Automation Engineer - Instrument & Controls

The Automation Engineer II will provide technical engineering Instrument & Controls support for all manufacturing/packaging equipment and utility systems. This position is responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining the overall performance and efficiency of the controls and data communications systems to ensure quality and reliable pharmaceutical manufacturing/ packaging operations and utility systems.

This position is on-site.

Essential Duties

• Develops, maintains and modifies PLC and HMI programs to support operations, equipment changes and continuous improvements in accordance with cGMP and good engineering practices.
• Incorporates new equipment and processes into existing process networks when necessary.
• Implements and leads electrical, controls, computerized systems and other assigned projects from conception to timely, cost contained completion.
• Performs electrical, electro-mechanical or communications/networking troubleshooting to determine problems and resolution.
• Investigates new equipment and technologies in the pre-planning stages of a project and determine the appropriate equipment for the application.
• Project team member in CapEx and continuous improvement projects. Guides design, development and testing of electrical control methods, materials, processes and results.
• Other Project responsibilities include generating User Requirements Specifications, and Functional Specifications, including generating and executing Factory Acceptance Tests, commissioning protocols and Site Acceptance Tests.
• Ensure projects are accurately documented and maintain all necessary engineering documentation according to good documentation practices.
• Lead installations, operations, maintenance and repairs to ensure that equipment is functioning according to specifications. Coordinates maintenance activities as needed.
• Partners and/or leads necessary cross functional team projects or troubleshooting activities to support manufacturing/packaging operations and other corporate projects as needed (Maintenance, IT, Manufacturing Operations, Tech Services, Facilities and Quality).
• Manage electronic format data, process parameters, hardware and systems including software, operator interfaces, drives, panel views, servos and encoders. Ensures all programs are kept current and backed up on a regular basis.
• Generates and maintains wiring schematics, control drawings, P&IDs, instruments specifications and electrical prints.
• Maintains current PLC, Allen Bradley, etc. programs and software.
• Work with Corporate Safety to maintain and revise all safety program requirements.

Education / Experience Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering (EE) or Electrical Engineering Technology (EET). Minimum of 6 years' experience of electrical engineering, design, programming control systems, electrical troubleshooting and electrical maintenance of high-speed, high-volume automated machinery. Regulated manufacturing (GMP) industry experience preferred (pharmaceutical, biomedical, medical device).

Other Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Demonstrated ability to lead projects and/or participate on project teams; ability to collaborate and work productively with others in a team environment; professionally represents self and Company when working with vendors and suppliers. Ability to read, program and troubleshoot PLC ladder logic or other PLC based machine codes to resolve complex problems and optimize machine performance; ability to manage project requirements and meet project deadlines; strong ability to analyze and interpret data and demonstrate exceptional problem-solving skills; ability to work independently with minimal supervision; understands and demonstrates the ability to follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

Certifications / Licenses

Professional Engineering Certification preferred. Electrical license (MN) preferred, proficient at AutoCAD preferred

Travel Requirements

Up to 25%

Compensation Range:

Upsher-Smith Laboratories, LLC is committed to providing equal employment opportunity to all applicants and employees according to all applicable equal opportunity and affirmative action laws, directives and regulations of federal, state and local governing bodies and agencies. In keeping with this commitment, Upsher-Smith Laboratories, LLC will recruit, hire, train and promote persons in all job titles, without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex (including factors related to pregnancy or child birth), national origin, age, marital status, familial status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity status with regard to public assistance, employment status, local human rightscommission activity, status as a protectedveteran, genetic information, atypical hereditary cellular or blood trait, or any other protected category.