Senior Automation Engineer - PLC

Job Description

The Senior Automation Engineer - PLC provides day-to-day automation engineering support for Formulation, Filling, Packaging and Utilities operations at the Thousand Oaks site. This role supports automation systems, executes automation projects of varying complexity and scope, and helps maintain reliable, compliant and efficient manufacturing operations.

You will serve as a technical resource for PLC, HMI, SCADA, instrumentation and control system lifecycle activities in a regulated pharmaceutical environment. The role requires strong hands‑on troubleshooting, system administration, project execution and cross‑functional partnership to support production needs and continuous improvement.

The successful candidate will apply sound engineering judgment to resolve complex automation issues, lead or support automation projects from concept through final design and help develop robust control strategies aligned with local and global practices.

• Provide automation engineering support for Formulation, Filling, Packaging, Utilities and related manufacturing operations.
• Create control system layouts and integrate PLCs with HMIs, sensors, actuators, instrumentation and other automation components.
• Write, debug, test and maintain PLC code, including Ladder Logic and related control logic, to support precise reliable process control.
• Troubleshoot PLC‑based systems and resolve automation faults to minimize downtime and support operational continuity.
• Administer, maintain and improve automation platforms used at the Thousand Oaks site including Allen‑Bradley PLC, Siemens SIMATIC WinCC, Siemens PLC S7 and Intellution/Proficy iFix SCADA.
• Develop improved and robust control system strategies for manufacturing processes using local and global practices.
• Draft, update and routinely verify system specifications, SOPs, training materials and related automation system documentation.
• Lead or support control system lifecycle activities in a regulated environment including pharmaceutical change control standards and policies.
• Train users on control system functionality and provide guidance on programmable logic controllers, process control, control networks and instrumentation.
• Serve as a subject matter expert by leading, training and mentoring automation engineers and technicians as requested.
• Plan and execute automation projects or defined portions of larger projects with minimal guidance, including schedules, cost estimates, business case justifications and cross‑functional coordination.
• Contribute to cost estimating for major capital budget items, approved project spending, financial planning and analysis to justify project approval.
• Investigate customer‑service and manufacturing support issues, analyze root causes and recommend design or process improvements.
• Manage small routine projects with complex features and coordinate contractors, technicians and cross‑functional teams as needed.
• Provide automation support through on‑call coverage during off‑hours as part of a 24/7 operation.
• May perform other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering field.
• Minimum of 7 years of PLC automation or controls experience in a GMP pharmaceutical or similar regulated environment.
• Experience with automation system instrumentation and field device technology.
• Experience with control systems including Allen‑Bradley PLC and Intellution/iFix SCADA.
• Strong understanding of basic engineering principles across multiple engineering disciplines.
• Ability to troubleshoot and solve routine design, process and automation engineering problems independently.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks from multiple customers and elevate issues when appropriate.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills including the ability to discuss technical issues clearly and present technical or project management updates.
• Ability to work collaboratively and effectively lead, train or support less experienced engineers, technicians, contractors and cross‑functional teams with minimal guidance.
• Demonstrated ability to adapt in a fast‑paced and constantly evolving environment.

• Knowledge of…