Senior Lead Automation Engineer (Life Sciences)

TL;DR

Senior Lead Automation Engineer (Life Sciences): Leading the end-to-end automation design for complex, regulated Life Sciences and Pharmaceutical projects with an accent on system architecture and GMP compliance. Focus on designing PLC/DCS-based control systems, managing vendor oversight, and ensuring adherence to GAMP 5 and 21 CFR Part 11 standards.

Location: Hybrid in Conshohocken, PA (Philadelphia area); consideration given to candidates in Burlington, MA and Apex, NC.

Company

An employee-owned international project delivery firm specializing in the pharma, biotech, and medical technology sectors.

What you will do

• Lead end-to-end automation design for Life Sciences and Pharmaceutical projects within multidisciplinary teams.
• Act as the technical authority for automation system architecture, standards, and best practices.
• Develop and approve key deliverables, including Functional Design Specifications (FDS) and Control Narratives.
• Manage automation contractors and system integrators throughout the project lifecycle.
• Mentor junior and intermediate automation engineers through peer reviews and technical guidance.
• Support commercial scope development and proposal generation for new projects.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Automation, Electrical, or Electronics Engineering.
• 10+ years of experience delivering industrial automation projects, preferably in Pharma or Biotech.
• Expertise in PLC/DCS-based control systems, S88 architecture, and regulated GMP project delivery.
• Strong knowledge of industrial communications (Ethernet/IP, Profinet, Profibus, etc.).
• Must be able to work across multiple offices and client sites in the US.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license is preferred (CA, PA, or MA).

Culture & Benefits

• Employee-owned company structure ensuring shared success and commitment.
• Strong focus on inclusion, diversity, and mutual respect.
• Committed to Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability via a 2026 business strategy.
• Inclusive workplace that values diverse talents and ideas.