Job Title: Automation Engineer

Job Description

The Automation Engineer develops, maintains, and troubleshoots PLC and HMI programs that support production and utility systems in a regulated biopharmaceutical environment. The role focuses primarily on daily troubleshooting and sustaining existing automation systems rather than extensive new program development. The Automation Engineer follows strict documentation practices in compliance with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 and works extensively with Rockwell Automation platforms, including ControlLogix, CompactLogix, PlantPAx, and FactoryTalk applications. This position supports a growing automation team dedicated to keeping the facility running reliably while integrating new automated equipment.

Responsibilities

• Develop, maintain, and troubleshoot PLC programs for production and utility systems in a regulated manufacturing environment.
• Develop, maintain, and troubleshoot HMI applications to support safe and efficient operation of automated equipment.
• Perform daily troubleshooting of automation systems to minimize downtime and ensure reliable facility operations.
• Sustain and optimize existing PLC and HMI programs, focusing on continuous improvement rather than extensive new development.
• Work with Rockwell Automation platforms, including ControlLogix, CompactLogix, PlantPAx, and FactoryTalk applications, to support plant operations.
• Apply and follow documentation practices that comply with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 and cGMP requirements.
• Collaborate with production, utilities, and engineering teams to diagnose and resolve control system issues.
• Support the introduction and integration of new automated equipment into existing control architectures.
• Ensure that automation changes are properly documented, tested, and implemented in accordance with regulatory and internal standards.
• Contribute to maintaining a reliable automation infrastructure for the manufacture of active pharmaceutical ingredients.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Automation or a closely related field.
• Troubleshooting PLC programs in a regulated environment.
• Troubleshooting HMI programs in a regulated environment.
• Developing PLC programs for production or utility systems.
• HMI programs for production or utility systems.
• Experience working in a regulated environment with strong documentation requirements.
• Hands-on experience with Rockwell Automation platforms such as ControlLogix, CompactLogix, PlantPAx, and FactoryTalk.
• Proficiency in Allen-Bradley PLC programming and troubleshooting.
• Experience in controls engineering, including automation systems design and support.
• Demonstrated ability to follow and apply FDA 21 CFR Part 11-compliant documentation practices.
• Solid troubleshooting skills for PLCs, HMIs, and related control system components.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience supporting automation systems in a biopharmaceutical or pharmaceutical manufacturing environment.
• Familiarity with cGMP-compliant manufacturing of active pharmaceutical ingredients.
• Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team focused on facility reliability and continuous improvement.
• Strong communication skills to collaborate with operations, utilities, and engineering stakeholders.
• Interest in supporting both existing systems and the introduction of new automated equipment.

Work Environment

The role is based in a biopharmaceutical manufacturing facility specializing in the development and cGMP-compliant production of active pharmaceutical ingredients, including APIs such as Pancreatin and Heparin. The Automation Engineer works primarily on a first-shift schedule, Monday through Friday, typically around 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with some flexibility in hours. The environment is highly regulated and quality-focused, with strict adherence to FDA 21 CFR Part 11 and cGMP standards. Automation systems are built on Rockwell technologies, including ControlLogix, CompactLogix, PlantPAx, and FactoryTalk, supporting both production and utility operations. The facility operates as part of a global pharmaceutical supply chain and emphasizes innovation, reliability, and teamwork in its culture

This is a Permanent position based out of Waunakee, WI.

The pay range for this position is $70000.00 - $105000.00/yr.

full health dental and medical benefits 160 days of pto on full calendar year

This is a fully onsite position in Waunakee,WI.