• Senior Automation Engineer

    Actalent (Wilson, NC)


    About the role

     

    + We are seeking a highly skilled Sr. Automation Engineer with experience in pharmaceutical manufacturing to lead the design, implementation, and support of automated systems in a cGMPregulated environment. The ideal candidate will design and lead the implementation automation solutions that improve process efficiency, data integrity, and compliance, while supporting both ongoing operations and capital projects.

    Key Responsibilities

    + Automation Systems

    + Oversee the design, installation, and maintenance of automation systems for manufacturing and industrial processes.

    + Develop and implement PLC (Programmable Logic Controller), SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition), HMI (Human-Machine Interface), and other control systems.

    + Lead the design, development, and implementation of control systems (PLC, HMI, SCADA, DCS) for manufacturing and utility equipment.

    + Serve as automation subject matter expert (SME) for pharmaceutical production, utilities, and facility systems.

    + Support validation of automation systems including authoring and reviewing of GAMP 5-compliant documentation (URS, FRS, DDS, IQ/OQ/PQ protocols).

    + Oversee lifecycle management of automated systems, ensuring adherence to 21 CFR Part 11, FDA, EU Annex 11, and GxP guidelines.

    + Integrate and troubleshoot equipment automation with MES, historians, and other data systems.

    + Lead the selection and integration of robotics, sensors, and industrial automation technologies.

    + Project Management & Implementation

    + Manage capital projects related to electrical and automation upgrades, ensuring timely execution and budget adherence.

    + Collaborate with engineering, maintenance, and production teams to implement process improvements.

    + Oversee commissioning and testing of new automation solutions.

    + Manage external vendors and system integrators during project execution and support.

    + Troubleshooting & Continuous Improvement

    + Diagnose and resolve complex electrical and automation system failures.

    + Implement predictive maintenance strategies using IoT and data analytics.

    + Work with vendors and suppliers to source new technologies and solutions.

    + Compliance and Quality Assurance:

    + Work closely with Quality Assurance, Validation, IT, and Manufacturing teams to ensure compliant system operation.

    + Lead automation support for tech transfers, system upgrades, and new equipment commissioning.

    + Ensure all automation activities align with regulatory standards (GMP, FDA, ISO, EHS).

    + Drive maintenance and calibration programs to support compliance and equipment reliability.

    + Participate in audits, investigations, and validation efforts to uphold product and process quality.

    + Risk Management:

    + Identify, assess, and manage risks across the program portfolio.

    + Implement mitigation strategies to address potential issues before they impact outcomes.

    + Develop frameworks for identifying, managing, and mitigating project risks and issues.

    + Facilitate risk management workshops and track mitigation plans.

    + Technical Innovation and Problem Solving:

    + Provide engineering expertise to troubleshoot production or equipment challenges.

    + Identify and implement new technologies or automated solutions to enhance manufacturing capabilities.

    + Streamline and document project workflows, ensuring consistent delivery standards.

    + Identify opportunities to improve efficiency and quality across project delivery.

    + Diagnose and resolve complex electrical and automation system failures.

    + Implement predictive maintenance strategies using IoT and data analytics.

    + Work with vendors and suppliers to source new technologies and solutions.

    + Qualifications & Experience

    + Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering, or a related field.

    + 5+ years of experience in industrial automation, electrical engineering, or controls engineering.

    + Deep knowledge of PLC programming (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Schneider, etc.) and SCADA systems (e.g. Wonderware, Ignition, Factory Talk, PCS7) and industrial networking (Ethernet/IP, Modbus, PROFIBUS etc.)

    + Demonstrated ISA-95 and S88 understanding and execution

    + Experience with GAMP 5, 21 CFR Part 11, and data integrity principles.

    + Experience with robotics, motion control, and IoT integration is a plus.

    + Familiarity with power distribution, motor controls, and variable frequency drives (VFDs).

    + Proficiency in AutoCAD Electrical or EPLAN for schematic design.

    + Excellent project management and leadership skills.

    + Strong understanding of safety standards, regulatory compliance, and electrical codes.

    + Strong knowledge of regulatory standards (e.g., GMP, FDA, ISO 9001/13485).

    + Exceptionally Strong experience managing budgets, resources, and timelines for large-scale initiatives.

    + Skills:

    + Experience in high-volume manufacturing, food & beverage, automotive, pharmaceuticals, or energy sectors.

    + Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma experience.

    + Knowledge of cybersecurity for industrial automation systems.

     

    Job Type & Location

     

    This is a Permanent position based out of Wilson, NC.

    Pay and Benefits

    The pay range for this position is $115000.00 - $144000.00/yr.

     

    Full company benefits through sponsor benefits

     

    Workplace Type

     

    This is a fully onsite position in Wilson,NC.

     

    Application Deadline

     

    This position is anticipated to close on Nov 19, 2025.

    About Actalent

    Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

     

    The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

     

    If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing due to a disability, please email [email protected] (%[email protected]) for other accommodation options.