Principal Automation Engineer (Warehouse Automation)

TL;DR

Principal Automation Engineer (Warehouse Automation): Designing and optimizing automated material handling systems and AGV fleets for a greenfield drug product manufacturing facility with an accent on technical integrity, reliability, and IT/OT integration. Focus on maintaining Körber K.One.X (WCS), troubleshooting PLC-WCS handshakes, and ensuring 21 CFR Part 11 compliance.

Location: Must be based in or be able to work in Holly Springs, North Carolina, USA. Initially a mix of remote and onsite, transitioning to full-time onsite work.

Salary: $95,200 - $176,800

Company

hirify.global is a biotechnology pioneer and member of the Roche group dedicated to discovering and developing groundbreaking medicines for serious diseases.

What you will do

• Monitor and optimize Körber K.One.X (WCS) and AS/RS performance to proactively resolve bottlenecks.
• Provide L2/L3 technical support for complex automation failures and troubleshoot handshakes between PLC layers and WCS.
• Manage AGV fleet readiness, overseeing battery health, sensor calibration, and dynamic traffic tuning via FMS.
• Oversee SAP EWM-to-WCS interface logs (IDocs/Web Services) to ensure physical stock matches the digital twin.
• Ensure all automated logs and event data strictly comply with 21 CFR Part 11 for regulatory inspections.
• Analyze OEE data to propose logic adjustments that improve cycle times and reduce mechanical wear.

Requirements

• Bachelor's in Chemical, Mechanical, Electrical, or Computer Science (8+ years exp) or Master's in Engineering (6+ years exp).
• 5 years of pharmaceutical/biotech industry or GMP experience is highly preferred.
• Proficiency in PLCs (Siemens TIA Portal or Rockwell Automation) and protocols (Profinet/EtherNet/IP).
• Strong understanding of SAP EWM or similar WMS interfaces (IDocs, queues, and RFC calls).
• Familiarity with AGV navigation technologies and Fleet Management System (FMS) software.
• Availability for 24/7 on-call support, including weekends and holidays as required.

Nice to have

• Knowledge of GAMP5 standards and 21 CFR Part 11 requirements.

Culture & Benefits

• Opportunity to join a $2B greenfield start-up project with the planned launch in 2028.
• Environment leveraging advanced automation, robotics, and real-time data analytics.
• Fast-paced, entrepreneurial culture with a high level of accountability.
• Comprehensive benefits package provided as per company policy.