Automation Engineer

Work Schedule

Standard (Mon-Fri)

Environmental Conditions

Adherence to all Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) Safety Standards, Office, Some degree of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) required (safety glasses, gowning, gloves, lab coat, ear plugs etc.)

Job Description

As part of the Thermo Fisher Scientific team, you’ll discover meaningful work that makes a positive impact on a global scale. Join our colleagues in bringing our Mission to life every single day to enable our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer. We provide our global teams with the resources needed to achieve individual career goals while helping to take science a step beyond by developing solutions for some of the world’s toughest challenges, like protecting the environment, making sure our food is safe or helping find cures for cancer.

DESCRIPTION:
Join an innovative team at Thermo Fisher Scientific, where you'll drive IT/OT convergence across the Clinical Trials Division (CTD), ensuring flawless integration of manufacturing equipment with network connectivity. The Automation Engineer will be responsible for designing, developing, and assisting with the implementation of computerized systems at CTD sites. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in automation system integration including PLCs, HMIs, and robotics, with a proven track record of successfully delivering complex engineering projects. This role requires a combination of technical expertise, problem-solving skills, and the ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead the integration of IT and OT systems by identifying hardware, software, and network architecture to ensure seamless communication and data sharing across CTD sites
• Assist with scaling automation initiatives across CTD operations, including equipment selection and designing of automation architecture, particularly for packaging equipment and related systems
• Support system data collection, analysis, and visualization to guide process enhancements
• Partner with Business Leads and IT-OT Automation Leads to support project teams in developing and improving process automation with IT-supported applications
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to serve as a technical mentor in automation and support long-term automation strategies, participating in design reviews, project meetings, and technical discussions
• Develop User Requirement Specifications (URS) for new equipment and systems to ensure new equipment compatibility with the established network connectivity framework.
• Develop strategy for upgrading existing equipment to achieve network connectivity
• Support all phases of equipment qualification and process validation. Assist with training and support of staff on new and upgraded equipment, including technical documentation such as design specifications, test plans, and user manuals
• Monitor the performance of newly deployed systems and provide technical support and guidance to site-level engineers and technicians. Recommend improvements for efficiency and scalability
• Stay updated with emerging automation technologies and propose improvements

REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Industrial Engineering, or related field
• Experience (5+ years) in manufacturing or automation engineering, preferably from a regulated industry. Prior work in the Life Science or Biotechnology industry is a plus
• Familiarity with Industrial communication protocols (e.g., OPC UA, MQTT, Modbus, Ethernet/IP)
• Experience with automation technologies such as PLC programming (Siemens, Allen Bradley, etc.), controls systems, robotics, or scripting (Python, VB, etc.)
• Experience with PTC ThingWorx, QAD Redzone, or similar asset modeling software
• Maintaining and optimizing network infrastructure, including switches, routers, firewalls, and cabling
• Familiarity with Digital Performance Management (DPM), Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), digital analytical tools, and Industry 4.0 concepts
• Equipment integration experience using IoT applications, Ignition, OPC UA or PTC Kepware
• Experience with cloud-based automation platforms or IoT solutions
• Knowledge of databases, APIs, and system integration
• Ability to understand business and technical requirements to develop high-level designs/plans and estimate the amount of effort and cost required to deliver
• Knowledge of industry standards and regulations related to computerized systems
• Strong oral and written communication skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team environment and to explain complex terms to non-experts
• Effective time management skills demonstrated by the ability to manage multiple projects and meet key milestones within given timelines

This is an exciting opportunity for a talented and motivated individual interested in leading the development and implementation of automated systems for manufacturing processes. If you are passionate about advancing technology and driving operational efficiency, we encourage you to apply for the role of Automation Engineer. Join our dynamic team and play a key role in shaping the future of automation within the Clinical Trials Division.

Compensation and Benefits

The salary range estimated for this position based in Pennsylvania is $103,100.00–$155,000.00.

This position may also be eligible to receive a variable annual bonus based on company, team, and/or individual performance results in accordance with company policy. We offer a comprehensive Total Rewards package that our U.S. colleagues and their families can count on, which includes:

• A choice of national medical and dental plans, and a national vision plan, including health incentive programs

• Employee assistance and family support programs, including commuter benefits and tuition reimbursement

• At least 120 hours paid time off (PTO), 10 paid holidays annually, paid parental leave (3 weeks for bonding and 8 weeks for caregiver leave), accident and life insurance, and short- and long-term disability in accordance with company policy

• Retirement and savings programs, such as our competitive 401(k) U.S. retirement savings plan

• Employees’ Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) offers eligible colleagues the opportunity to purchase company stock at a discount

For more information on our benefits, please visit: https://jobs.thermofisher.com/global/en/total-rewards