Senior Staff Engineer- Automation

Zoetis; Atlanta (KS); On-site; USD 140,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Zoetis in Lithia Springs, GA is seeking a Sr. Staff Automation Engineer to lead and oversee the automation architecture for on-site controls (BMS, PMS, EMS, PCS) and IT/OT integration.

You will drive design standards, lifecycle management, change control, and regulatory alignment to GMP and non-GMP requirements. The role requires 7+ years in automation within pharma/biotech, PLC/SCADA/DCS proficiency, and strong collaboration with maintenance, QA, and IT teams.

Qualifications

• 7+ years in automation engineering, pharma/biotech preferred.
• Experience designing, implementing and maintaining GMP/industry automation.
• Knowledge of ISA standards and regulatory guidelines.

Responsibilities

• Own and gatekeep standards for new system architecture and installation.
• Maintain Automation master plan for the site.
• Manage life cycle and change control for automation systems.
• Support maintenance teams with troubleshooting.
• Develop training programs for automation and control systems.
• Manage vendors and consultants with contract specs.
• Stay updated on automation tech and standards.
• Interface with users and management for standards alignment.
• Provide regulatory audit support and SOP approvals.
• Support full automation infrastructure implementation.
• Provide ownership-level support for FAT/SAT.

Skills

PLC programming

SCADA systems

DCS systems

ISA-88

ISA-95

GAMP

FDA regulations

IT/OT integration

vendor management

change control

Education

Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or automation

Advanced technical degree a plus

Tools

IQ/OQ/PQ

Job description

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Sr. Staff Automation Engineer 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

• Own and 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.


• Own maintaining Automation master plan for the entire site to manage and support Automation base.


• Own 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 automation, 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 ownership level 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.


• 7-plus 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.


• SME level technical Experience leading and managing automation projects from concept through commissioning, ensuring adherence to project timelines and budgets.


• SME level 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.


• SME level ability to troubleshoot complex automation issues, identify root causes, and implement effective solutions.


• High level of 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.


• Owen life-cycle management of Automation Systems.


• Efficient Project Management skills.


• 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.

Full time Regular Colleague

Zoetis is committed to equal opportunity in the terms and conditions of employment for all employees and job applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, gender identity or gender expression, national origin, disability or veteran status or any other protected classification. Disabled individuals are given an equal opportunity to use our online application system. We offer reasonable accommodations as an alternative if requested by an individual with a disability. Please contact Zoetis Colleague Services at [e-mail] to request an accommodation. Zoetis also complies with all applicable national, state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment as well as employment eligibility verification requirements of the Immigration and Nationality Act. All applicants must possess or obtain authorization to work in the US for Zoetis. Zoetis retains sole and exclusive discretion to pursue sponsorship for the acquisition or maintenance of nonimmigrant status and employment eligibility, considering factors such as availability of qualified US workers. Individuals requiring sponsorship must disclose this fact. Please note that Zoetis seeks information related to job applications from candidates for jobs in the U.S. solely via the following: (1) our company website at www.Zoetis.com/careers site, or (2) via email to/from addresses using only the Zoetis domain of "@zoetis.com". In addition, Zoetis does not use Google Hangout for any recruitment related activities. Any solicitation or request for information related to job applications with Zoetis via any other means and/or utilizing email addresses with any other domain should be disregarded. In addition, Zoetis will never ask candidates to make any type of personal financial investment related to gaining employment with Zoetis.