Sr. Automation Engineer, GMP

ProBio; Pennington (NJ); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental & Vision Insurance

401(k) with company match

Parental leave

Paid time off + holidays

Job summary

ProBio Inc. in Pennington, NJ, is seeking a Sr. Automation Engineer to lead administration and validation of the site’s automation systems, including SCADA and PLCs.

You will coordinate changes, validation protocols, and lifecycle documents across IT, Manufacturing, Facilities & Engineering, QC, and QA, ensuring compliance with cGxP and regulatory standards. The role requires a BS in engineering with 8–10 years of automation experience in biologics production, familiarity with Rockwell/DeltaV,

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, IT, Engineering, or related field with 8–10 years of experience.
• Expertise in IT Networking and industrial automation systems (Rockwell, Wonderware, DeltaV, etc.).
• Experience as IT Automation Engineer or similar role.
• Knowledge of regulatory guidelines for validation of computerized equipment and automation systems (FDA, ICH, USP, EMEA).
• Proficiency with office software and specialized QA/ manufacturing tools (Veeva Vault, SAP, Maximo).
• Strong problem-solving, prioritization, and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Define and manage automation system requirements and validation plans.
• Collaborate with Area Managers, System Owners, and Users for onboarding, operation, and retirement of systems.
• Develop validation protocols, reports, and lifecycle documents.
• Execute validation protocols and collect evidence.
• Create and improve administration SOPs for automation systems.
• Monitor system integrity, availability, performance, and operability.
• Investigate and resolve technical issues including root-cause analysis.
• Apply patches/upgrades following Change Control processes.
• Understand network, system, and cloud-based operations.
• Manage user access and regulatory compliance.
• Maintain knowledge of current tech trends in bioprocess equipment.
• Author change controls and test scripts as SME for automation changes.
• Recommend new equipment and Process Analytical Technologies (PAT).
• Coordinate Change Request processes with QA, IT, and Managed Services.
• Provide training on cGxP, GMP, GxP, and related directives and safety measures.

Skills

Problem-solving

Collaboration

Communication

Prioritization

Onsite work

Education

Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering

Tools

Rockwell Automation

Wonderware ArchestrA

FactoryTalk View SE

TopView

Vaisala ViewLinc

Unicorn

DeltaV

Repligen instruments

Thermo Scientific instruments

SAP

Maximo

Veeva Vault

Job description

ProBio, a subsidiary of GenScript, is a global CDMO offering end-to-end services from discovery to GMP for plasmids, antibodies, and cell & gene therapies. We bring together multidisciplinary expertise to accelerate development and manufacturing through customized, and comprehensive services. ProBio has established companies in the United States, the Netherlands, South Korea, and China (Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Nanjing) and other regions to serve global customers, and has helped customers in the United States, Europe, Asia Pacific and other regions obtain more than 150 IND approvals since October 2017.

Job Scope

The Sr. Automation Engineer is responsible for administration and management of the site’s automation systems, including Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system, PLCs, notification systems and computerized QC Lab instruments. The scope of the responsibilities includes the initial installation, ongoing maintenance, periodic back-up, change control, validation, and retirement of systems.

The incumbent works cross-functionally with internal departments including Information Technology, Manufacturing, Facilities & Engineering, Quality Control, and Quality Assurance, as well as external resources/vendors to maintain the site’s automation systems. The incumbent supports adherence to relevant regulatory requirements and company Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) as appropriate.

Responsibilities

• Work closely with stakeholders to understand and fulfill system requirements and improve the quality of automated processes.
• Collaborate with stakeholders, including Area Managers, System Owners, and System Users to ensure successful onboarding, use and retirement of automation systems.
• Develop appropriate Validation Protocols, Reports, and Lifecycle documents.
• Execute Validation Protocols and collecting test evidence.
• Create and improve Administration SOPs of automation systems
• Monitor integrity, availability, performance and operability of automation systems.
• Identify, investigate and correct technical issues, including performing root cause analysis for production errors.
• Make adjustments, enhancements and applying patches or upgrades as required for automation systems, while adhering to the Change Control process.
• Understand network operations, system operations, and Cloud-based systems.
• Administer user access management.
• Ensure compliance with applicable regulatory standards.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of current technology trends, programming languages, and automation best practices for bioprocess equipment including single-use bioreactors, chromatography controllers, ultrafiltration skids, and QC instruments.
• Author appropriate Change Controls and Test Scripts and serve as the Subject Matter Expert for applicable technical changes in automation systems.
• Recommend and integrate new bioprocess equipment and Process Analytical Technologies (PAT).
• Liaison with Business, Quality Assurance, Managed Services, and IT to coordinate the Change Request processes
• Training:
  • cGxP
  • Applicable Corporate and Departmental Directives, Policies, and Procedures
  • Good Manufacturing Practices and Good Documentation Practices
  • Automation Control and Data Acquisition
  • EHS
  • Lab/Biological Safety
  • Gowning

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, IT, Engineering, or related field of study with at least 8 - 10 years of related experience that provides direct scientific knowledge of automation systems operation and validation principles for computerized biologics production systems.
• Expertise in IT Networking and industrial automation systems, such as Rockwell Automation (Allen Bradley RS Logix), Wonderware Archestra platform, Factory Talk View SE, TopView, Vaisala ViewLinc, Unicorn software, DeltaV, various Repligen and Thermo Scientific instruments is a plus.
• Proven experience as an IT Automation Engineer or similar role.
• Direct knowledge of the biologics process equipment, SCADA/control systems, and supporting IT networking infrastructure.
• Expertise in scientific / technical subject areas – Equipment Qualification, Computer System Validation, SCADA system architecture, Biotech Process Equipment/Systems.
• Proficient in use of electronic systems, such as Microsoft Office, various specialized software including process documentation Veeva Vault, Material Management (SAP), Computerized Maintenance Management System (Maximo), Building Automation System (BAS).
• Knowledge of domestic / international regulatory guidelines / compendia and industry standards (FDA, ICH, USP and EMEA guidelines) for validation of computerized equipment and automation systems, including but not limited to 21 CFR Part 11, EU Eudralex Annex 11 and GAMP 5.
• Analytical thinker with excellent problem‑solving skills and the ability to adapt to changing priorities and deadlines.
• Comfort with collaboration, open communication, reaching across functional borders and being proactive.
• A strong focus on business outcomes.
• Ability to prioritize and juggle multiple concurrent projects and day-to-day requests

Please note that this role is based fully onsite in Pennington, New Jersey. The estimated salary range is $120,000 - $150,000 annually.

#LW

Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance as well as a 401(k) retirement plan with a company match that vests fully on day one. We offer paid parental leave after just three (3) months of employment, and a paid time off policy that includes vacation time, personal time, sick time, floating holidays, and company holidays. Additional benefits include flexible spending and health savings accounts, life and AD&D insurance, short- and long-term disability coverage, legal assistance, and supplemental plans such as pet, critical illness, accident, and hospital indemnity insurance. We also provide commuter benefits, well-being initiatives, and peer-to-peer recognition programs; demonstrating our ongoing commitment to building a culture where our people feel empowered, supported, and inspired to do their best work.

ProBio Inc. is a proud equal opportunity/affirmative action employer committed to attracting, retaining, and maximizing the performance of a diverse and inclusive workforce. It is the Company's policy to ensure equal employment opportunity without discrimination or harassment based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, national origin, marital or domestic/civil partnership status, genetic information, citizenship status, uniformed service member or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

ProBio Inc. maintains a drug-free workplace.

Please note: ProBio Inc. will only contact candidates through verified application sources. Probio does not request personal information from candidates through individual email or any other platform.