Control Systems Engineer

About the role

This role is part of Alcon's Engineering function, a team focused on improving quality, processes, products, packaging and materials across our business to help deliver brilliant outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Design, program, install, modify, and maintain campus-wide automation and control systems supporting office, research, manufacturing, and remote warehouse operations.
• Systems include HVAC, environmental monitoring (temperature, humidity, pressure, particulate counts), and central energy plant chilled water and steam distribution.
• Provide daily operational support for automation and control systems, troubleshooting complex issues to ensure system reliability, data integrity, compliance, and minimal downtime.
• Perform advanced technical analysis to diagnose, optimize, and continuously improve control strategies, system performance, and project outcomes.
• Program, configure, and maintain PLC/PAC controllers and associated automation hardware and software.
• Design, implement and troubleshoot Ignition Perspective Graphics and Reports.
• Develop, execute, and document validation protocols (IQ and OQ) for automation systems in manufacturing and research environments, ensuring proper review and approval by Quality Assurance.
• Maintain complete and accurate system documentation, including source code, as-built drawings, system architecture, and campus network documentation in alignment with SOPs, cGMP, FDA, and GxP requirements.
• Provide systems and network administration support for Windows and Linux environments that interface with automation platforms, ensuring proper configuration and operation of workstations, servers, and supporting infrastructure.
• Develop custom programming, dashboards, and report solutions to meet site-specific automation, data collection, and regulatory compliance needs.
• Apply scientific and engineering principles to solve complex technical problems, innovate control system solutions, and support continuous improvement initiatives across the site.
• Adhere strictly to GxP regulations, SOPs, and quality standards by completing required training, maintaining audit-ready systems, and supporting internal and external audits.
• Stay current with emerging control system technologies, automation platforms, and industry best practices to support system evolution and agile problem-solving.

Requirements

The following qualifications are preferred but not required:

• Computer Science degree or equivalent technical experience.
• Experience supporting control systems in a regulated pharmaceutical or medical device manufacturing environment, including validation.
• Strong background in industrial networking and Windows system administration.
• Software development experience, including web-based or scripting languages (e.g., HTML, Python).
• Experience with Inductive Automation platforms (Ignition), with demonstrated proficiency in SQL.
• PLC programming experience using Rockwell Automation (Allen‑Bradley) Studio 5000.
• AutoCAD Electrical experience supporting control panel design and documentation.
• Experience managing small to mid-sized projects (up to $2 million), including vendor coordination.

Skills

Strong technical depth, analytical problem-solving skills, and expertise in regulated control system environments are essential.

Benefits

Alcon provides a robust benefits package including health, life, retirement, flexible time off for exempt associates, PTO for hourly associates, and much more!

Pay

Commensurate with experience.

Schedule

Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM CST – 5:00 PM CST

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree or Equivalent years of directly related experience (or high school +10 yrs; Assoc.+6 yrs; M.S.+0 yrs)
• The ability to fluently read, write, understand and communicate in English
• 2 Years of Relevant Experience

How to Thrive at Alcon

Collaborate with teammates to share standard processes and learnings as work evolves! See your career like never before with focused growth and development opportunities! Join Alcon’s mission to provide outstanding, innovative products and solutions to improve sight, improve lives, and grow your career!

Attention: Current Alcon Employee/Contingent Worker

If you are currently an active employee/contingent worker at Alcon, please click the appropriate link below to apply on the Internal Career site.

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Alcon is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Participates in E-Verify

Alcon takes pride in maintaining an inclusive environment that values different perspectives and our policies are non-discriminatory in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status. Alcon is also committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, or in order to perform the essential functions of a position, please send an email to alcon.recruitment@alcon.com and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.