Senior Engineer, Automation

Senior Engineer, Automation

Join to apply for the Senior Engineer, Automation role at Kriya Therapeutics, Inc.

Kriya is a biopharmaceutical company whose mission is to develop life‑changing gene therapies for diseases affecting millions of patients around the world. We leverage our proprietary computational engine, in‑house manufacturing infrastructure, and integrated design platform to engineer technologies and therapeutics that can transform the treatment of a broad universe of diseases of high unmet need, with focus on metabolic disorders, neurology, and ophthalmology.

We are proud to have been named Triangle Business Journal’s Life Sciences 2024 “Best Private Company to Work For,” recognized by Forbes as one of “America’s Best Startup Employers of 2024,” and honored as one of Bio Space’s “2025 Best Places to Work.”

The Senior Automation Engineer is an experienced professional responsible for the design, implementation, and lifecycle management of automated control systems for manufacturing equipment and processes. The position provides technical leadership in the development and optimization of control strategies, PLC programming, HMI/SCADA development, and process automation solutions. You will lead automation projects from conceptual design through commissioning and qualification and serve as a subject‑matter expert for control system architecture and advanced automation technologies.

You will collaborate with cross‑functional teams—including Manufacturing, Engineering, Facilities, Quality, and IT—to deliver innovative automation solutions that enhance operational efficiency, product quality, and regulatory compliance.

• Lead the design, development, and implementation of automated control systems for manufacturing equipment, utilities, and process skids, including control philosophy development, functional requirements specification, and detailed design documentation.
• Develop and maintain PLC programs, HMI applications, and SCADA systems for Allen Bradley, Siemens, and Emerson Delta
  
  V platforms, ensuring adherence to GMP best practices.
• Architect, implement, and maintain automation solutions that align with Industry 4.0 initiatives, including integration with MES and data analytics platforms.
• Execute preventive maintenance activities, software patching, and system updates in accordance with change control procedures.
• Investigate and troubleshoot system alarms, faults, and performance degradation, implementing corrective and preventive actions.
• Support validation activities, including IQ/OQ/PQ protocol execution, test script development, and documentation review for automation systems.
• Maintain system documentation, including network diagrams, configuration specifications, standard operating procedures, and maintenance records.

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Chemical, Electrical, Mechanical, or related discipline) or equivalent technical degree.
• Minimum 8+ years of progressive experience designing, programming, and supporting automated control systems in pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or regulated manufacturing environments.
• Familiarity with industrial networking protocols (Ethernet/IP, Modbus, OPC, BACnet) and network infrastructure.
• Knowledge of validation lifecycle and IQ/OQ/PQ protocol execution for automated systems.
• Experience with the lifecycle management of at least two of the following systems in a GMP environment:
  • Allen Bradley PLCs and FT View
  • Emerson Delta
    
    V or Thermo Fisher Tru Bio
  • OSIsoft Pi Data Historian System
  • Tulip Manufacturing Operations System
  • Siemens Desigo CC
  • TiPSView Alarm Assessment System
• Experience with MES integration, batch record generation, and manufacturing data management systems (OSIsoft PI, Tulip, or similar).
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with the ability to diagnose complex system issues.
• Effective communication skills for technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Ability to work independently and as part of cross‑functional project teams.

• Primarily desk‑based, generally in an office setting.
• Occasional tasks performed in a lab or manufacturing clean‑room environment.
• Must be able to…