Automation Engineer

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.

About the role

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, updating design documents, executing testing, troubleshooting events, and being part of the site automation on-call support. You will provide Subject Matter Expert (SME) level support of all automated process control systems used in licensed manufacturing (including dedicated clean utilities) of the assigned building.

The position will serve as the Manufacturing Systems & Automation Site Support interface with Operations personnel, QA Compliance, Information Systems, Engineering, Maintenance, and site-wide Automation Support technicians. You must exhibit strong customer communication skills and have in-depth technical knowledge of process control systems and equipment used in biotech/pharmaceutical manufacturing and utility systems.

This position supports the highly complex automated systems installed in new and existing manufacturing facilities, security, and support systems. Expected outcomes include hands-on support of automated systems in manufacturing (including Building Automation Systems), troubleshooting automated process equipment and systems, coordinating contractors, executing site change controls, aiding in process deviation investigations, and providing expertise for process evaluation and product improvements for better quality and yields.

The role will improve response time to manufacturing failures and implement site automation standard procedures and Global Engineering Practices. Join a global network that powers how Sanofi delivers seamlessly, purposefully, and at scale.

Responsibilities

• Oversee manufacturing automation systems within the whole site.
• System Integration: Ensure seamless integration of automation systems with digital applications to support production, quality control, and data management.
• Deliverable Accountability: Ensure compliance with GMP and regulatory standards (C&Q), including user/functional/detailed specification development, test protocols, and system validation. Work closely with clients to understand their needs and develop tailored strategies through site assessments.
• Risk and Compliance Management: Identify and proactively manage risks. Ensure compliance with GMP to minimize disruptions to timelines and costs.
• Training and Support: Develop and deliver specialized training materials for staff to ensure proper operation and maintenance of automated systems. Provide ongoing support post-implementation.
• Collaboration and Documentation: Collaborate with Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Quality, Facilities, and Tech Transfer departments to capture and document detailed requirements.
• Standards and Best Practices: Develop standards and best practices for development and validation activities. Lead cross-functional teams through design reviews and user acceptance testing during the development change and validation process.
• Operational Meetings: Participate in facility operational meetings to ensure facility reporting needs are met.
• Operational Oversight: Oversee the daily monitoring, troubleshooting, and support of automation systems (PLCs, SCADA, DCS, and other control systems) to ensure continuous production with minimal downtime and maximum efficiency.
• Continuous Improvement: Identify, propose, and implement process and system improvements to enhance automation performance, reduce costs, and improve flexibility in manufacturing operations.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with engineering, production, quality, IT, and other cross-functional teams to ensure alignment of automation systems with production goals and regulatory requirements.
• Compliance & Risk Management: Ensure all automation activities comply with GMP, safety standards, and other relevant regulations. Lead efforts to manage risks associated with automation systems and address compliance issues proactively.
• On-Call Support: Be available to provide on-call support during off-shift hours, based on a rotating schedule, to support manufacturing operations.

Requirements

• Automation and Engineering: 2+ years of direct experience in automation systems and automation support within biopharma or related industries is preferred.
• Process Control Systems: Knowledge of systems like DCS (DeltaV), SCADA (Aveva), PLCs, and related automation technologies in a manufacturing context. Understanding of machine connectivity with data acquisition from PLCs into higher-level applications like Historian, ERPs, etc., using current technologies like OPC is preferred.
• Team Collaboration: Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Analytical Skills: Strong problem-solving abilities.
• Communication: Effective communication skills for engaging diverse stakeholders across projects.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Electrical, Chemical, Mechanical, Automation), Computer Science, Biotechnology, Computer Sciences, or an applicable technical field related to engineering in the biopharma sector. Relevant work experience may substitute for the required college degree.
• Languages: Proficiency in both written and spoken English.

Benefits

• Discover endless opportunities to grow your talent and drive your career, whether through promotion or lateral moves, at home or internationally.
• Enjoy a thoughtful, well-crafted rewards package that recognizes your contribution and amplifies your impact.
• Take good care of yourself and your family with a wide range of health and wellbeing benefits, including high-quality healthcare, prevention and wellness programs, and at least 14 weeks of gender-neutral parental leave.
• Shape the future of medicine and vaccine delivery with cutting-edge technology, ensuring seamless launches and a resilient global supply.
• Power industry-leading performance by leveraging digital, data, and AI-driven innovation at speed and scale.
• Transform lives worldwide by delivering life-changing treatments anywhere, anytime.