DT&A - Lead Engineer, PLC​/DCS

When joining Perkin Elmer, you select an experienced and trusted leader in scientific solutions, with the support of a global service network and distribution centers, providing the right solution, at the right time, to meet critical customer needs. With over an 80+ year legacy of advancing science and a mission of innovating for a healthier world, our dedicated team collaborates closely with commercial, government, academic and healthcare customers to deliver our broad portfolio of analytical solutions, and One Source services.

Job Title:

DT&A – Lead Engineer, PLC/DCS

Location(s): US Remote – CO, DC, FL, GA, IN, MA, MO, NC, NJ, OH, PA, TX, VA

Job Description:

This is a full-time salaried position with Project Farma, a Perkin Elmer company. The successful candidate will reside in one of Project Farma's primary markets and be willing to travel domestically to meet client project requests. Project Farma’s purpose is to improve patient lives by accelerating the delivery of life‑changing therapies. We accomplish this through the successful execution of high‑quality life sciences projects across the full project lifecycle.

Project Farma (PF) team members collaborate with cross‑functional teams to build trusted client relationships, deliver an exceptional customer experience, and contribute to business growth by identifying opportunities and applying data‑driven insights to support project planning, cost, schedule, and performance management. All team members are expected to embody Project Farma’s values by being curious, personable, and unselfish, while maintaining a strong commitment to a Patient Focused and People First mindset.

The Lead Engineer is an advanced individual contributor with demonstrated depth in their technical discipline and a growing record of leading complex work streams. This role applies strong subject‑matter expertise to solve high‑impact technical and operational challenges, supports technical decision‑making, and contributes to the evolution of standards, methods, or best practices within their area. They partner closely with project and people leaders—while remaining focused on technical delivery rather than formal people management.

• Automation Design & Architecture
  • Develop full automation system architectures for biologics, pharmaceutical, and advanced therapy manufacturing facilities (DCS, PLC/SCADA, MES, historians, network layers, field instrumentation).
  • Create ISA‑88/ISA‑95‑aligned architecture diagrams, I/O strategies, network topologies, and interface specifications.
  • Ensure architecture supports scalability, cybersecurity, data integrity, and multi‑product flexibility.
• URS / FRS / Design Documentation
  • Lead the creation, review, and approval of URS (User Requirements Specifications), FRS (Functional Requirements Specifications), DS / DDS (Design Specifications), Functional & Control Narratives, Recipe Design Documentation (ISA‑88 compliant).
  • Work cross‑functionally to translate process requirements into robust automation design documents.
• Automation Implementation
  • Configure, program, and deploy DCS/PLC (modules, phases, recipes, batch strategies, graphics, alarms).
  • Support integration of OEM skids: bioreactors, chromatography systems, filtration skids, CIP/SIP, fill finish equipment, HVAC, chillers, boilers, etc.
• Commissioning, Validation & GMP Compliance
  • Detailed knowledge of FAT, SAT, IQ/OQ, and PQ protocols in alignment with GAMP 5 and 21 CFR Part 11.
  • Ensure automation changes meet data integrity requirements, change control processes, and validation lifecycle rules.
  • Lead deviation investigations, CAPAs, and risk assessments related to automation systems.
• Manufacturing & Operations Support
  • Serve as SME for troubleshooting, system optimization, alarm tuning, batch failure analysis, and performance enhancements.
  • Support 24/7 operations through structured root cause analysis and resolution of automation issues.
  • Develop long‑term automation lifecycle plans for upgrades, patches, and system expansions.
• Cross Functional Leadership
  • Collaborate with IT/OT, process engineering, quality, and capital project teams to deliver integrated automation solutions.
  • Manage vendors,…