Site Automation Project Engineer

Apex Systems; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in Philadelphia is seeking a Site Engineering Automation Project Engineer to provide automation engineering design and project management support. This role involves working on Building Automation Systems and Environmental Monitoring Systems, ensuring compliance with project requirements. The ideal candidate will have strong project management skills and a BS in Engineering, with at least 7 years of experience in the biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry.

Benefits

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

401K Program

Employee Stock Purchase Program

Qualifications

• Minimum of 7 years’ experience in cGMP Biotechnology or equivalent.
• Applied automation design engineering and project engineering experience required.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the Site Engineering Automation engineer representative for the project.
• Collaborate with engineering disciplines to implement BAS and EMS automation controls.

Skills

Project Management

Communication

Problem Solving

Organizational Skills

Education

BS Engineering

Tools

Rockwell PLC

Siemens Desigo BAS

OS PI Historian

Job description

Job Location: Philadelphia, PA

Contract & Onsite role

Position Summary: The Site Engineering Automation Project Engineer will provide automation engineering design and project management support for a facility project located in Philadelphia, PA. This role will primarily be responsible for the Building Automation System (BAS), Environmental Monitoring System (EMS), and associated Infrastructure/Instrumentation and Controls (I&C). The role focuses on engineering design, startup, vendor management, commissioning, and qualification. The candidate should have strong organizational skills and excellent communication abilities to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and vendors.

Responsibilities:

• Serve as the Site Engineering Automation engineer representative for the project.
• Ensure the delivery of the BAS, EMS, and associated Infrastructure/I&C complies with project requirements and approved design criteria.
• Collaborate with other engineering disciplines including Facilities/Maintenance, Manufacturing Operations, Digital Systems, Process Automation, Information Technology, and other departments to implement and complete activities related to BAS and EMS automation controls design, construction, start-up, and commissioning and validation activities.
• Participate in the submittal review/approval process, construction coordination, system start-up, commissioning, and qualification.
• Coordinate with system owners, construction engineers and managers, vendors, and startup teams to ensure project schedule is maintained.
• Assist with system start-up, commissioning, and qualification of systems and coordination of supplier/vendor and documents development.
• Perform routine site construction walk downs to observe and document safety compliance, design compliance, track installation progress, and develop punch lists.
• Actively participate in Mechanical Completion walkdowns and follow up on closure of punch items recorded.
• Support the development of the Master Equipment List, Master Instrument List, and recommended Spare Parts List.
• Support and attend facility equipment Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and Site Acceptance Testing (SAT) at vendor sites.
• Support the development and lifecycle management of BAS and EMS Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), BOMS, and Preventative Maintenance Plans for equipment/system setup and operation.
• Review P&IDs, Loop Drawings/Wiring Diagrams, Technical Specifications, and calibration records.
• Execute and document infield verification and resolve any discrepancies.
• Maintain and organize tracker for identified discrepancies and issues and drive to resolution ensuring minimal impact to project timelines.
• Review and approve engineering submittals from vendors and contractors to ensure alignment with project specifications and approved engineering design.
• Review mechanical drawings, P&IDs, and specifications, identifying discrepancies and providing resolutions.
• Respond to Requests for Information (RFIs), ensuring clarity and accuracy in engineering documentation.
• Support detailed design reviews and risk assessments and ensure all automation systems meet GMP, FDA, and industry standards.

Project Support & Problem-Solving:

• Provide technical troubleshooting and resolution for BAS/EMS system challenges during startup, commissioning, and qualification.
• Identify and mitigate risks related to mechanical system performance, compliance, and reliability.
• Ensure proper documentation of all engineering activities, including change control and validation protocols.

Compliance, Documentation & Reporting:

• Maintain detailed records of project progress, vendor interactions, qualification protocols, deviations, and corrective actions.
• Assist in the development and revision of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) related to equipment/system operation, maintenance, and qualification.
• Provide regular status updates to project teams and leadership, highlighting risks, challenges, and mitigation strategies.

Education and Experience Requirements:

• BS Engineering degree in a relevant field or area of specialization (Electrical/Mechanical engineering, etc.).
• Minimum of 7 years’ experience in cGMP Biotechnology, pharmaceutical, or equivalent engineering service-oriented industry.
• Applied automation design engineering and project engineering experience required.
• Experience in commissioning, qualification, validation, troubleshooting, testing, startup, turnover, and lifecycle maintenance.
• Knowledge of IT/OT Infrastructure, shop floor devices, facility control systems, data historians.
• Knowledge of GXP compliance and experience with Data Integrity elements.
• Experience with BAS, EMS, Rockwell PLC, OS PI Historian platforms, Siemens Desigo BAS, Vaisala ViewLinc EMS, Rockwell ControLogix PLC a plus.
• Knowledgeable with drawing deliverables including schematic wiring diagrams, instrumentation loop diagrams, P&ID, AF&ID, control panel layouts, and electrical single line diagrams.
• Knowledgeable with automation computer hardware and software including Microsoft operating systems, software drivers, and communication protocols.
• Proven track record in a CAPEX program environment.
• Strong inter-personal skills and the ability to bring people together around a common purpose.
• Up to 10% travel required.

Key Skills, Abilities, and Competencies:

• Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and timelines.
• Excellent organizational, problem-solving, and multitasking abilities.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills to effectively liaise with internal teams and external vendors.

EEO Employer

Apex Systems is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate or allow discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, genetic information, registered domestic partner status, marital status, disability, status as a crime victim, protected veteran status, political affiliation, union membership, or any other characteristic protected by law. Apex will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable law. If you have visited our website in search of information on employment opportunities or to apply for a position, and you require an accommodation in using our website for a search or application, please contact our Employee Services Department at [e-mail] or 844-463-6178.

Apex Systems is a world-class IT services company that serves thousands of clients across the globe. When you join Apex, you become part of a team that values innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning. We offer quality career resources, training, certifications, development opportunities, and a comprehensive benefits package. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in many awards, including ClearlyRated's Best of Staffing in Talent Satisfaction in the United States and Great Place to Work in the United Kingdom and Mexico.

Apex Benefits Overview:Apex offers a range of supplemental benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and other insurance plans that offer an optional layer of financial protection. We offer an ESPP (employee stock purchase program) and a 401K program which allows you to contribute typically within 30 days of starting, with a company match after 12 months of tenure. Apex also offers a HSA (Health Savings Account on the HDHP plan), a SupportLinc Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with up to 8 free counseling sessions, a corporate discount savings program and other discounts. In terms of professional development, Apex hosts an on-demand training program, provides access to certification prep and a library of technical and leadership courses/books/seminars once you have 6+ months of tenure, and certification discounts and other perks to associations that include CompTIA and IIBA. Apex has a dedicated customer service team for our Consultants that can address questions around benefits and other resources, as well as a certified Career Coach. You can access a full list of our benefits, programs, support teams and resources within our ‘Welcome Packet’ as well, which an Apex team member can provide.