Sr. Automation Engineer

Position Purpose:
 

The role is responsible for supporting the plant utilities as a technical resource in Building Management System Automation in all matters related to the establishment and operation of the utility systems for the Kankakee facility.

This role includes system diagnostics, programming and troubleshooting PLC systems, implementing and commissioning BAS/BMS (Metasys) systems, configuring and troubleshooting drives for HVAC and plant utility systems.

This individual will work closely with Utility Engineering, Global Engineering, Manufacturing Plant, Quality, Safety, Utility Operations and Maintenance team.

The role is required to be onsite during core business hours Monday through Friday. Occasional extended-hour, after-hour, weekend, holiday and shutdown work may be required in support of the 24/7 operating plant.

Job Description:

1) Accountable for developing strategies and ensuring reliability processes exist for site utility control systems and equipment.

• Monitor, generate and complete the periodic review, master plan for the automation engineering program.
• Develop equipment documentation to meet GMP requirements, i.e.: URS, FAT, Equipment IQ/OQ, PM, SOPs.
• Implement engineering standards and best practices

2) Support Capital Projects and the integration of new equipment/technologies to the utilities and manufacturing plant.

• Conceptual Design, Scope and cost estimate development, business case development, detailed design, engineering and validation documentation and project execution
• Implement continuous improvements to enhance safety, system reliability, and productivity (i.e., reduced plant utilities usage, etc.)

3) Develop and implement programs and control strategies to improve processes and overall equipment efficiency.

• Identify and drive improvement opportunities associated with automation equipment
• Program, configure, and troubleshoot PLC systems, human-machine interfaces (HMIs) and automation devices to ensure proper operation and integration with existing equipment.
• Conduct routine diagnostics, identifying and resolving programming or control issues.
• Analyze operational process problems and recommend appropriate corrective and preventative actions.
• Automation System spare parts management

4) Subject Matter Expert for all automation activities

• Regulatory Audits
• Operations and Maintenance Support (24 x 7 Onsite/On Call Operational Support)
• Change Control
• Validation

5) Accountable for all aspects of Johnson Controls Metasys for Validated Environments software configuration tools and Rockwell Automation Control Systems. Understands coordination and communication protocols between platforms such as Allen Bradley, MODBUS, BACNet, etc.

6) Provide technical coaching and consultation to other automation engineers and facilitate shared learning forums.

7) Demonstrate continuous improvement with respect to increasing job knowledge and proficiency related to biopharmaceutical industry engineering best practices and technologies, as well as technical understanding/problem solving capability.

8) Complies with requirements from CSL Behring’s Safety Program, including Health and Safety mandates and OSHA requirements.

9) Completes any other duties/responsibilities assigned by senior management.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering preferred or B.S. degree in an Engineering related field.
• Master’s Degree and 2 years of Engineering experience
• 8+ years of relevant automation/controls experience in pharmaceutical or biopharmaceutical based GMP manufacturing operations
• Proficient in BAS/BMS programming or mechanical HVAC control experience
• Experience with one or more of the following platforms: Johnson Controls, Schneider Electric, Tridium Niagara, Honeywell, Rockwell, Siemens, etc
• Experience programming, troubleshooting, and maintaining site data historian, preferably OSI PI.
• Strong knowledge of industrial automation systems, including HMIs, variable frequency drives (VFDs), and motor control systems.
• Knowledge of utility systems cGMP and FDA regulated environments.
• Knowledge of building management and HVAC systems.
• Experience with Quality Management and Change Control Systems.
• Knowledge of computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS).
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work in collaborative and independent work situations and environmen