Automation Engineer

Afton Scientific is a privately held, PE-backed sterile fill-finish contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) headquartered in Charlottesville, Virginia. For over 20 years, Afton has provided aseptic manufacturing services for biologics and small-molecule injectables, supporting clients from clinical trials through commercial supply. The company operates FDA-inspected, cGMP-compliant manufacturing facilities and is currently executing a $200M+ expansion (Avon IV) that will add high-speed isolator-based filling lines and significantly increase capacity.

Afton serves pharmaceutical and biotech companies across oncology, metabolic/obesity therapeutics, immunology, infectious disease, and rare disease markets. Our location in central Virginia places us within a one-day drive of approximately 50% of the U.S. population, a strategic advantage for cold-chain and time-sensitive pharmaceutical logistics.

• Design, develop, and maintain automation systems (PLC, SCADA, DCS) for manufacturing and packaging operations
• Support commissioning, qualification, and validation activities (IQ/OQ/PQ) for automated equipment
• Ensure compliance with 21 CFR Part 11 and GAMP 5 standards
• Troubleshoot and resolve automation and control system issues to minimize downtime
• Develop and update control strategies, HMI interfaces, and batch recipes
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Quality, Validation, and Manufacturing
• Maintain accurate documentation including SOPs, change controls, and technical specifications
• Participate in audits and inspections, ensuring readiness and compliance
• Support continuous improvement initiatives and process optimization
• Manage external vendors and system integrators when applicable
• Responsibilities may change based on business needs and intern development opportunities

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Automation Engineering, or related field
• 3–7+ years of experience in automation within the pharmaceutical or regulated manufacturing industry
• Hands-on experience with PLC platforms (e.g., Siemens, Rockwell Automation)
• Experience with SCADA/DCS systems (e.g., Wonderware, Delta
  
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• Strong knowledge of GMP environments and validation processes
• Familiarity with data integrity and computerized system validation (CSV)
• Excellent troubleshooting and problem-solving skills
• Experience working in sterile fill and finish manufacturing environments
• Strong understanding of GMP standards, regulatory requirements, and industry best practices
• Ability to work independently while following established procedures, guidelines, and operational practices
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, with a commitment to maintaining high-quality standards

• Understanding of high-speed aseptic filling operations and isolator barrier system technologies
• Experience working with single-use components used in drug product formulation, sterile filtration, and aseptic filling processes
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
• Proficiency with Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS)
• Project management experience

• The employee is regularly required to speak or hear
• The employee must frequently use their hands or fingers to handle, feel, or control objects, tools, or controls
• The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, sit, and reach with hands and arms
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds
• The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate
• Require extended computer use and data analysis
• Must complete required onboarding training, including: company policies and procedures; data integrity and confidentiality expectations; safety and environmental awareness (as applicable)

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

Afton Scientific is a mission-driven organization that manufactures life-saving injectable pharmaceuticals. Our culture is collaborative, fast-paced, and quality-focused. As a small company (~100 employees currently, growing significantly), team members at every level have direct visibility to leadership and meaningful impact on outcomes. This is not a back-office accounting role—you will be embedded in a working finance team that directly supports a growing pharmaceutical manufacturer, with exposure to every facet of the business from manufacturing operations to client contracts to capital projects.