Automation Engineer

Automation Engineer

Contract to Hire

Onsite | Indianapolis, IN

Position Overview

We are seeking a hands-on Automation Engineer to support a leading pharmaceutical manufacturing site, with a strong focus on safety, quality, data integrity, and continuous improvement. This role serves as a key technical owner for industrial automation systems supporting device assembly and packaging operations, with responsibility for automation troubleshooting, system optimization, and data integrity initiatives.

This engineer will act as the primary technical resource for assigned process teams and a critical liaison with the site’s central automation group. Success in this role requires deep, practical controls experience, strong electrical fundamentals, and the ability to take ownership of complex problems and drive them through to full resolution, often under tight timelines and production pressure.

Key Responsibilities

Hands-On Automation & Controls (Must-Have Focus)

• Provide hands-on troubleshooting and support for manufacturing automation systems, with a strong emphasis on Rockwell PLCs and HMIs, OPC communications, servers, and industrial networking (switches, infrastructure).
• Apply strong electrical and controls knowledge to diagnose and resolve issues during live production, shutdowns, and restarts.
• Understand and support line-level and site-level automation architecture, including equipment networking and data flow.
• Serve as the technical authority during equipment issues, startups, upgrades, and optimization efforts.

Ownership & Execution

• Own automation and data integrity issues end-to-end, from problem identification through permanent resolution.
• Drive projects and issues past obstacles, recognizing that root cause resolution may require extended engagement, iteration, and follow-up.
• Lead and support Commissioning & Qualification (C&Q) activities including FAT, SAT, IQ/OQ, and PQ.
• Own change management activities, including documentation generation, routing, and execution in compliance with site C&Q and data integrity standards.
• Provide clear communication and status updates, proactively escalating risks or delays when needed.

Optimization & Continuous Improvement

• Bring a strong optimization mindset, focusing on incremental improvements that collectively drive performance, reliability, and data integrity gains.
• Identify and pursue opportunities to optimize existing automation systems, controls strategies, and processes, particularly on established lines (e.g., WC33, WC55).
• Partner with process engineers, operations, and central automation to implement sustainable improvements rather than one-time fixes.
• Share best practices and lessons learned across engineering and automation teams.

Safety, Quality & Collaboration

• Promote and maintain a safe working environment by following HSE policies, ergonomic standards, and safe equipment operation practices.
• Participate in safety activities including audits, JSAs, and hazard reviews.
• Embed with process teams as needed to understand operations and support manufacturing goals.
• Represent site interests during equipment design reviews and user requirement discussions.
• Maintain required training and demonstrate a strong commitment to safety, quality, and compliance.

Minimum Qualifications

• Strong, hands-on experience as an Automation or Controls Engineer in an industrial manufacturing environment.
• Proven proficiency with Rockwell automation platforms (PLC/HMI) and related industrial control systems.
• Solid understanding of electrical systems, troubleshooting, and industrial networking (OPC, servers, switches).
• Experience supporting live production environments and troubleshooting under pressure.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to explain technical concepts to cross‑functional teams.
• Demonstrated accountability, ownership, and follow‑through on complex issues.
• Proficiency with common software tools (e.g., Excel, Power BI).

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in pharmaceutical or regulated manufacturing environments.
• Experience with assembly or packaging equipment startup and delivery.
• Background in data integrity, MES-to-equipment integration, or automation compliance initiatives.
• Project or technical lead experience.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or equivalent relevant experience.

Additional Information

• Standard 8‑hour workdays with after‑hours or weekend support as needed.
• Occasional travel for training or capital projects (approximately 6–10 weeks per year).