Senior Staff Engineer-Automation

Zoetis; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Zoetis in Lithia Springs, GA is seeking a Senior Staff Engineer-Automation to lead on-site automation, instruments, and control systems in a GMP environment. The role focuses on implementing BMS, PMS, EMS and PCS infrastructure while upholding Zoetis standards and regulatory requirements.

The candidate should have a Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline and at least six years of automation experience in pharma/biotech, with PLC/SCADA/DCS expertise and strong cross-functional

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in electrical, chemical, automation engineering or related field.
• 6 years managing automation systems experience in pharma/biotech required.

Responsibilities

• Gatekeep standards for new system architecture design and support installation of instrumentation and control systems.
• Maintain Automation master plan for the site to manage Automation base.
• Oversee life cycle and change control for all automation systems to ensure compliance and efficiency.
• Assist maintenance teams with troubleshooting instruments and control systems.
• Develop training programs for instrumentation and control systems.
• Manage vendors and contracts with clear technical specifications.
• Stay updated on instrumentation and control technology and apply applicable advancements.
• Coordinate with users and management to ensure standards are properly adopted.
• Provide technical input during regulatory audits and ensure GMP compliance.
• Prepare, review and approve SOPs as required.
• Support full implementation of automation infrastructure from concept to completion.
• Assist with FAT and SAT for all automation.

Skills

PLC programming

SCADA systems

DCS

ISA‑88/95

GAMP knowledge

FDA/cGMP awareness

Automation project leadership

IQ/OQ/PQ validation

English communication

EMS/BMS/PCS integration

Education

Bachelor's degree in automation engineering

Job description

What's it like to work for Zoetis, the world leader in animal health? Zoetis means something a little different to every colleague, but at our core, our purpose 'to nurture the world and humankind by advancing care for animals,' is what unites us in all our roles.

We're a global animal health company dedicated to serving veterinarians, livestock producers and people who raise and care for farm and companion animals in more than 100 countries. And we're excited to become a part of the Douglasville, GA, community as we build our newest manufacturing facility to support our growing monoclonal antibody and vaccine portfolios.

Position Summary:

We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Senior Staff Engineer-Automation to support the management of all on-site industrial controls systems BMS, PMS, EMS and PCS infrastructure and RLAN IT/OT architecture, both new and existing. The successful candidate will play a critical role in the development, implementation, and maintenance of instrumentation and control systems, ensuring compliance with Zoetis standards, GMP, and non-GMP requirements.

Position Responsibilities:

• Gatekeep standards for new system architecture design, and support the installation of instrumentation and control systems, including building automation systems, data systems, process control, DCS, and utility PLCs in harmony with Zoetis standards.
• Support maintaining Automation master plan for the entire site to manage and support Automation base.
• Support managing the life cycle and change control process for all automation control systems at the site to ensure compliance and operational efficiency.
• Provide support to maintenance teams for troubleshooting instruments and control systems.
• Develop training programs for instrumentation and control systems to enhance the skills of the team.
• Support managing vendors and consultants, ensuring that contracts contain appropriate technical specifications and are delivered according to requirements.
• Stay abreast of developments in instrumentation and control technology and standards, applying relevant advancements to enhance operations.
• Interface with users, peers, and management to ensure appropriate input and integration of local and corporate standards.
• Provide technical expertise during regulatory audits to ensure compliance with industry standards.
• Author, review, revise, or approve Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) as required.
• Support the entire implementation of essential automation infrastructure from conception to completion.
• Provide support for Factory Acceptance Test and Site Acceptance Test for all automation.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, chemical engineering, automation engineering, or a related field is required. Advanced technical degrees will be considered a plus.
• 6 years managing automation systems experience in automation engineering, particularly in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology sectors is required.

Technical Skills and Competence Required:

• Demonstrated experience in the design, implementation, and maintenance of automation systems within a GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) environment.
• Proficiency in PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) programming, SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems, DCS (Distributed Control System), and other automation technologies.
• Knowledge of industry standards such as ISA-88, ISA-95, and GAMP (Good Automated Manufacturing Practice).
• Familiarity with regulatory requirements, including FDA regulations, cGMP (current Good Manufacturing Practice), and other relevant guidelines governing the pharmaceutical industry.
• Technical Experience leading and managing automation projects from concept through commissioning, ensuring adherence to project timelines and budgets.
• Understanding of equipment and system validation processes, including IQ (Installation Qualification), OQ (Operational Qualification), and PQ (Performance Qualification).
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, as Senior Automation Engineers often collaborate with cross‑functional teams, vendors, and management.
• Ability to troubleshoot complex automation issues, identify root causes, and implement effective solutions.
• Basic understanding of IT/OT (Information Technology/Operational Technology) digital concepts, with the ability to integrate automation systems EMS, DCS, PCS and BMS into broader digital frameworks.
• Life‑cycle management of Automation Systems.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills for concise and practical presentations.
• Implementation, testing, and qualification of automation for large‑scale projects.
• Proficiency in English, both written and oral.
• Computer proficiency with email; internet/online training; working knowledge of Microsoft Office, including Word and Excel; familiarity with manufacturing software programs.
• Demonstrated commitment to achieving business results in a manner consistent with Zoetis Core Beliefs and Mission Elements.

Physical Position Requirements

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those a colleague encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Candidate position is site based in Lithia Springs GA (Atlanta). Must be able to sit, walk or stand for long periods of time. Repetitive motions and substantial movement of the wrist, hands, and fingers. Must be able to reach above shoulder level, bend/stoop, kneel, push/pull, and handle/grip frequently. Must be able to work scheduled 40 hours with the ability to work overtime as needed. General work hours are from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm in an office setting. Must be able to lift and carry up to 25 lbs. Use of necessary personal protective equipment is also required.

About Zoetis

• At Zoetis, our purpose is to nurture the world and humankind by advancing care for animals. As a Fortune 500 company and the world leader in animal health, we discover, develop, manufacture and commercialise vaccines, medicines, diagnostics and other technologies for companion animals and livestock. We know our people drive our success. Our award‑winning culture, built around our Core Beliefs, focuses on our colleagues’ careers, connection and support. We offer competitive healthcare and retirement savings benefits, along with an array of benefits, policies and programs to support employee well‑being in every sense, from health and financial wellness to family and lifestyle resources.