Automation Engineer

Job DescriptionJob Description

ELIQUENT Life Sciences is the leading global consulting firm providing solutions to life science companies researching, developing, and manufacturing innovative products to serve patients and respond to public health challenges around the world. ELIQUENT is committed to serving clients’ needs with extensive expertise, unwavering integrity, and strategic insight in a manner that supports availability of safe, effective, and high-quality drugs, biologics, and medical devices. For more information, please visit our website at eliquent.com.

We are seeking an experienced Automation Engineer to join our team in the Boston area. The ideal candidate will be responsible for the Commissioning, Qualification, and Validation (CQV) of automated systems in pharmaceutical manufacturing. In this role you must be able to identify critical interfaces between building and equipment systems; interpret P&IDs, wiring diagrams, facility/equipment drawings, and equipment specifications to determine automation strategies for the GMP manufacturing facility; and effectively perform troubleshooting and repair activities.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead design, configuration, and commissioning of DeltaV and PAS-X automation systems for GMP-critical manufacturing equipment and process controls.
• Support change controls, deviations, and CAPAs involving DeltaV and PAS-X logic, batch strategies, and alarm configuration in collaboration with QA and Validation.
• Develop and modify control modules, phases, and equipment modules within DeltaV in alignment with S88 batch architecture standards.
• Provide hands-on troubleshooting and root cause analysis for DeltaV and PAS-X system issues during routine operations and project start-up phases.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (Process Engineering, QA, Validation, and Manufacturing) to align automation changes with business needs.
• Author and review technical documentation including Functional Design Specs (FDS), software requirement specs, and test protocols.
• Interface with PAS-X MES and data historians to ensure integration and data continuity across digital systems.
• Participate in system upgrades, patching, and security hardening activities to maintain compliance and cyber-resilience of DeltaV and PAS-X environments.
• Train and mentor site engineers/operators on DeltaV and PAS-X operations, change management, and system maintenance best practices.
• Ensure automation compliance with GAMP 5, FDA 21 CFR Part 11, and relevant corporate SOPs and regulatory requirements.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical, Electrical, Mechanical, Biomedical Engineering, or Computer Science with appropriate industrial controls experience.
• 4+ years of experience in manufacturing support environment, as a system integrator or automation engineer.
• PLC and DCS coding, installation, and support, including but not limited to Allen Bradley, Siemens, and DeltaV.
• Understanding and configuration of systems such as PI, Win-911, and InfoBatch.
• Experience with analytical equipment such as balances, pH/DO meters, Nova FLEX2, Beckman Coulter Vi-CELL, filter integrity testers, etc.
• Understanding of instrumentation, electrical, and wiring standards.
• Understanding of network architecture, including firewall and switch configuration and virtualized environments.
• Familiarity with industry standard communication protocols such as Ethernet IP, PROFINET, Modbus TCP, OPC, and BACnet.
• Experience with current trends in automation and instrumentation to be able to select and implement modern controls architectures.
• In-depth knowledge of pharmaceutical manufacturing practices, particularly GMP compliance.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to collaborate across teams and document technical information clearly.
• Strong problem-solving abilities and attention to detail.

Benefits

What We Offer:

• Competitive Compensation: Attractive salary and comprehensive benefits package for full-time and part-time employees, including health, dental, vision, and life insurance, a 401(k) plan with employer match, a generous paid time off policy, and additional perks. Compensation is commensurate with professional experience.

• Career Development: Opportunities for professional growth and advancement within a supportive and innovative environment.

• ·Work-Life Balance: Flexible work arrangements and a commitment to maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

Eliquent Life Sciences is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to employee .