Automation Engineer 2

Job Description

OUR TEAM : The Product Finishing Engineering team is made up of 2 Automation Engineers and 2 Mechanical Engineers with varied industry experiences and lengths of service, providing you the opportunity to both learn from others and share your expertise. The team primarily supports fill / finish equipment used in the production of Promega products and may also support bulk manufacturing processes. The Product Finishing Engineering team regularly collaborates with other internal engineering disciplines such as process, equipment, facilities, and packaging engineers.

YOUR ROLE : As an Automation Engineer II, you will be responsible for supporting day-to-day operations, continuous improvement initiatives, and capital projects within Product Finishing. You will lead the design, implementation, and validation of automation systems-including PLCs, robotics, vision systems, and SCADA platforms-while ensuring compliance with quality and reliability standards. You will independently manage small-to-medium-sized automation projects, from design through commissioning and validation, and provide advanced troubleshooting support for production equipment.

In this role, you will also contribute to Promega's sustaining and reliability engineering initiatives by analyzing recurring automation issues, leading root cause investigations, and implementing durable solutions that enhance system reliability. You will have the opportunity to collaborate closely with cross-functional teams across Promega, including Operations, Process Engineering, Packaging, and Facilities, to achieve business objectives and enable efficient, reliable production.

JOB OBJECTIVE : As an Automation Engineer II, you will lead the design, implementation, and validation of automation systems, playing a key role in improving operational efficiency and system reliability. This role involves independently managing small-to-medium-sized projects, troubleshooting advanced automation challenges, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to achieve business objectives.

CORE DUTIES :

1. System Design : Specify, design, and implement automation control systems for production equipment, including PLCs, SCADA, instrumentation, robotics, and vision systems. Utilize engineering technology tools including CAD, Excel, Design Software, and AI Tools to share designs and communicate technical details and analysis.

2. Programming and Documentation : Develop and maintain automation programming, including configuration control and detailed documentation, to support production and quality systems.

3. Troubleshooting and Problem Solving : Diagnose and resolve complex issues with control systems, hardware devices, and data communications, minimizing downtime and ensuring operational integrity. Use AI and Analytics tools to explore and challenge in-depth problems statements and create more complete solutions for opportunities.

4. Continuous Improvement : Investigate and analyze manufacturing processes to identify automation opportunities, focusing on improving system reliability, efficiency, and compliance.

5. Change Management : Perform automation updates and execute change control processes in compliance with Good Engineering Practices (GEP) and Promega's quality systems.

6. Project Leadership : Lead small-to-medium-sized automation projects from conception through commissioning and validation, ensuring technical objectives, timelines, and budgets are met. Utilize AI Tools to improve requirements, create more accurate specifications, automatically develop robust test protocols and reports based on design and pFMEA data.

7. Professional Development : Stay current with advancements in automation technologies and industry best practices to continually improve skills and deliver innovative solutions.

8. Process Analysis : Investigate and analyze production processes to identify opportunities for automation, focusing on improving efficiency and system reliability. Deploy machine learning, AI based analytical tools and ChatGPT Tools to provide improved context and analysis on results.

9. Collaboration : Work extensively with engineering, facilities, production scientists, R&D, and QA to align automation solutions with organizational goals.

10. Regulatory and Procedural Adherence : Follow established procedures for decision-making to ensure compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements.

11. Inclusion and Collaboration : Demonstrates inclusion through their own words and actions and is accountable for creating a safe workspace. Acts with kindness, curiosity, and respect for others.

12. Emotional and Social Intelligence (ESI) : Embrace and incorporate Promega's 6 Emotional and Social Intelligence (ESI) principles in daily work to foster collaboration, innovation, and teamwork.

13. Compliance : Understands and complies with ethical, legal, and regulatory requirements applicable to our business.

KEY QUALIFICATIONS :

1. Education : Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Mechanical, or Automation Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related technical discipline.

2. Experience : 3-6 years of experience in automation engineering within a manufacturing environment, including proficiency in PLCs, SCADA, and industrial networking.

3. Technical Skills : Advanced knowledge of process automation systems, instrumentation, and vision systems. Proficiency in root cause analysis and technical troubleshooting in automated systems. Familiarity with industrial safety standards (ISA, NFPA, UL, NEC).

4. Leadership Skills : Proven ability to lead projects and collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.

5. Problem-Solving Skills : Demonstrated expertise in root cause analysis and implementing effective technical solutions.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS :

1. Experience with automation systems for liquid filling, packaging, or batch manufacturing in a regulated environment (e.g., biotech, pharmaceutical, diagnostics).

2. Familiarity with process control or distributed control systems, including Rockwell Automation PLCs and FactoryTalk View.

3. Knowledge of commissioning, validation, and qualification processes in cGMP environments.

4. Experience developing AutoCAD electrical prints or specifications for programming. Working knowledge of ChatGPT and / or CoPilot.

5. Project Management Certification (PMP) or equivalent experience leading technical projects.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS :

1. Ability to work in various environments including production areas and labs, using standard safety equipment.

2. Capable of lifting up to 25 pounds and standing for extended periods during equipment installation and maintenance.

3. Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as needed for project execution and equipment sourcing.

At Promega, we value diversity and strive to create an inclusive workplace. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer, making employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.