Automation Engineer IV

We are seeking an Automation Engineer IV to play a key role in rebuilding and scaling our Automation and MSAT functions within a small, GMP-regulated manufacturing environment. This is a hands-on individual contributor role with elevated technical responsibility and leadership influence across automation systems, architecture, and integration strategy. This role is ideal for a senior automation professional with deep GMP experience, a systems-level mindset, and a proven ability to operate effectively in startup or small-company environments where automation frameworks are still being built and refined.

Responsibilities

• Provide senior-level technical leadership for the design, implementation, and support of GMP automation systems across manufacturing operations.
• Lead automation efforts across all project phases, including requirements and functional specifications, detailed design and implementation, and system integration, testing, commissioning, and on-site startup.
• Serve as a technical authority for automation architecture, including system migration, scalability, and long-term integration strategies.
• Support process manufacturing automation, including utilities, facilities, and production systems.
• Act as a primary automation partner to MSAT, Process Engineering, Manufacturing, Facilities, IT, and Quality.
• Support and guide automation documentation strategy, including URS, FRS, SDS, and validation documentation.
• Provide oversight and hands-on support for data management and historian systems, ensuring data integrity and compliance.
• Lead complex automation troubleshooting and root cause analysis efforts in a regulated manufacturing environment.
• Support and drive change control, deviation investigations, and CAPAs related to automation systems.
• Partner with vendors, system integrators, and service providers to ensure safe, compliant, and effective automation execution.
• Contribute to the development and refinement of automation standards, best practices, and procedures as the site scales.

• Automation expertise with GMP experience.
• Strong understanding of ISA S88, SCADA systems, and GMP regulations.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related discipline.
• 8+ years of experience executing automation projects in a regulated manufacturing environment.
• Strong systems-level automation perspective, including architecture, integration, and data flow.
• Extensive experience supporting PLC- and SCADA-based manufacturing systems.
• Ability to function as a senior individual contributor, providing technical leadership without direct people management.
• Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate across multiple functional groups.

• Experience in biopharmaceutical or biotech manufacturing environments.
• Experience with PLC platforms (Rockwell, Siemens, etc.).
• Experience with SCADA/HMI systems and automated manufacturing platforms (including Cytiva systems).
• Experience with data historians (OSI PI or similar).
• Strong understanding of GEP, ASTM E2500, ISPE guidance.
• Experience supporting startup facilities, new builds, or major site expansions.

Work in a start-up GMP-regulated manufacturing facility in the pharmaceuticals industry. The environment is dynamic and evolving, offering opportunities to contribute to building and refining automation frameworks.

Job Type & Location

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

The pay range for this position is $140000.00 - $160000.00/yr.

Full company benefits, PTO, holiday pay, 401(k)

This is a fully onsite position in Durham,NC.

This position is anticipated to close on Apr 15, 2026.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:

• Hiring diverse talent
• Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
• Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
• Ensuring growth opportunities for our people

Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we’ve helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC—with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000+ extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.

Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.