Senior Automation Engineer — DCS/PLC Systems Lead

Biopharma Careers

Town of Marlborough (NY)

On-site

USD 122,000 - 195,000

Full time

14 days+

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Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare

Well-being programs

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Paid time off

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Job summary

Moderna is seeking an Automation Systems professional to support the design, deployment, and lifecycle management of process automation across manufacturing facilities. You’ll work with DeltaV DCS, ABB/ B&R PLCs, SCADA, and DHS/AVEVA PI, while collaborating with MSAT, Quality, IT, and engineering teams.

The role emphasizes continuous improvement, AI/ML-oriented system design, and CAPEX-to-OPEX project leadership in a fast-paced biopharma environment.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related technical discipline
Minimum of 5–8 years of experience in pharmaceutical or biotechnology
Understanding of smart manufacturing and Industry 4.0 concepts
Strong experience in designing and supporting Emerson DeltaV DCS process control systems including continuous and batch processes
Experience working with industrial protocols including HART, Ethernet I/P, OPC and classic IO
Hands-on experience with middleware tools (e.g., Kepware, OPC servers)
Familiarity with PLCs, and SCADA systems, Robotics and VMware
Understanding of RESTful APIs and system integrations
Working knowledge of cGMP manufacturing operations and practices
Knowledge of GAMP, CSV, and regulatory compliance requirements
Background in CSV and regulatory compliance (21 CFR Part 11, Annex 11)
Experience developing automation documentation including URS, FRS, CDS, and validation protocols (IQ/OQ/PQ)
Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills in fast-paced manufacturing environments

Responsibilities

Support the implementation and expansion of process automation capabilities across new and existing manufacturing facilities
Support development, maintenance, and improvement of DCS (DeltaV), PLCs (AB/B&R), SCADA systems, DHS (AVEVA PI), Robotics, VMware, including adoption of new technologies and future system upgrades
Assist with troubleshooting, optimization, and lifecycle support of process automation systems
Participate in commissioning, startup, FAT, SAT, and system deployment activities as required
Collaborate with Manufacturing, Facilities, MSAT, Quality, IT Infrastructure, Process Engineering, and other cross-functional teams to define business and technical requirements
Support integration of automation systems with enterprise platforms including Operational Data Hub (ODH), Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), VMware, and analytics environments
Contribute to the implementation and maintenance of plant floor Automation Design Guidelines and standards
Help standardize reusable automation aligned with ISA-95 and ISA-88 principles
Identify opportunities to improve processes, equipment, systems, and infrastructure through operational excellence initiatives and implementation of AI technologies.
Promote an AI/ML-forward mindset in system design and data utilization
Lead CAPEX projects from concept through commissioning and transition into OPEX
Provide ongoing lifecycle support for automation systems across Moderna facilities
Provide On-call and floor support
Coordinate and support validation activities in collaboration with Manufacturing, Engineering, QA, and CQV teams
Support compliance activities related to cGMP, GAMP, CSV, and regulatory requirements
Develop and maintain automation documentation including URS, FRS, CDS, and validation protocols
Support risk assessments, testing activities, and changing control processes