Senior Automation Engineer — Robotics & PLCs

Thornton Tomasetti; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Abbott in Sylmar, CA is seeking an automation controls engineer to support production and process development for FDA-regulated products. This role focuses on controls design, equipment integration, and qualification activities to ensure compliant, efficient manufacturing.

You will interface with internal customers, develop automated production equipment, perform validations, and coordinate FAT/SAT while collaborating across cross-functional teams. Travel may be required as projects dictate.

Qualifications

• Hands-on automation controls experience in manufacturing.
• Familiar with IQ/OQ/PQ and regulatory concepts.
• Strong problem-solving and cross-functional collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Provide controls support for manufacturing and testing equipment.
• Develop and maintain automated production equipment.
• Evaluate design options for manufacturability and cost.
• Coordinate FAT/SAT and vendor interactions.
• Create and maintain SOPs, validation protocols, and risk assessments.
• Support implementation of QMS/EMS requirements.

Skills

PLC programming

Robotics & automation

Sensors & machine vision

Industrial controls knowledge

Electromechanical systems

Education

Associate degree in engineering

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

Automation software

VFDs/servos

GxP/Regulatory basics

Job description

Abbott in Sylmar, CA is seeking an automation controls engineer to support production and process development for FDA-regulated products. This role focuses on controls design, equipment integration, and qualification activities to ensure compliant, efficient manufacturing.

You will interface with internal customers, develop automated production equipment, perform validations, and coordinate FAT/SAT while collaborating across cross-functional teams. Travel may be required as projects dictate.