Senior Automation and Controls Specialist

ZipRecruiter; Pretoria; On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading pharmaceutical company is seeking a Senior Automation and Controls Specialist to enhance their automation and control systems. The successful candidate will lead technical initiatives, manage complex projects, and ensure compliance with industry regulations. This role requires a degree in engineering and extensive experience in automation, particularly within FDA-regulated environments.

Qualifications

• 8+ years in automation/controls within the manufacturing sector.
• Experience in FDA-regulated environments essential.
• Proficiency in managing large-scale automation projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead technical initiatives for control systems in manufacturing operations.
• Manage capital project execution from scope development to installation.
• Mentor in troubleshooting automation frameworks.

Skills

PLC Troubleshooting Skills

FDA Regulations

Industrial Robot Programming

Troubleshooting Industrial Automation Equipment

PLC Programming Experience

SQL Administration Experience

Education

Degree in Engineering

Tools

Allen Bradley PLCs

Variable Frequency Drives (VFD)

Programmable Logic Controller (PLC)

Vision System

HMI

Industrial Robot

Job description

Job DescriptionJob Description

Imagine joining a cutting-edge pharmaceutical producer nestled in the vibrant St. Louis, MO area. As a Senior Automation and Controls Specialist, you will lead the charge in refining and elevating our automation and electrical control systems, crucial for streamlining pharmaceutical production processes.

Your expertise will guide us through intricate manufacturing controls projects—especially in the meticulous spheres of cGMP and FDA-regulated environments—while showcasing unparalleled technical leadership within our dedicated cross-functional teams.

Your Mission:

• Lead technical initiatives to bolster control systems within our manufacturing operations, driving efficiency and precision.

• Pioneer capital project execution, managing everything from scope development to the installation and commissioning of upgraded equipment.

• Mentor peers in troubleshooting existing automation frameworks, focusing on complexities like PLCs, robotics, and vision systems.

• Be the linchpin between departments—including Quality and Operations—to synchronize efforts with overarching site objectives.

• Craft and sustain maintenance strategies that keep automation systems in peak performance.

• Navigate and implement system upgrades while ensuring compliance with prevailing standards.

• Perform field inspections and spearhead system integrations, promoting seamless hardware installations.

• Drive capital budgets, navigating vendor relationships and estimating costs for labor and materials.

• Uphold stringent compliance with internal and external regulatory frameworks (e.g., FDA, cGMP).

Your Expertise:

• Hold a degree in Engineering or an affiliated technical discipline—this will serve you well.

• 8+ years in the realm of automation/controls, particularly within manufacturing, will make you shine.

• Proficiency in Allen Bradley PLCs and other critical industrial automation systems is essential.

• Hands-on experience with robotics and sensors will be a plus.

• Your track record of managing large-scale automation projects speaks volumes about your capabilities.

• Familiarity with regulated manufacturing practices is essential—experience in pharmaceuticals or medical devices will serve you well.

• Knowledge of system validation, change control, and project documentation underpins our quality expectations.

• Exceptional communicators and team-focused professionals will thrive.

• Bonus: Power distribution savvy (480V/110V) and BMS/security systems experience.

• Bonus: Network protocols and database proficiency (Ethernet/IP, SQL reporting) will set you apart.

Bring your expertise in the following:

• PLC Troubleshooting Skills
• 120/208/240/480 Voltage Systems
• FDA Regulations
• Industrial Robot Programming
• Troubleshooting Industrial Automation Equipment
• PLC Programming Experience
• Programming Machine Vision Systems
• PLC Wiring Experience
• SQL Administration Experience

Engage with these machines & technologies:

• Variable Frequency Drives (VFD)
• Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) (Allen Bradley)
• Vision System
• HMI
• Servo Motors
• Industrial Robot