Senior Automation Engineer

Overview

At IPS, we are global leaders in developing innovative solutions for consulting, architecture, engineering, project controls, procurement, construction management, and CQV of technically complex facilities, primarily in the life sciences industry. We are looking for a dedicated Senior Process Automation Engineer to join our team at our Emeryville, California office.

In this role, you will lead and perform all aspects of Process Automation work and contribute to department initiatives. You will consult with clients to develop the scope of the Automation solutions needed for projects from Process Control Systems to Environmental Monitoring Systems, and how they will interact with the Building Automation System and other systems such as Manufacturing Execution Systems, Enterprise Resource Planning Systems, and Laboratory Information Systems.

• Assist the client in strategic evaluations to develop concepts supported by engineering studies for expanding, improving, or automating existing facilities.
• Work with Project Management to develop the work plan for the Concept, Basis of Design, and Detailed Design phases.
• Delegate tasks to the team of engineers, define deliverables, and review work products for projects.
• Contribute to the development of junior engineers by reviewing their work and mentoring in Process Automation.
• Collaborate with clients, other IPS disciplines, and vendors to develop complete Automation solutions.
• Consult on the proper adoption of the ISA S95 levels to meet client needs now and in the future.
• Coordinate with project managers to determine project scope, complexity, and schedule for development.
• Write the scope of work for process, utilities, and manufacturing controls based on preliminary client reviews.
• Review and advise the client on design decisions and capture pertinent decisions in project reports.
• Collaborate with the process design and project teams to support the execution of successful project studies.
• Manage and delegate tasks to up to four project members to meet scope, schedule, and deadlines.
• Develop the design and specifications for DCS, PLC, and SCADA-based process control systems for IPS clients and projects.
• Perform automation-related functions, including I/O lists, Instrumentation lists, and specification of instrumentation and control elements.
• Support IQ/OQ development and participate in systems analysis, validation, and verification.
• Work with end users and OEMs to coordinate application of automation products.
• Identify, qualify, and collaborate with third-party system integrators as needed to support project and company objectives.
• Show subject matter expertise by developing department standards and improving existing work practices.
• Demonstrate progressive ability to develop and mentor junior staff members.
• Identify automation deliverables per project scope with the Project Management team.

• Bachelor's degree in engineering in ME/EE/ChemE/Automation/Manufacturing or equivalent.
• 6+ years of relevant work experience.
• Expertise in computer operation for engineering design programs and computer-aided drafting.
• Experience with ISA standards and interpretation of P&I drawings.
• 3+ years of experience with industrial process control systems, including DCS, PLC, and SCADA-based systems or pharmaceutical process instrumentation.
• Or 3 years of experience with Pharmaceutical process instrumentation.
• Experience with development of control system network architectures.
• Experience with development of cGMP and GAMP automation lifecycle documents.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including presentation skills.

• Active participation in relevant professional associations.
• Registered Professional Engineer.

• Must be able to stand, sit, and walk for prolonged periods.
• Must be able to stoop, kneel, crouch, and crawl as required.
• Must be able to lift and move objects weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Must be able to climb ladders as necessary.

• Must be able to work in both indoor and outdoor environments, which may include exposure to varying working conditions.
• Must be able to adhere to strict…