Principal Manufacturing Automation Engineer

Responsibilities

• Identify opportunities for automation improvements to Manufacturing productivity, quality, and EHS (environmental, health, and safety), including technology options, vendor identification, and project business cases.
• Develops moderate to complex control configuration or programming in accordance with design documents to meet functional requirements.
• Acts as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) for Automation Applications, leading the design and deployment of automated visual systems, aggregation, and other track and trace systems on packaging and manufacturing lines.
• Led and support site digitalization, AI, robotics and Factory of the Future initiatives.
• Integrates vision inspection technologies (cameras, lighting, optics) with track and trace hardware (printers, scanners) to form a cohesive quality and identification system.
• Ensures seamless data flow and integration from vision and track-and-trace systems to control systems (PLCs, printers, scanners) and enterprise-level software (ERP or MES).
• Leads the development and execution of OT Systems lifecycle deliverables, including validation activities and associated documentation like System Functional and Design Specifications.
• Implements tools for OT Systems administration and maintenance, such as operating system (OS) and antivirus updates, user account management, and critical data backup.
• Establishes project management techniques to monitor, report on, and control automation projects according to size and criticality (medium to large projects).
• Supports capital projects when automation expertise is required.
• Conforms to EHS management system requirements and compliance obligations, promotes continuous improvement, and considers EHS aspects during the design and change process.
• Diagnoses and troubleshoots OT System hardware, software, and networking issues, replace defective components as needed.
• Responsible for implementing and validating OT systems upgrades and data migrations for DCS, PLC’s, SCADA, and Data Historian systems.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field is required.
• Minimum 10 years experience developing and maintaining automation software and equipment and PLC systems in a manufacturing environment; AI and machine learning experience, including experience with new technology development for new product introductions.
• Demonstrated knowledge of 21 CFR Part 11 requirements for automated systems in the pharmaceutical or medical device industries.
• Demonstrated problem solving skills and innovative thinking to develop and implement untested solutions.
• Ability to provide technical program leadership, including external vendor management and lead cross-functional team including internal and external resources.