Automation Project Manager

Pinnaql; Rockville (MD); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Validation & Engineering Group, Inc. in Rockville, MD is seeking a Senior Automation Engineer to lead automation projects in a GMP environment.

You will coordinate design, testing, validation, and implementation with cross-functional teams including Engineering, Operations, Quality, Validation and IT. The role requires 8+ years of experience in automation/controls, strong project execution skills, and experience with commissioning, testing and validation activities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field.
• 8+ years of experience in automation, controls or related manufacturing environments.
• Experience in GMP-regulated environments such as pharma/biotech/medical devices.
• Strong project execution and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience with commissioning, testing, qualification or validation activities.

Responsibilities

• Lead automation projects from design and planning through implementation and closeout.
• Support modifications to BMS, COPA-DATA Zenon, EMS, PLCs and process automation systems.
• Coordinate engineering design, system integration, migration and validation activities.
• Develop and coordinate testing, commissioning and validation activities.
• Review and approve validation protocols per site requirements.
• Manage project schedules, risks, changes, and work orders.
• Coordinate outages and implementations in active manufacturing environments.
• Ensure GMP, safety, quality, and site procedures compliance.
• Maintain engineering drawings, config records and turnover packages.
• Coordinate with vendors and subcontractors for project delivery.
• Escalate risks impacting safety, compliance, schedule, quality, or operations.

Skills

Automation

Controls

Project management

GMP

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Automation/Controls/Instrumentation or related field

Tools

Rockwell PLC

SCADA

Job description

Current job opportunities are posted here as they become available.

Validation & Engineering Group, Inc. (V&EG) a Pinnaql company is a leading services supplier who provides solutions for the Pharmaceutical, Biotechnology, Chemical, Food, and Medical Devices industries in the following areas: Laboratory, Compliance, Computer, Engineering, Project Management, Validation, and other services.

We are seeking a talented, dedicated individual committed to work under the highest ethical standards for the following position:

Senior Automation Engineer

Job Summary

We are seeking a Senior Automation Engineer to support an Automation Resilience Program in Rockville, MD.

The selected candidate will lead and coordinate automation engineering, implementation, testing, commissioning, validation support, documentation, and project closeout activities. The role will work closely with Engineering, Automation, Operations, Quality, Validation, IT, and external vendors.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead automation projects from design and planning through implementation and closeout.
• Support modifications and improvements to BMS, COPA-DATA Zenon (CDZ), EMS, PLCs, and process automation systems.
• Coordinate engineering design, system integration, migration, controls modifications, and implementation activities.
• Develop and coordinate testing, commissioning, and validation activities.
• Support creation, execution, review, and approval of validation protocols in accordance with site requirements.
• Manage project schedules, risks, issues, change controls, work orders, and action items.
• Coordinate outages, shutdowns, dependencies, and implementation activities in an active manufacturing environment.
• Ensure compliance with GMP, safety, quality, and site procedures.
• Review and maintain engineering drawings, configuration records, test documentation, and as-built/turnover packages.
• Coordinate with internal stakeholders, vendors, and subcontractors to ensure successful project delivery.
• Proactively escalated risks impacting safety, compliance, schedule, quality, or operations.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Automation, Controls, Electrical Engineering, Instrumentation, or related field.
• 8+ years of experience in automation, controls, engineering, or related manufacturing environments.
• Experience supporting automation projects in pharmaceutical, biotech, medical device, or other GMP-regulated environments.
• Strong project execution and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience with commissioning, testing, qualification, or validation activities.
• Experience working in active manufacturing facilities with controlled implementation/outage requirements.

Preferred Experience

• Rockwell PLC / Controls
• Process automation and system integration
• PLC/control system migration
• Automation architecture and data historization
• GMP computerized systems
• Commissioning and qualification

At Validation & Engineering Group, people always come first. We believe that when you're empowered to do your best work, bold ideas thrive and real progress happens. This isn't just a job - it's an opportunity to make a meaningful difference by shaping the future of healthcare and technology alongside a purpose-driven, supportive team.

Excited to build something meaningful together? We look forward to hearing from you.

Validation & Engineering Group is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability status.