Jr Automation Engineer​/Systems Engineer

job description

Location:

Onsite at Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Facility

Employment Type:

Full-Time

Reports To:

Lead Automation Engineer / Project Manager

Position Summary

We are seeking a motivated Junior Automation Engineer to join our system integration team supporting a major pharmaceutical manufacturing client. This role provides hands-on experience working with industrial automation systems used in GMP-regulated manufacturing environments. The Junior Automation Engineer will assist with the design, programming, testing, commissioning, and support of automation and control systems while working closely with senior engineers, operators, maintenance personnel, and client stakeholders.

This is an excellent opportunity for an early-career engineer interested in industrial automation, pharmaceutical manufacturing, process control, and digital transformation technologies.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in the development, configuration, and troubleshooting of PLC, HMI, and SCADA systems.
• Support automation projects throughout the full project lifecycle, including design, implementation, testing, startup, and commissioning.
• Participate in Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT), Site Acceptance Testing (SAT), and validation activities.
• Assist with automation system upgrades, migrations, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Develop and maintain technical documentation, including:
  • Functional Design Specifications (FDS)
  • Software Design Specifications (SDS)
  • Test protocols
  • Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
  • As-built documentation
• Perform field verification, I/O checks, loop checks, and startup support.
• Troubleshoot automation, instrumentation, and process control issues in manufacturing environments.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Manufacturing, Quality, Validation, Maintenance, and Engineering.
• Follow GMP, FDA, and company compliance requirements while working in regulated pharmaceutical environments.
• Participate in on-call support or occasional off-shift activities during system startups and project cutovers.
• Maintain a strong commitment to safety and quality standards.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in:
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Computer Engineering
  • Automation Engineering
  • Engineering Technology
  • Mechatronics
  • Or related technical discipline
• 0-3 years of experience in industrial automation, controls engineering, manufacturing engineering, or related field.
• Basic understanding of industrial control systems and automation concepts.
• Familiarity with PLC programming and HMI development.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a team-oriented client-facing environment.
• Willingness to work onsite at a pharmaceutical manufacturing facility.

Preferred Qualifications

• Internship, co-op, or project experience involving industrial automation.
• Exposure to one or more of the following platforms:
  • Rockwell Automation (Allen-Bradley)
  • Siemens
  • Emerson DeltaV
  • Honeywell
  • Ignition SCADA
  • Wonderware / AVEVA
• Knowledge of instrumentation and process control fundamentals.
• Understanding of pharmaceutical manufacturing processes.
• Familiarity with GMP, FDA regulations, GAMP 5, or validation practices.
• Experience with networking, industrial Ethernet, or data historians.
• Basic understanding of MES, batch systems, or manufacturing execution technologies.

Technical Skills

Preferred experience or exposure to:

• PLC Programming (Allen-Bradley, Siemens)
• HMI Development
• SCADA Systems
• Industrial Networking
• Process Control
• Instrumentation
• Electrical Drawings and P&IDs
• SQL Databases
• Microsoft Office Suite
• Technical Documentation

What You'll Gain

• Direct exposure to large-scale pharmaceutical manufacturing operations.
• Mentorship from experienced automation and controls engineers.
• Experience working on GMP-regulated projects.
• Opportunities to learn industry-leading automation platforms.
• Career development path toward Automation Engineer, Controls Engineer, or Lead Automation Engineer roles.
• Hands-on involvement in commissioning, validation, and digital manufacturing initiatives.

About the Company

We are a leading systems integration firm specializing in industrial automation, process control, and digital…