Utilities Automation Lead

Title: Utilities Automation Lead

Location: Richmond, VA (this role will start remote, then require being onsite as the site progresses)

Type: 3+ year Contract (with potential to convert)

Hourly Pay: $60-$100 per hour, based on level and experience

Benefits: Enhanced Benefits (Medical, Dental, Vision), Paid Holidays, PTO

Are you ready for a career-defining challenge at the forefront of biopharmaceutical manufacturing? We’re seeking a Utilities Automation Lead to join the core project team supporting a major, next-generation biologics and bioconjugation facility in the Richmond, VA area.

• Serve as the technical lead for automation of all building utilities, including clean utilities (WFI, clean steam, process gases, industrial gases, HVAC, and water systems).
• Oversee automation strategies for utility systems leveraging DeltaV and Rockwell platforms, supporting both drug substance and drug product suites.
• Review P&IDs, block flow diagrams, instrumentation lists, and prepare/approve functional and design specifications for utility equipment.
• Collaborate with equipment vendors and system integrators on code review, documentation, and commissioning/qualification activities—across both custom (stick-built) and packaged solutions.
• Act as the primary interface for cross-system integration and technical troubleshooting, supporting successful handover through the project lifecycle.
• Engage regularly with stakeholders, process leads, and area leads to align on schedules, priorities, scope, and technical queries.

• Hands-on experience with utilities automation (DeltaV, Rockwell, PLC/DCS) in GMP-regulated biopharma or pharmaceutical facilities.
• Strong knowledge of clean utility systems—such as WFI (water for injection), clean steam, process gases, and plant-wide utility integration.
• Demonstrated history of delivering automation solutions for both drug substance (active ingredient/API) and drug product (formulation/fill‑finish) environments.
• Experience overseeing vendor and system integrator deliverables, from design through FAT/SAT and qualification.
• Engineering and technical documentation skills—able to manage specs, test plans, and validation protocols in a regulated environment.
• Ability to operate in a high‑profile, complex greenfield project involving multiple stakeholders and evolving requirements.

• This position begins remotely, with regular site visits as construction progresses, and will ultimately transition onsite once the facility is operational.
• Candidates must have a strong biopharmaceutical or pharmaceutical manufacturing background and an interest in joining an innovative, large-scale project team.
• Competitive compensation offered.

Ready to be a foundational part of a new site? Interested candidates are encouraged to apply!

Kelly is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants regardless of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and we take affirmative action to recruit, employ, and advance qualified individuals with disabilities and protected veterans in the workforce.

Requests for accommodation related to our application process can be directed to the Kelly Human Resource Knowledge Center. Kelly complies with the requirements of California’s state and local Fair Chance laws. A conviction does not automatically bar individuals from employment. Kelly participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

Kelly Services is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affidavit Working employer. We welcome, value, and embrace diversity at all levels and are committed to building a team that is inclusive of a variety of backgrounds, communities, perspectives, and abilities. At Kelly, we believe that the more inclusive we are, the better services we can provide. Requests for accommodation related to our application process can be directed to Kelly’s Human Resource Knowledge Center.

Kelly complies with the requirements of California’s state and local Fair Chance laws. A conviction does not automatically bar individuals from employment.