Automation Engineer

About the role

The Automation Engineer develops, maintains, and troubleshoots PLC and HMI programs that support production and utility systems in a regulated biopharmaceutical environment. The role focuses primarily on daily troubleshooting and sustaining existing automation systems rather than extensive new program development.

Responsibilities

• Develop, maintain, and troubleshoot PLC programs for production and utility systems in a regulated manufacturing environment.
• Develop, maintain, and troubleshoot HMI applications to support safe and efficient operation of automated equipment.
• Perform daily troubleshooting of automation systems to minimize downtime and ensure reliable facility operations.
• Sustain and optimize existing PLC and HMI programs, focusing on continuous improvement rather than extensive new development.
• Work with Rockwell Automation platforms, including ControlLogix, CompactLogix, PlantPAx, and FactoryTalk applications, to support plant operations.
• Apply and follow documentation practices that comply with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 and cGMP requirements.
• Collaborate with production, utilities, and engineering teams to diagnose and resolve control system issues.
• Support the introduction and integration of new automated equipment into existing control architectures.
• Ensure that automation changes are properly documented, tested, and implemented in accordance with regulatory and internal standards.
• Contribute to maintaining a reliable automation infrastructure for the manufacture of active pharmaceutical ingredients.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Automation or a closely related field.
• At least 3 years of experience troubleshooting PLC programs in a regulated environment.
• At least 3 years of experience troubleshooting HMI programs in a regulated environment.
• At least 3 years of experience developing PLC programs for production or utility systems.
• At least 3 years of experience developing HMI programs for production or utility systems.
• At least 3 years of experience working in a regulated environment with strong documentation requirements.
• Hands-on experience with Rockwell Automation platforms such as ControlLogix, CompactLogix, PlantPAx, and FactoryTalk.
• Proficiency in Allen-Bradley PLC programming and troubleshooting.
• Experience in controls engineering, including automation systems design and support.
• Demonstrated ability to follow and apply FDA 21 CFR Part 11-compliant documentation practices.
• Solid troubleshooting skills for PLCs, HMIs, and related control system components.

Qualifications

• Experience supporting automation systems in a biopharmaceutical or pharmaceutical manufacturing environment.
• Familiarity with cGMP-compliant manufacturing of active pharmaceutical ingredients.
• Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team focused on facility reliability and continuous improvement.
• Strong communication skills to collaborate with operations, utilities, and engineering stakeholders.
• Interest in supporting both existing systems and the introduction of new automated equipment.

Skills

• Rockwell Automation platforms (ControlLogix, CompactLogix, PlantPAx, FactoryTalk).
• Allen-Bradley PLC programming and troubleshooting.
• Controls engineering, including automation systems design and support.
• Documentation practices compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 and cGMP requirements.
• Solid troubleshooting skills for PLCs, HMIs, and related control system components.

Benefits

Full health, dental, and medical benefits. 160 days of PTO on a full calendar year basis.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $70,000.00 - $105,000.00/yr.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Fitchburg, WI.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 22, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation, and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia, and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service. The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law. If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.