Principal Automation & MES Engineer - Site , Redmond, WA

Principal Automation & MES Engineer

Location:

Redmond, WA

At Evotec, we believe that curiosity is the spark that drives innovation and success. As a forward-thinking team, we thrive on challenging the status quo, learning from each other, and pushing the boundaries of what's possible. We're on a mission to create a place where curiosity isn't just encouraged—it's celebrated.

Are you someone who asks questions, seeks answers, and isn't afraid to go deeper? #BeCurious with us and see where your curiosity can take you!

The Role:

Your challenge, in our journey

We're looking for a passionate and curious Principal Automation & MES Engineer to join our team. If you're excited by new challenges, solving complex problems, and learning every step of the way, you might just be the perfect fit. In this role, you'll have the opportunity to drive impactful projects, collaborate with bright minds, and explore uncharted territories.

As a Principal Automation & MES Engineer at Evotec, you'll have the freedom to ask the hard questions, think outside the box, and find creative solutions that push us forward. It's a role where your curiosity will fuel both your personal growth and the success of the team.

What You'll Do:

The Principal Automation & MES Engineer is responsible for the design, implementation, optimization, and lifecycle management of Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), process automation systems, and digital manufacturing technologies within a regulated manufacturing environment. This role serves as a senior technical leader supporting enterprise manufacturing operations, operational excellence initiatives, and digital transformation strategies across manufacturing sites.

While MES technologies are a primary area of responsibility, this position is broader in scope and includes leadership in automation architecture, systems integration, process control strategy, validation, governance, and manufacturing systems modernization. The ideal candidate combines deep technical expertise with strong engineering leadership, cross-functional collaboration, and strategic thinking to deliver scalable and compliant manufacturing solutions.

This role will partner closely with Manufacturing, MSAT, IT, Quality, Validation, Engineering, and external system integrators to drive innovation, maintain system reliability, and support expansion of advanced manufacturing capabilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, configuration, deployment, and continuous improvement of MES solutions to support manufacturing operations, electronic batch execution, data integrity, and operational efficiency.
• Support integration of MES platforms with enterprise and site systems including ERP, LIMS, historians, SCADA/DCS, CMMS, and data analytics platforms.
• Define and maintain MES governance, standards, lifecycle management practices, and system roadmaps aligned with business objectives.
• Participate in enterprise digital manufacturing initiatives and support implementation of Industry 4.0 capabilities including process data integration, automation connectivity, and advanced manufacturing analytics.

• Provide technical leadership for automation and process control systems including DeltaV, SCADA, PLC, HMI, and related manufacturing control platforms.
• Support development and implementation of automation strategies for manufacturing processes, utilities, and process equipment.
• Lead or support complex troubleshooting, root cause investigations, deviation investigations, and corrective actions related to manufacturing automation and MES systems.
• Evaluate and implement innovative technologies to improve manufacturing flexibility, reliability, and process performance.

• Lead integration efforts between manufacturing systems and enterprise applications to ensure reliable and compliant data flow across the manufacturing ecosystem.
• Develop and review system architectures, functional specifications, design documents, and interface strategies for manufacturing technologies.
• Provide oversight of external vendors, system integrators, and contractors supporting manufacturing systems projects.
• Support cybersecurity, data integrity, disaster recovery, and infrastructure reliability initiatives related to manufacturing systems.

• Ensure manufacturing systems remain compliant with GMP, FDA, GAMP5, and 21 CFR Part 11 requirements.
• Author, review, and approve validation documentation including URS, FRS, DS, IQ/OQ/PQ protocols, risk assessments, traceability matrices, and test scripts.
• Support regulatory inspections, audits, and quality investigations related to manufacturing systems and automation platforms.
• Drive adoption of risk-based validation methodologies and continuous improvement of CSV and SDLC practices.

• Lead or contribute to capital projects, system implementations, upgrades, migrations, and site expansion…