Automation Engineer I - Site Based, Seattle, WA

Job Title: Automation Engineer I – Process Development Labs  

Location: Seattle, WA (with some travel to Redmond, WA)                                                         

Department: Sciences 
Reports To: Senior Automation Engineer 
  

About Us: this is who we are 

At Just Evotec Biologics, we believe that curiosity is the spark that drives innovation and success. As a forward-thinking team, we thrive on challenging the status quo, learning from each other, and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. We're on a mission to create a place where curiosity isn't just encouraged—it’s celebrated. 

Are you someone who asks questions, seeks answers, and isn't afraid to go deeper?   #BeCUREious with us and see where your curiosity can take you! 

The Role: Your challenge …in our journey 

We’re looking for a passionate and curious Automation Engineer I to join our team. If you’re excited by new challenges, solving complex problems, and learning every step of the way, you might just be the perfect fit. In this role, you’ll have the opportunity to drive impactful projects, collaborate with bright minds, and explore uncharted territories. 

As a Automation Engineer I at Just Evotec Biologics, you'll have the freedom to ask the hard questions, think outside the box, and find creative solutions that push us forward. It’s a role where your curiosity will fuel both your personal growth and the success of the team. 

The Automation Engineer I implements, administers, and improves lab scale process automation across our Redmond and Seattle process development labs. This hands-on role owns day today reliability of SCADA (Ignition) and PLC systems; integrates networked instruments and data systems; plans and executes small size projects; and drives standards and documentation. Work spans the full lifecycle, from requirements and design through implementation, operations support, and continuous improvement. The engineer works in close partnership with scientists, operators, IT, and vendors, including participating in a light on call rotation to ensure stable, well documented solutions. 

What You’ll Do: 

• Administer and support Ignition SCADA gateways (dev/test/prod), tag models/UDTs, alarming, security, and historian connections; manage backups and upgrade plans.  

• Configure/maintain OPC connectivity (Kepware), Modbus/serial/TCP drivers, and interface mappings between instruments, PLCs, and SCADA 

• Develop, modify, and troubleshoot PLC/HMI logic (e.g., Ladder, Structured Text) across common platforms; document control narratives and I/O lists 

• Integrate lab equipment (e.g., bioreactors, sensors, pumps, balances, MFCs) with SCADA, data historians, PLCs, and cloud data pipelines to enable reliable data flow and analysis 

• Implement standard interfaces, asset models, and data integrity checks; monitor signal quality and troubleshoot sensors, wiring, or cabling issues 

• Provide operational support for automation incidents; perform root cause analysis, implement corrective/preventive actions, and participate in a light on-call rotation.  

• Administer Windows and Linux servers supporting automation. Coordinate downtime for maintenance and patching 

• Maintain device inventories, IP addressing, VLAN assignments, and network segmentation for automation systems  

• Maintain SOPs, work instructions, user requirements, functional specs, and design docs (P&IDs, wiring, network) 

• Partner with scientists, engineers, IT, and vendors to scope work, schedule downtime, and commission changes 

• Provide hands-on training on equipment interfaces, data tools, and basic troubleshooting 

Who You Are: 

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Computer Science, or related field and 2+ years relevant experience

• Previous experience with operational responsibility for live SCADA/DCS (Ignition strongly preferred); Familiarity with PLC programming (any major vendor); HMI configuration; OPC (Kepware), Modbus/serial/TCP protocols 

• Networking/Servers: IP networking fundamentals (EtherNet/IP, VLANs), Windows/Linux server administration basics, and backup/restore workflows 

• Instrumentation/Docs: Read/interpret P&IDs, wiring diagrams, and manuals; strong documentation and troubleshooting skills Physical: Lift up to 30 lbs; occasional ladder work to support installs 

Additional Preferred:  

• Ignition Gold Certification; formal PLC/Kepware training. 

• Experience deploying and supporting multis