Automation Engineer

Piper Companies is seeking an Automation Engineer to support a large-scale pharmaceutical manufacturing expansion for a leader in the life sciences industry for a 12-month onsite contract opportunity based out of Clayton, NC
. This Automation Engineer will provide hands‑on automation and controls support for finished product production and packaging operations within a highly regulated environment, working primarily on‑site during an active construction and startup phase.

• Provide day‑to‑day automation support for fill/finish assembly and packaging equipment, including troubleshooting controls, interfaces, and integrated systems.
• Support startup and commissioning activities by executing and documenting SAT, IO, and operational testing aligned with project schedules.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional engineering, IT/OT, and global project teams to ensure systems meet internal standards and regulatory expectations.
• Assist with integration and performance of PLC, SCADA, MES, serialization, vision, and data historian platforms across multi‑vendor production lines.
• Act as an automation subject matter resource during system changes, issue resolution, and optimization efforts throughout the project lifecycle.

• Hands‑on experience supporting automated manufacturing or packaging equipment in a regulated pharmaceutical, biotech, or medical device environment.
• Working knowledge of PLC platforms such as Rockwell, Siemens, Schneider, or B&R, along with HMI and SCADA systems.
• Experience with multi‑vendor packaging lines and OEM equipment commonly used in fill/finish operations.
• Strong understanding of IT/OT integration, including industrial networking, cybersecurity concepts, and connectivity to enterprise systems.
• Familiarity with MES, serialization, vision systems, and manufacturing data platforms is strongly preferred.
• Ability to work on‑site full time and adapt to extended or adjusted work hours as required by project needs.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Automation, Computer Science, or a related technical discipline, or equivalent industry experience.

Salary Range: $125,000‑$155,000/year

Comprehensive Benefits:
Medical, Dental, Vision, sick leave if required by law, and 401K