Automation Engineer

About the Job

Join a global network that powers how Sanofi delivers seamlessly, purposefully, and  Manufacturing & Supply, you’ll help reimagine how life‑changing treatments reach people everywhere, faster. Sanofi is an innovative global healthcare company with one purpose: to pursue scientific miracles to improve lives. Our team strives to transform the practice of medicine, connecting our science to communities in meaningful ways. Within our Sanofi Manufacturing & Supply Ambition, we’re redefining our strategy, culture, and processes to make a tangible impact worldwide.

Automation Engineer – Swiftwater, PA

In this role, you’ll join the Manufacturing Systems & Automation department at our Swiftwater site, supporting directly the manufacturing system automation. The role will support implementation of changes to the automation systems, update design documents, execute testing, troubleshoot events, and provide on‑call support. The position will provide subject‑matter‑expert (SME) level support of all automated process control systems used in licensed manufacturing (including dedicated clean utilities) of the building that the Automation Engineer has been assigned to.

The position will interface with Operations personnel, QA Compliance, Information Systems, Engineering, Maintenance, and the site‑wide Automation Support technicians.

• Support implementation of changes to automation systems, update design documents, execute testing, troubleshoot events, and provide on‑call support.
• Provide SME level support of automated process control systems used in licensed manufacturing and dedicated clean utilities.
• Coordinate with Operations, QA, IS, Engineering, Maintenance, and Automation Support technicians for site‑wide automation support.
• Show strong customer communication skills and in‑depth technical knowledge of process control systems and equipment used in biopharma/pharmaceutical manufacturing and utility systems.
• Hands‑on support of automated systems in manufacturing (including Building Automation Systems), troubleshoot automated process equipment and process systems.
• Coordinate contractors, execute site change controls, investigate process deviations, and provide expertise for process evaluation and product improvements.
• Improve response time to failures, implement site automation standard procedures, and consult Global Engineering Practices.
• Ensure compliance with GMP and regulatory standards (C&Q), develop test protocols and system validation.
• Work closely with clients to understand needs and develop strategies tailored through site assessments.
• Identify and proactively manage risks, ensuring compliance with GMP to minimize disruptions.
• Develop and deliver specialized training materials and provide ongoing support post‑implementation.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Quality, Facilities, and Tech Transfer departments to capture and document detailed requirements.
• Develop standards and best practices for development and validation activities.
• Lead cross‑functional teams through design reviews and UAT during development change and validation process.
• Participate in facility operational meetings to ensure facility reporting needs are met.
• Oversee daily monitoring, troubleshooting, and support of automation systems (PLCs, SCADA, DCS, etc.) to ensure continuous production.
• Identify, propose, and implement process and system improvements to enhance automation performance.
• Work closely with engineering, production, quality, IT, and other cross‑functional teams for alignment of automation systems.
• Provide on‑call support during off‑shift hours on a rotating schedule.

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, electrical, chemical, mechanical, automation, computer science, biotechnology, or a related technical field.

• 2+ years of direct experience in automation systems and automation support, preferably in biopharma or related industries.
• Knowledge of systems such as DCS (Delta
  
  V), SCADA (Aveva), PLCs, and related automation technologies in manufacturing context; machine connectivity and data acquisition from PLCs into higher‑level applications (Historian,…