Automation Controls Engineer III-Operations Technology Engineer

About AGC Biologics  

AGC Biologics is a leading global biopharmaceutical Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) with a strong commitment to delivering the highest standard of service as we work side-by-side with our clients and partners, every step of the way. We provide world-class development and manufacture of mammalian and microbial-based therapeutic proteins, plasmid DNA (pDNA), messenger RNA (mRNA), viral vectors, and genetically engineered cells. Our global network spans the U.S., Europe, and Asia, with cGMP-compliant facilities in Seattle, Washington; Boulder and Longmont, Colorado; Copenhagen, Denmark; Heidelberg, Germany; Milan, Italy; and Chiba, Japan. We currently employ more than 2,500 employees worldwide. Our commitment to continuous innovation fosters the technical creativity to solve our clients’ most complex challenges, including specialization in fast-track projects and rare diseases. AGC Biologics is the partner of choice. To learn more, visit www.agcbio.com.  

SUMMARY: 

The Automation Engineer III is responsible for improving work force productivity and quality by anticipating and eliminating potential delays through planning, scheduling, and coordination of maintenance/calibration resources, parts, materials, and equipment access.  This position is responsible for developing, planning, installing, and maintaining process controls equipment and systems.  This includes working cross functionally with multiple departments on projects to design, troubleshoot, and implement projects in a regulated environment.  Team member will assist in selection of controls solutions, programming, and ensuring proper selection and identification of field instrumentation and integration needs.  Will also work with validation and manufacturing departments to simulate, install, test, and manage all aspects of automation systems and components.  This position is also responsible for airing in the training of staff in the use and design of automation platforms, making sure safety requirements and regulations are met, process and systems are up to date, as well as aid in troubleshooting problems. 

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES:  

• Lead/participate in the design, integration, implementation, testing, commissioning, and evaluation of new and existing, automation systems and platforms.  
• Manage projects and timelines for automation deliverables towards projects.  
• Simulate and test automated machinery, processes, and systems.  
• Design, engineer, test and troubleshoot control systems based on ISA standards. 
• Lead/participate in problem-solving activities; engineer and implement solutions.  
• Maintain and enhance system documentation.  
• Interface with internal staff, including management, engineering teams, and process owners.  
• Streamline operations for efficiency, cost saving, safety and reliability.  
• Maintain technical project files, code versioning, and file structures.  
• Assist with the management of budget, expenses, and P&L responsibilities.  
• Develop and manage automation capital projects.  
• Ability to manage multiple projects and perform other duties as assigned.  

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:  

• Adaptable; must be willing to remain flexible to accommodate changing business conditions, work requirements and scheduling needs in a rapidly changing environment.  
• Demonstrated attention to detail with the ability to focus on the project or task at hand and consistently deliver error free results.  
• Excellent organizational skills with ability to multi-task and prioritize.  
• Demonstrated strong proficiency with Windows Operating systems including server editions. 
• Ability to work within a Computerized Maintenance Management Systems or Enterprise Asset Management (CMMS) / (EAM).
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to communicate with audiences of varying degrees of technical knowledge.  
• Demonstrated strong written and verbal communications skills to convey complex technical issues to management and quality organizations.  
• Experience writing standard operating procedures (SOP’s) for common tasks and activities.  
• Strong technical acumen and experience with various automation platforms (DeltaV, Allen-Bradley and Siemens PLCs, Distributed I/O, Building Management Systems, etc.)  

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:  

• Bachelor's degree in automation, process control, or similar engineering discipline (Computer, Electrical, Chemical, or Mechanical) required; EIT or PE highly desirable. 
• ISA Professional Automation Certification preferred. 
• FDA/GMP knowledge required.  
• Minimum of 8 years designing, installing, and troubleshooting complex automation systems as well as leading automation projects.  
• Experience identifying new opportunities for automation within the manufacturing process.  
• Experience simulating and testing automation, processes or equipment to ensure they function as desired.  
• Experience writing reports for colleagues outlining new concepts, testing outcomes, and ongoing efficiency.  
• Experience programming new automated components and objects (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Delta V, etc.) related to industrial manufacturing process.
• Experience developing and maintaining clear and accurate documentation of automation equipment or processes including commissioning and validation (IOQ). 
• Experience training staff training where necessary, typically after implementing new processes or equipment, or making changes to existing ones.  
• Experience troubleshooting automated processes or equipment when errors occur.  
• Experience working on design of plant system such as Purified Water, WFI, Bioreactors, Liquid Chromatography Systems, HVAC, Compressed Air and Chilled water systems.
• Experience using CMMS or EAM systems (Maximo, BMRAM, etc.) required.
• Experience using Rockwell Automation and/or Siemens WinCC  software a plus.  
• Equivalent education and experience may substitute for stated requirements  

COMPENSATION RANGE:

$113,000 - $148,000

Fluctuations in the job market may necessitate adjustments to pay ranges. Final pay determinations will depend on various factors, including, but not limited to experience levels, knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Benefits available to Team Members include subsidized insurance for the Team Member and designated dependents (medical, vision, dental, life and disability), eligibility to participate in the AGC Biologics 401(k) plan (including a generous matching contribution from the company and immediate vesting), vacation, sick time, and parental leave.

Team Members are also eligible to receive a discretionary annual bonus commensurate to the level of the role. The payout is based on both the company’s performance and the Team Member’s performance.

AGC Biologics offers a highly competitive compensation package and a friendly, collaborative culture that values personal initiative and professional achievement. AGC Biologics is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations and ordinances.