation, and maintenance activities or;
• Bachelor of Science degree and a minimum of 12 years of progressively responsible instrumentation/automation development, implementation, and maintenance activities.
• Minimum 5 years hands on experience with instrumentation and controls equipment including PLCs, HMIs, SCADA systems, and networking equipment.
• Have strong automation engineering skills and ability.
• Have Fieldbus configuration and management experience with Profibus being preferred or be able to obtain the same.
• Experience with Unicorn, Wonderware, Rockwell Automation FactoryTalk, Rockwell Automation RSLogix, Siemens Apogee, Open Process Control (OPC) preferable.
• Experience with qualifiable MES systems, such as OSI Pi preferable.
• Must have experience with Windows Servers hardware and Microsoft Windows - applications.
• Experience with communication protocols including but not limited to RS-485, RS-232, Ethernet, Modbus & Profibus is preferable.
• Experience in Biopharmaceutical manufacturing preferable.
• Must have experience with writing protocols, test scripts, user requirements, and system design documents.
• Must have strong organization, interpersonal, oral and written communication skills.
• Must be able to prioritize multiple commitments and technical problems.
• Must have the ability to shift priorities according to changes in department/facility needs and be open to different ideas/approaches.

Language Ability

Ability to concisely write reports and to effectively communicate information to executive management, managers, technicians, government agencies and customers.

Reasoning Ability

Ability to apply engineering principles and problem-solving skills to everyday challenges.

Math Ability

Strong math and analytical skills required. Ability to perform heat load calculations and size utility systems. Ability to apply mathematical operations to such tasks as frequency distribution, variance analysis, and determination of reliability and validity.

Physical Demands

Execution of assigned tasks will require the ability to access hard to reach areas of the facility to include confined spaces, cramped or low ceilings, interstitials, and mechanical rooms.

Computer Skills

Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Project), AutoCAD 3.7

Equipment Use

Standard hand tools, power tools, electrical multimeter, large format plotter, computer, telephone, copy and fax machine

EEO/AA Statement

KBI Biopharma, Inc. is an EEO/AA employer and actively seeks to diversify its work force.

Therefore, all qualified applicants, regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability or veteran status, are strongly encouraged to apply.

I understand that neither the completion of this application nor any other part of my consideration for employment establishes any obligation for KBI Biopharma, Inc. to hire me. If I am hired, I understand that either KBI Biopharma, Inc. or I can terminate my employment at any time and for any reason, with or without cause and without prior notice. I understand that no representative of KBI Biopharma, Inc. has the authority to make any assurance to the contrary. I attest with my signature below that I have given to KBI Biopharma, Inc. true and complete information on this application. No requested information has been concealed. I authorize KBI Biopharma, Inc. to contact references provided for employment reference checks. If any information I have provided is untrue, or if I have concealed material information, I understand that this will constitute cause for the denial of employment or immediate dismissal.

At KBI, we are constantly seeking to improve our team with accomplished individuals who share in our commitment to serve our clients as they seek to advance important medicines to the patients who need them. We offer our employees a challenging, rewarding and fast-paced environment along with the opportunity for career advancement through the development of one’s technical skills. At KBI, employees work in a collaborative, team environment, where sharing knowledge and expertise with one another is strongly encouraged.

If you do not see a position that matches your background, we invite you to return to our site often as positions are updated frequently.

Please Note: To 3rd Party Search Firms/Employment Agencies: All inquiries must be directed to [e-mail]. Please do not call or email any KBI Biopharma employee about current or future job openings. All resumes submitted by search firms or employment agencies to any employee at KBI Biopharma via-email, telephone, social media or other means will be deemed to be the sole property of KBI Biopharma, unless the firm submitting the resume has previously entered into a written agreement with KBI Biopharma regarding recruitment services and has been approved by Human Resources to work on an open position. KBI Biopharma will not pay any fee or remuneration with respect to candidates without complying with this requirement.