Job Title:  Sr. Automation Engineer – Drug Product Fill/Finish (Rockwell, PLC/DCS) JP14202
Location: Thousand Oaks, CA.
Employment Type: Contract
Business Unit: Advanced Technology & Automation
Duration: 3 years (with possible conversion to permanent)
Posting Date: 06/12/25
Pay Rate: $75 - $83/hour W2
Notes: Only qualified candidates need apply.  Fully on site in Thousand Oaks, CA. 91320.  8am-5pm M-F, OT possible

3 Key Consulting is hiring a Sr Engineer – Automation Software (PLC, DCS, HMI, SCADA) for a consulting engagement with our direct client, a leading global biopharmaceutical company.

Job Description:
Sr. Engineer – Automation Software will support manufacturing operations through effective troubleshooting and ensuring automated equipment uptime and reliability. Update and read piping and instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs), instrumentation and electrical design packages including software design specs (SDS), hardware design specs (HDS), user requirement specs (URS), qualification documents (IQ, OQ, VP, VSR) among other engineering and validation documentation. Development of detailed specifications, engineering documents, SOPs and operating standards.
 

• Developing process control applications utilizing Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC), Distributed Control Systems (DCS), Human Machine Interfaces (HMI) and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition systems (SCADA).
• Support projects focused on improving process equipment/utilities/facilities -to- sophisticated unit operation skids to integrate new drug product manufacturing technologies into clinical/commercial facility.
• Familiarity with industry standards for batch control systems, software development life cycle methodologies, 21 CFR Part 11, and GAMP.
• Development of detailed specification, engineering documents, SOP and computerized system administration job plans. Testing of automation-based process equipment.
• Ownership and administration of process control automation in a GMP regulated manufacturing setting. Engage in process change control requests per established SOP and processes.
• Lead technical root cause analysis, incident investigations, and troubleshooting on process control issues related to mechanical, electrical, instrumentation and control systems.
• Support new product introductions or new technology introductions by performing engineering assessments, implementing automation system configuration changes and supporting engineering runs.
• Devise new approaches to complex problems through adaptations and modifications of standard automation technical principles.
• Support a safe working environment by complying with all pertinent environmental health/safety practice, rules and regulations

Why is the Position Open?
Additional work needed

Top Must Have Skills:

• 5+ years of experience working on Rockwell Automation and Allen-Bradley PLCs (Factory Talk & ControlLogix).
• Experience with Process Design, Commissioning and change control methodology.
• Direct experience with regulated environments including detailed understanding of cGMPs.

Basic Qualifications:
Doctorate degree OR - Master’s degree & 2 years of directly related experience OR - Bachelor’s degree & 4 years of directly related experience OR - Associate’s degree & 8 years of directly related experience OR – High school diploma / GED & 10 years of directly related experience

Preferred Qualifications:

• B.S or M.S. in Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Biotech Engineering.
• Strong control system automation background focused specifically in design, installation, programming and validation of automated processes are essential.
• 5 or more years combined experience with Rockwell Automation Factory Talk & ControlLogix PLC Platform.
• Ability to create, update and read electrical design packages including SDS, URS, IQ, OQ and VSR among other engineering and validation documentation.
• Knowledge of S88 and S95 techniques. - Batch processing a desired advantage.
• Strong leadership, technical writing, and communication/presentation skills are required.
• Work schedule flexibility as required to support 24/7 operations, requiring daily on-site and occasional after-hours engineering coverage.
• Experience in developing automation strategies for New Product Introduction and New Technology Deployment.
• Preferred Experience using the following systems:
  • Lyophilizer System, Filling systems for Syringe and Vials and Building Management System
  • Testing and Inspection machines for devices
  • Clean Utilities (WFI Still A\B, Clean Steam Generator, Chemical Dist. System, WFI Storage & Distribution and Purification System)
  • Cleaning Systems (Autoclaves, Depyro oven , COPs and Glass Washers, Pressure Vessel Washer, Vial Washer and Ultrasonic Washer)
• Position requires a working knowledge of building automation systems, electronic batch records, PLC, OPC, Profibus, Ethernet/IP and DeviceNet technologies.
• Working knowledge and experience with cGMP procedures and engineering practices on pharmaceutical/biotech production processes, facilities, and equipment. Candidate should be experienced in change control, nonconformance, corrective and preventative actions, and validation practices.
• Must be independent, self-motivated, organized, able to multi-task in project environments, and skilled in communication, facilitation, and collaboration. Individual must be a team player prepared to work in and embrace a team-based culture that relies on collaboration for effective decision-making.

Red Flags:
Job hopping - longevity concern
Job is on-site. No remote work allowed.

Interview process:
Phone screen followed by In-Person 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.