AstraZeneca

Automation Engineer

US - Gaithersburg - MD Full time

Professional engineer who helps plan and co-ordinate activities within the Engineering function and may have some supervisory responsibilities for technical staff. Alternatively, provides technical support and advice to colleagues in area of expertise, applying developed solutions and supporting performance improvement projects whilst adhering to local best practice, safety and compliance standards. 

 

Typical Accountabilities 

  • Provides technical support to team members and other AstraZeneca engineers by using existing knowledge and experience and by seeking out information to resolve standard problems. 

  • Ensures the appropriate allocation of resources by following resource plans and contributing to their development. 

  • Responsible for technical aspects of a small number of products, components or processes  

  • Analyses information to identify corrective actions and develop practical solutions, either alone or with the support of a small team 

  • Participates in activities across Engineering function, helping ensure that agreed priorities are carried out and projects are delivered to plan. 

  • Provides input to continuous improvement activities, conducts root cause analysis and supports new product introduction. 

  • Drafts information for discussion at higher levels within the business, such as analysis to support business case documents, improvement plans, priorities, investigation reports, quality or performance improvement recommendations. 

  • Ensures own work is compliant with Safety, Health and Engineering standards. 

  • Improves knowledge of best practices by learning from more senior team-mates.

Responsibilities:

  • Subject Matter Expert (SME) for integration of multiple automation systems 

  • Lifecycle management of assigned automation systems 

  • Resolves automation issues.  

  • Installs automation systems. 

  • Commissions new systems. 

  • Performs quality/safety investigations on automation systems.  

  • Performs change control.  

  • Directs outside equipment/service providers, Oversees the work of contractors.  

  • Writes user requirements, specifications, test scripts, and recipes. 

  • Develops and maintains maintenance programs for systems. 

  • Instructs staff on operation of automation systems. 

  • Improves reliability. 

  • Creates relatively simple project timelines.

Essential 

  • Bachelor’s degree in engineering or Life Sciences or an equivalent combination of education and experience. 

  • cGMP and GDP experience in a biotech or sterile pharmaceutical automation environment.

Desirable 

  • Audit Experience 

  • Project Management experience 

  • Quality Systems (Documentation, Preventive Maintenance, Change management, investigations, etc.)  

  • Guidance and Regulations (ISPE, WHO, GAMP, Annex, CFR) 

  • Data Integrity 

  • OPC, SCADA, OSI PI, Network, Device Net, Wonder Ware 

When we put unexpected teams in the same room, we unleash bold thinking with the power to encourage life-changing medicines. In-person working gives us the platform we need to connect, work at pace and challenge perceptions. That's why we work, on average, a minimum of three days per week from the office. But that doesn't mean we're not flexible. We balance the expectation of being in the office while respecting individual flexibility. Join us in our outstanding and ambitious world.

Benefits offered included a qualified retirement program [401(k) plan]; paid vacation and holidays; paid leaves; and, health benefits including medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans. Additional details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment. If hired, employee will be in an “at-will position” and the Company reserves the right to modify base pay (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.

Are you ready to bring new insights and fresh thinking to the table? Fantastic! We have one seat available, and we hope it’s yours. Apply today.

AstraZeneca embraces diversity and equality of opportunity. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds, with as wide a range of perspectives as possible, and harnessing industry-leading skills. We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics. We follow all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements.

The annual base pay for this position ranges from $79,336.80 - $119,005.20 USD Annual. Hourly and salaried non-exempt employees will also be paid overtime pay when working qualifying overtime hours. Base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. In addition, our positions offer a short-term incentive bonus opportunity; eligibility to participate in our equity-based long-term incentive program (salaried roles), to receive a retirement contribution (hourly roles), and commission payment eligibility (sales roles).

 

Date Posted

17-Mar-2026

Closing Date

30-Mar-2026

Our mission is to build an inclusive environment where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and employees. In furtherance of that mission, we welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of their protected characteristics. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please complete the corresponding section in the application form.