Utilities Automation Lead
Listed on 2026-07-19
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Engineering
Validation Engineer, Systems Engineer, Quality Engineering, Process Engineer
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.
Key Responsibilities:
- 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.
The Ideal Candidate Will Bring:
- 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.
Other Details:
- 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!
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