Automation Engineer

Overview

Automation Engineer – United States, Walkersville (Maryland)

Location:

Walkersville, MD. This position is based in our Walkersville, MD office. Typical work schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM EST.

The full-time base annual salary for this position is expected to range between $100,000 to $160,000. In addition, below you will find a comprehensive summary of the benefits package we offer:

• Performance-related bonus.
• Medical, dental and vision insurance.
• 401(k) matching plan.
• Life insurance, as well as short-term and long-term disability insurance.
• Employee assistance programs.
• Paid time off (PTO).

Compensation for this role will be determined by the candidate’s qualifications, skills, experience, and relevant knowledge.

• Provide hands-on support for site Automation and Operational Technology (OT) systems used in manufacturing, utilities, and laboratory environments, including PLCs, SCADA, BAS/EMS, and MES platforms.
• Assist senior engineers with troubleshooting, configuration, and maintenance to ensure system reliability, data integrity, and compliance in a regulated (GMP) setting.
• Monitor automation and control systems for alarms, performance issues, and deviations; perform routine checks and basic corrective actions.
• Support day-to-day operation of automation infrastructure, including user management, system backups, patching, and security updates.
• Assist with small-scale system changes, upgrades, and validation testing under supervision, following established change control procedures.
• Participate in installation, commissioning, and qualification activities for new or upgraded equipment.
• Help investigate automation or OT system issues, gather data, and document findings under guidance from senior team members.
• Maintain accurate system documentation, inventories, and records in alignment with site quality and compliance requirements.
• Support internal and external audits by preparing documentation and providing basic technical information.
• Collaborate with cross-functional partners in Engineering, IT, Quality, and Manufacturing to resolve issues and improve system performance.
• Contribute to cybersecurity and data integrity programs by applying basic protection measures and supporting periodic updates.
• Provide end-user assistance and informal training to operations and maintenance personnel on proper system use and troubleshooting basics.
• Demonstrate initiative in developing technical knowledge and advancing automation skills through on-the-job learning and mentorship.

• Bachelor of Science in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field.
• Prior experience supporting automation, OT, IT, or controls systems in pharmaceutical or biotechnology manufacturing environments.
• Awareness of network fundamentals including VLANs, switches, and firewalls.
• Strong hands-on experience working directly with automation and control systems in a production setting.
• Deep technical expertise with Rockwell-based systems, Environmental Monitoring Systems (EMS) and/or Building Automation Systems (BAS), and/or Emerson Delta
  
  V, Ignition, or Niagara.
• Experience supporting Plant Monitoring Systems (PMS) and managing integrated or managed automation systems.
• Ability to manage assigned tasks independently with supervision and to seek guidance when needed. Exposure to cybersecurity practices—account management, patching, endpoint protection, and secure access.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with operations, engineering, contractors, and external consultants.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously in a fast-paced, regulated environment.
• Foundational knowledge of regulated manufacturing concepts such as GMP, 21 CFR Part 11, or Annex 11.
• Experience assisting with network configuration, system maintenance, or cybersecurity controls is beneficial but not required.
• Certifications such as ISA/IEC 62443, CompTIA Security+, or vendor-specific credentials are a plus.
• Experience with MES is a plus but not a primary requirement.
• Experience with HVAC controls is a plus but not a primary requirement.

At…