Automation Engineer

CSL - Kankakee, IL

Part-time - Mid Level

Kankakee, IL

Ambulatory Health Care Services

About the position

The Reliability Automation Engineer is responsible for oversight of operational and troubleshooting support for the utilities Automation System with strict adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) in a Pharmaceutical Manufacturing facility. This role involves providing plant engineering support for projects related to the utility control system and requires skills in design, configuration, integration, implementation, and qualification of automation control solutions, particularly with integration to OSI-Pi historian. The engineer will work closely with a cross-functional team to meet the needs of the groups they support, ensuring that all automation systems are compliant with regulatory standards and operationally efficient. In this position, the engineer will be accountable for the Utility Automation Reliability Program, which includes executing the maintenance strategy for new and modified equipment, managing CMMS data integrity, and executing Reliability Centered Maintenance Improvements. The engineer will also develop preventative maintenance procedures for automation systems, ensuring that maintenance programs are effectively implemented. Continuous improvement of maintenance PMs, BOMs, and spare parts will be a key focus, along with reviewing and leading equipment replacement as part of life cycle improvement processes. The engineer will implement and monitor predictive maintenance of the system, oversee reconditioning of equipment, and perform upgrades to enhance safety and operational performance. The engineer will provide technical expertise for all phases associated with the automation system, ensuring cGMP compliance and managing deviations and investigations with timely closure. They will lead investigations as the subject matter expert, develop and maintain control drawings and operational documents, and perform quality assurance inspections. The role also involves ensuring control system data integrity and user-friendly navigation with alarm rationalization for efficient alarm response. The engineer will support all aspects of Johnson Controls Metasys for Validated Environments software configuration tools and Rockwell Automation Control Systems, demonstrating continuous improvement in job knowledge and proficiency related to biopharmaceutical industry engineering best practices.

Responsibilities

• Provide engineering expertise to support the design, installation, commissioning, validation, and operation of automation systems.
• Execute the maintenance strategy for new and modified equipment.
• Manage CMMS data integrity and execute Reliability Centered Maintenance Improvements.
• Develop preventative maintenance procedures for automation systems and ensure implementation of maintenance programs.
• Continuously improve maintenance PMs, BOMs, and spare parts.
• Review and lead equipment replacement as part of life cycle improvement processes.
• Implement and monitor predictive maintenance of the system.
• Oversee reconditioning of equipment to restore to like-new condition.
• Perform upgrades to improve safety, operational performance, and extend operational life.
• Collaborate with local and global partners to develop asset management plans that include capital requests.
• Provide technical expertise for all phases associated with the automation system, based on supporting data and engineering principles.
• Ensure cGMP compliance of all automation systems to meet regulatory compliance.
• Manage deviations and investigations (CAPAs and OOTs) with on-time closure.
• Safely resolve process problems, improve efficiency, reduce waste, and maximize uptime production.
• Execute root cause analysis around equipment and operational events, owning change controls and investigations.
• Lead investigations as the subject matter expert for automation systems.
• Develop and maintain control drawings, flow diagrams, and Standard Operational documents.
• Perform quality assurance inspections and initiate necessary procedures to resolve problems.
• Responsible for change control activities and implementation of CAPA items.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering preferred or B.S. degree in an Engineering related field.
• 3+ years of relevant automation/controls experience and a BS, or 2+ years of relevant experience and a MS.
• Basic knowledge of core principles in various engineering disciplines (fluid mechanics, heat transfer, thermodynamics, etc.).
• Strong programming/design "hands-on" experience with Building Automation Systems (Johnson Controls, Siemens, Honeywell, Rockwell, or other) and SCADA systems.
• Experience configuring, troubleshooting, and using Windows Operating Systems, Networking, virtualization, and Databases for Control System Applications.
• Experience with data historians (like OSI-PI), MS-SQL, and reporting tools.
• Working knowledge of Control and Instrumentation for facility control systems.
• Basic knowledge of programmable logic controllers (PLCs), instrumentation (e.g., flow, pressure, temperature, level) and controls.
• Working knowledge of pharmaceutical process sanitary connections, valves, and supply loops.
• 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 with minimal supervision.
• Demonstrated ability to manage contractors and interface with multiple departments.

Nice-to-haves

• Knowledge of manufacturing processes.
• Computer skills: MS Project and AutoCAD preferred.

Benefits

• Health care benefits effective day 1 for employees working at least 30 hours per week.
• Financial protection resources for employees and their loved ones.
• Support for emergency backup care or summer camp.
• Mental health resources available.
• Financial planning support.
• Charity matching contributions.