Automation Controls Engineer

Duties & Responsibilities

• In this role, you will be responsible for establishing criteria for industrial systems, including determining applicable codes, selecting controllers for various applications, and establishing hazardous are boundaries.
• Position is also responsible for developing system routing options; coordinating and implementing the layout of industrial systems and equipment; and, monitoring, interpreting, and conducting tests of Programmable Logic Controllers/distributed control system.
• This position requires the ability to deliver innovative automation solutions and design standards. The candidate must have the ability to conceptualize, detail and implement control systems for industrial processes. This involves the development of a control system architecture, selecting the components to be used, detailing schematic diagrams and system documentation, programming controllers (PLC, DCS, RTU), programming the process visualization (HMI/SCADA), developing databases for archiving/displaying historical system data and implementing/commissioning the control system.
• Knowledge of controller programming languages such as Ladder, Sequential Function Chart, Structured Text and others to achieve the desired results is required. Also having knowledge of standard programming languages such as VBA, .NET and SQL for the development of HMI/SCADA systems is preferred.
• Experience with industrial networking used to connect control system components and instrumentation is preferred. The Controls Engineer would design, detail and implement a variety of fiber, wired and wireless systems using industrial protocols (Ethernet/IP, Profinet, Modbus, etc.).
• The ideal candidate must have a diverse engineering skillset with the ability to work independently.
• Develop and continuous improvement of manufacturing and quality test, calibration and production software and control systems:
• Define project specifications and project lifecycle
• Create test plans
• Define database structures for defining test criteria and storing results
• Document electrical and controls schematics
• Develop test and calibration software
• Develop intuitive user interfaces and HMI applications
• Control and test system validation
• Create test instruction and other documentation for operation
• Continuous support and improvement of installed equipment
• Work in collaboration with manufacturing engineering team to solve production issues, efficiency and continuous improvement goals.
• Manage the installation of the new hardware.
• Perform, finalize, and implement the software conversions.
• Create I/O drawing for the 4 systems in Visio or similar and work with site CAD Operators to draft these drawing.
• Update existing lifecycle document (i.e., Design Specifications Documents, Functional Specification Document, Software Specifications Document, etc.
• Integrate the updated PLC software with existing HMIs running Rockwell Automation FactoryTalk View ME.
• Generate and execute Installation and Operational Qualification of new hardware and software.
• Work on other automation related projects at the site as time permits
• This position requires the ability to deliver innovative automation solutions and design standards either self-directed or as a technical lead of a team.
• The Controls Engineer would design, detail and implement a variety of fiber, wired and wireless systems using industrial protocols (Ethernet/IP, Profinet, Modbus, etc.).
• Build, maintain, and promote strong technical documentation
• Accept normal business hours and after hours/on call responsibilities
• Professional references, preferably one from each of the following: a subordinate, a peer, and a manager.
• Ability to travel up to 25%.
• Have Work experience in a GMP Manufacturing environment
• Control system programming and integration (PLC, HMI, MES, etc.)
• Automation Engineer provides in-depth technical knowledge and support the site in the operation and maintenance of automation systems and infrastructure including troubleshooting.
• Automation Engineer provide design and construction supervision and oversight on capital projects and is responsible for ensuring that the work is done in adherence with engineering drawings, specifications and design guides and procedures.
• Automation Engineer develops and maintains the automation standards and procedures.
• Maintain a detailed and expert knowledge of current and future automation technologies and be the site expert in at least 3 of the following disciplines:
• PLC
• SCADA
• Historians
• Manufacturing Execution system (MES)
• Field instrumentation
• virtualization and integration technologies.
• Responsible for the delivery of high value automation projects to meet business needs in terms of functionality, cost, quality, and time.
• Interface and partner with Cellectis community of shared services to contribute, share and leverage technology and maintain standards as appropriate.
• Provide training and support for onsite users/engineers
• Participate in qualification activity that may range from creation of Procedures and life cycle document generation / execution as needed.
• May need to lead automation issue resolution in conjunction with engineering team, including all compliance aspects such as Deviation investigation, Change control, Corrective and Preventative Action (CAPA).
• Be a recognized automation expert internally and externally by reporting and presenting technical work at internal/external meetings/conferences.
• Provide support and technical know-how to the Manufacturing team in support of ongoing technical transfer and manufacturing operations.
• Maintain their work in inspection readiness level.
• Support creation of SOP's for MSAT and Manufacturing.
• Provide technical expertise to Engineering for design activities in Capex projects and technologies within their area of expertise.
• Maintain a detailed and expert knowledge of current and future automation technologies and be the site expert in a minimum of 3 of the following disciplines: Field Instrumentation, PLC, SCADA, Historians, Manufacturing Execution Systems, Virtualization and Integration Technologies - middleware, OPC, XML.
• Responsible for the delivery of high value automation projects to meet business requirements in terms of functionality, cost, quality and time.
• Provide process automation expertise and lead safety assessments where appropriate. Insure compliance with all role related policies, procedures and local codes.
• Interface and build robust partnerships with key site functions including Production, Technical, Planning, Engineering and Quality to ensure technology designs deliver agreed benefits. Participate
• on area extended management teams as necessary and actively manage automation group requests from the business for support or new projects.
• Interface and partner with the FNM community of Shared Services, Centers of Excellence and other sites to contribute, share, and leverage technology and maintain standards as appropriate.
• Ensure performance management systems are in-use (Standard work) to manage individual
• priorities and responsibilities.
• Deliver measurement and control of Quality Critical Attributes (QCA) and help develop the associated Process Critical Control Points (PCCP) through use of appropriate control systems to ensure predictable and stable process operations
• Provide training and support for onsite Users / Engineers in Automation technologies and applications.
• Provide technical expertise for validation activities around processes/technologies within area of responsibility.
• Support manufacturing operations in trouble shooting / root cause investigation by providing second level of specialist expertise as SME and if needed, liaison with Process Development for additional expertise.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications & Education Requirements

• Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Degree or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Strong critical thinking, judgement, and decision-making skills
• Ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
• Ability to influence and align key stakeholders towards a common goal, drive results and facilitate change.
• Be a proficient problem-solver that can work autonomously.
• Rockwell, gmp environment, controllogix
• Experience with industrial networks and communication protocols;
• Professional references, preferably one from each of the following: a subordinate, a peer, and a manager.
• Ability to travel up to 25%.
• Minimum 3 years hands on experience with automation, controls, and BMS required
• relevant experience in a GMP environment strongly preferred
• Experience facilitating the implementation or buildout of an automation platform
• Working knowledge and experience with PLC automation control systems such as Allen Bradley, Rockwell, Omron
• Experience with serialization software for packaging equipment preferred
• Strong technical writing skills and organizational skills
• Experience as an engineer in a highly automated environment supporting automation and/or robotic systems
• Hands on programming and troubleshooting skills for automation, instrumentation, and IT systems.
• Past demonstration of abilities of maximizing value of automated assets.
• Proven ability to collaborate, establish relations, build rapport with all stakeholders and influence at all levels of management through informed discussions and presentations.
• Demonstrated ability to work under pressure, exercise sound judgement and analyze/resolve problems.
• Excellent verbal and written communications and presentations skills. Excellent MS Office (Word, Microsoft Excel, and PowerPoint) capabilities required.
• Experience with HMI/SCADA packages.
• Experience with Batch systems (Manufacturing Execution Systems, Electronic Batch Records, etc)
• Experience with Rockwell PLC and Rockwell Automation line of software products.
• Experience in plant start up, equipment commissioning, and qualification is a plus.
• Execution of Capital projects.
• Experience with direct end-user support
• Strong critical thinking and decision-making skills
• Strong ability to prioritize
• Excellent and collaborative communication skills
• Ability to influence throughout the organization without authority
• Demonstrate good judgment in solving problems, identifying problems in advance, and proposing solutions
• Strong analytical and organizational skills, with attention to detail
• Demonstrate strong verbal and written communication skills

Preferred Skills

• Programming experience w/ LabVIEW
• Programming experience in C/C++/C#, Java and PLC Programming is a plus
• Working knowledge of industrial fieldbuses, ethernet and serial communication
• Have some experience with AB Kinetics drives and servo motors motion programming.
• PLC programming experience using various software, including RS Logix 5000, RS Logix 500 Concept, or UnityPro;
• Experience with Wonderware packages (In-touch and Archestra System Platform), Factory Talk View, or Citect SCADA;
• Experience with industrial system design codes, standards, and specification requirements; and,
• Experience with engineering design programs, including AutoCAD and/or AutoCAD Electrical.
• In-depth understanding of PLC hardware/software platforms such as Rockwell Automation, Siemens, and Modicon.
• In-depth understanding of HMI/SCADA hardware/software platforms such as Wonderware ArchestrA System Platform, Rockwell Automation FactoryTalk View, and Siemens TIA or PCS7.
• In-depth understanding of DCS hardware/software platform such as Emerson DeltaV or Honeywell Inspirion.
• Experience in industries such as Life Sciences, Building Automation, Specialty Chemicals, Food and Beverage, Oil & Gas and Mining.
• Experience supporting manufacturing operations and driving continuous improvement in equipment performance.
• Proficiency in delivering highly complex tasks and/or tasks that are highly cross-functional or cross-site in nature and may have aggressive timelines.
• Experience utilizing robotic technologies to deliver value to manufacturing operations.
• Thorough knowledge/experience in cGMP, ICH, USP, and applicable regulations as well as robotics industry standards
• Experience designing, programming, and implementing control systems, including Allen Bradley, Modicon, or Siemens PLCs;