Senior / Lead Automation Engineer (Pharmaceutical)

TL;DR

Senior / Lead Automation Engineer (Industrial Automation/Pharma): Designing and managing industrial automation hardware and control systems for pharmaceutical and biotech facilities with an accent on cGMP compliance and system integrator management. Focus on bridging the gap between process engineering and system integration, performing technical analyses, and overseeing the full project lifecycle from feasibility to qualification.

Location: Hybrid in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, USA

Company

Employee-owned international project delivery firm and world leader in the pharma, biotech, and medical technology sectors.

What you will do

• Provide consulting expertise for Industrial Automation Hardware and Control System Design compliant with cGMP regulations and best practices.
• Lead project design stages from feasibility and conceptual design through to construction documentation and administration.
• Manage and review the work of system integrators, ensuring PLC software, SCADA, and HMI configurations meet requirements.
• Act as the primary liaison between Process/Mechanical Engineers and System Integrators to ensure operational performance.
• Mentor junior and intermediate automation engineering staff and conduct peer reviews for accuracy and quality.
• Participate in project site visits to monitor, review, and sign-off on automation and process control installations.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Automation, Electronics, Electrical Engineering, or a similar discipline.
• 10+ years of formal experience in heavy industrial engineering design, preferably in Pharmaceutical, Biopharmaceutical, or Cell & Gene Therapy sectors.
• Deep knowledge of software architectures (S88, GAMP, 21CFRPart 11) and industrial networks (Ethernet/IP, Profinet, Profibus, Controlnet).
• Extensive experience with PLC/DCS based Control Systems design.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills for preparing technical specifications and contract documents.
• Must be based in or able to work from the Conshohocken, PA office on a hybrid basis.

Culture & Benefits

• Employee-owned company structure fostering a commitment to shared success.
• Inclusive culture with a strong focus on diversity, mutual respect, and belonging.
• Strong commitment to Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability as part of the 2026 business strategy.
• Opportunity to work on cutting-edge life science projects for both local and international clients.