Job Title: Manufacturing Automation Engineer – Packaging Systems (Rockwell PLC / GMP) - (JP15435) Location: New Albany, OH. 43054 Employment Type: Contract Business Unit: AOH Manufacturing Systems Engineering Duration: 6+ months (with likely extensions and/or conversion to permanent) Posting Date: 06/2/26 Pay Rate: $32 - $35/hour W2 Notes: Only qualified candidates need apply. Fully Onsite - Standard Hours
3 Key Consulting is hiring a Manufacturing Automation Engineer – Packaging Systems (Rockwell PLC / GMP) for a consulting engagement with our direct client, a leading global biopharmaceutical company.
Position Overview: This Engineer role reports to the Engineering & Maintenance organization and supports commercial GMP Final Drug Product (FDP) manufacturing operations at the client’s advanced assembly and packaging facility in New Albany, Ohio. The position applies advanced engineering and automation principles to packaging systems, manufacturing equipment, process optimization, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement initiatives. Approximately 15% travel may be required.
Experience troubleshooting and repairing manufacturing/process equipment
Strong communication skills
Hands-on automation and equipment support experience preferred
Key Responsibilities:
Packaging Line & Manufacturing Support
Support commercial production packaging lines in a GMP-regulated manufacturing environment
Provide technical operations support to improve line performance, reliability, and capacity
Partner with Engineering, Maintenance, Manufacturing, Quality, and cross-functional teams to implement technical improvements
Support complex manufacturing, process optimization, scale-up, and continuous improvement initiatives
Automation System Design & Integration
Design and develop automation systems and control strategies for packaging machinery and manufacturing processes
Implement and configure PLCs, HMIs, and related automation equipment
Integrate new automation technologies into existing packaging systems
Create and maintain system specifications, design documents, operational procedures, and technical documentation
Troubleshooting & Technical Support
Diagnose and resolve automation system, controls, and manufacturing equipment issues
Provide hands-on troubleshooting support for production and maintenance teams
Perform system upgrades and maintenance to improve performance and reliability
Compliance & Validation
Ensure automation systems comply with FDA regulations, GMP standards, and industry best practices
Support validation activities and collaborate with Quality and regulatory teams on compliance-related issues
Apply knowledge of validation protocols and regulated manufacturing documentation requirements
Project & Technical Leadership
Support automation-related projects involving planning, design, reconfiguration, maintenance, and system improvements
Coordinate technical activities across stakeholders and site teams
Prepare project reports, performance metrics, and technical documentation
Train and support personnel on automation systems and related technologies
Basic Qualifications: Master degree OR Bachelor degree and 2 years of experience OR Associate degree and 6 years of experience OR High school diploma / GED and 8 years of experience
Preferred Qualifications:
Advanced degree in Mechatronics, Computer, Electrical, Mechanical, or Chemical Engineering
Experience supporting pharmaceutical or biotech manufacturing operations, particularly final drug product packaging
Strong background in manufacturing process controls, automation systems, field instrumentation, and lifecycle management
Experience with Rockwell/Allen-Bradley platforms; exposure to Siemens, Machine Vision, Serialization, or Robotics technologies
Knowledge of Data Integrity, GMPs, GAMP, and regulated manufacturing environments
Understanding of validation execution requirements and new equipment installation processes
Strong technical writing, communication, problem-solving, and project coordination skills
Knowledge of Operational Excellence and Lean manufacturing principles
Red Flags:
This is not primarily a Validation Engineer or Project Manager role
Candidates must have strong hands-on PLC troubleshooting and continuous improvement experience
Interview process:
Virtual interview with manager. Virtual panel interview.
We invite qualified candidates to send your resume to resumes@3keyconsulting.com. If you decide that you’re not interested in pursuing this particular position, please feel free to take a look at the other positions on our website www.3keyconsulting.com/careers. You are also welcome to share this opportunity with anyone you think might be interested in applying for this role.