Sr. Automation & Process Control Engineer

Avantor is looking for a Sr. Automation & Process Control Engineer to join our Engineering Manufacturing team.

This is a remote role that requires up to 30% travel to Avantor sites worldwide.

What we’re looking for

• Education: Bachelor’s degree is required; Degree concentrations in Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Controls and Automations or similar related field are highly preferred
• Experience: 7+ years’ experience working with control systems and automation
• Collaboration Tool: Strong computer skills including knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint required
• Preferred Qualifications: 
  • Certifications in Operational Technology and or any controls PLC or HMI platforms
  • Certification in GMP training
  • Experience with chemical reactors is a plus

How you will thrive and create an impact

The Sr. Engineer will lead and support the global Automation strategy along with automation projects including but not limited to new equipment, existing equipment improvements, automation initiatives, standardizations, scale-up, and validation in a cGMP regulated environment. Participate in additional process and engineering functions including development and improvement initiatives as needed for filling, packaging, chemical manufacturing equipment and other production and facilities systems as appropriate.  

• Lead the development of the corporate automation strategy.
• Develop/implement digital strategy towards integration with business system.
• Develop automation scope and Requests for Quotes to work with 3rd party automation firms on larger projects.
• Vendor and contract management for automation projects
• Develop and maintain appropriate processes and procedures for system and equipment controls.
• Responsible for developing and documenting system requirements, design, installation and testing of new automated equipment and systems.
• Prepare detailed documentation of proposed changes and implement per change management procedures.
• Design and implement; support and troubleshoot improvements for existing equipment, processes and systems.
• Identify, propose, justify, facilitate and implement where appropriate continuous improvement projects following Lean Six Sigma or similar methodologies.
• Responsible for maintaining back-up copies and change control on control programs and configuration files for plant-wide PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, and servo drives.
• Program and test vision systems for product inspections.
• Lead Factory Acceptance Tests, Site Acceptance Tests, Installation Qualifications (IQ), Operational Qualifications (OQ), and Performance Qualifications (PQ).
• Specify hardware and instrumentation for controls projects.
• Lead cross-functional project teams for implementation.
• Organize system for maintenance and troubleshooting of automated equipment; train Maintenance staff on basic troubleshooting procedures.
• Prepare business case, cost models and financial justifications for process improvements or other engineering projects as assigned and appropriate.
• Develop and provide Operator and Maintenance training related to projects.
• Specify, design, program and test PLC and HMI systems.
• Maintain compliance with the necessary and appropriate Quality and Regulatory requirements (such as FDA, ISO, other).
• Facilitate and lead meetings as appropriate for relevant functions.
• Maintain laptop with licenses for programming and troubleshooting.
• Execute responsibilities for remote sites as assigned.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES (Those necessary to perform the job competently)

• Strong communications, both written and verbal
• Proficient with PLC programming software such as RS Studio, DirectSOFT (Automation Direct), Siemens, B&R Automation Studio or similar
• Knowledge of PanelView or similar HMI programming
• Experience with Historian systems
• Ability to read P&IDs, electrical schematics and network diagrams
• Knowledge of AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or equivalent design software
• Experience with VFD and servo motor drive configuration
• Ability to develop project plans and complete projects on time and on budget
• Ability to interact with all levels of the organization
• Project management skills

ENVIRONMENTAL WORKING CONDITIONS & PHYSICAL EFFORT (Under Typical Positions)

Typically works in an office environment with adequate lighting and ventilation and a normal range of temperature and noise level.

Work assignments are diversified. Examples of past precedent are used to resolve work problems. New alternatives may be developed to resolve problems.

A frequent volume of work and deadlines impose strain on routine basis.

Minimal physical effort is required. Work is mostly sedentary but does require walking, standing, bending, reaching, lifting or carrying objects that typically weigh less than 50 lbs.

Although the associate primarily works in an office environment, while performing the duties of this job, the associate is exposed to a production environment. The associate may work near moving mechanical machinery and/or vehicles and the noise level in the work environment can be loud. While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles and toxic or caustic chemicals.

#LI-Remote

Disclaimer:
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of employees assigned to this position. Avantor is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

Why Avantor?

Dare to go further in your career. Join our global team of 14,000+ associates whose passion for discovery and determination to overcome challenges relentlessly advances life-changing science.
 
The work we do changes people's lives for the better. It brings new patient treatments and therapies to market, giving a cancer survivor the chance to walk his daughter down the aisle. It enables medical devices that help a little boy hear his mom's voice for the first time. Outcomes such as these create unlimited opportunities for you to contribute your talents, learn new skills and grow your career at Avantor.
 
We are committed to helping you on this journey through our diverse, equitable and inclusive culture which includes learning experiences to support your career growth and success. At Avantor, dare to go further and see how the impact of your contributions set science in motion to create a better world. Apply today!

EEO Statement:

We are an Equal Employment/Affirmative Action employer and VEVRAA Federal Contractor. We do not discriminate in hiring on the basis of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religious creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state/province, or local law.

If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact us by email at recruiting@avantorsciences.com and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Requests for accommodation will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please note that only inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address.

For more information about equal employment opportunity protections, please view the Know Your Rights poster.

3rd Party Non-Solicitation Policy:

By submitting candidates without having been formally assigned on and contracted for a specific job requisition by Avantor, or by failing to comply with the Avantor recruitment process, you forfeit any fee on the submitted candidates, regardless of your usual terms and conditions. Avantor works with a preferred supplier list and will take the initiative to engage with recruitment agencies based on its needs and will not be accepting any form of solicitation.