Senior Automation Engineer

$84,000 - $84,000/Yr

Takeda Pharmaceutical Company - La Habra, CA

Full-time - Mid Level

La Habra, CA

Chemical Manufacturing

About the position

As a Senior Automation Engineer at Takeda Pharmaceutical, you will play a pivotal role in managing the automation strategy and implementation plan for the Building Automation System (BAS) and control system infrastructure at the Los Angeles site. Your expertise will be crucial in overseeing high-visibility projects and resolving complex issues that arise in the automation domain. You will provide guidance and direction to both Takeda employees and contractors, ensuring that projects meet their schedule and financial goals while adhering to technical standards. Your responsibilities will include leading the scope definition, conceptual design, specifications, budgeting, scheduling, commissioning, and production support for automation projects. Additionally, you will be responsible for creating functional Life Cycle documentation and other necessary documentation in compliance with cGMPs and Takeda Quality Systems standards. This position reports directly to the Associate Director of Automation Engineering. In this role, you will lead and schedule activities for critical systems, including PLC/HMI-based equipment and BAS projects, ensuring that all automation engineering actions are completed on time. You will manage the automation scope for large-scale programs and multiple smaller projects, implementing them according to the LA Plant Project Management Methodology guidelines. Your responsibilities will also include managing corrective actions related to the automation system, performing financial planning, and solving automation system issues that may cause production delays. Collaboration with global and local automation technical teams will be essential to ensure alignment with strategic goals, and you will analyze business processes to evaluate and redesign procedures to meet user requirements.

Responsibilities

• Manage the automation strategy and implementation plan for the Building Automation System (BAS) and control system infrastructure.
• Lead and schedule activities for Critical Systems, ensuring all automation engineering actions are completed by assigned due dates.
• Oversee the automation scope for large-scale programs and multiple small projects, implementing them according to the LA Plant Project Management Methodology.
• Help accomplish Project Record (PR) ownership, configuration changes, functional tests, Commissioning Plans, and Qualification Protocols.
• Manage and close corrective actions related to the automation system, including CAPA generated due to user interventions and non-conformances.
• Perform financial planning and assist in the analysis to justify project approval.
• Solve automation system and manufacturing equipment issues that result in production delays, coordinating with support groups for assistance.
• Collaborate with Global / Local Automation technical teams to ensure understanding and fulfill strategic goals.
• Analyze business processes and evaluate/redesign procedures to meet user requirements.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in engineering discipline required; Computer, Chemical, Mechanical, and Electrical Engineering Degree preferred.
• 3+ years of related experience, with some leadership experience preferred for supervisory roles.
• Experience managing automation systems in FDA regulated manufacturing settings.
• Knowledge of GMPs, FDA guidelines, and validation processes.
• Troubleshooting skills and experience in process design, controls engineering, and process improvement.
• Familiarity with Allen Bradley products (PLC, VFD, Panel View), Flex I/O, Compact Logix, Factory Talk SE, and Wonderware In Touch.
• Knowledge of Building Automation Systems, specifically Siemens Desigo.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in the pharmaceutical or food industry.
• Involvement in industry interest groups and maintaining industry contracts.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage.
• 401(k) plan with company match.
• Short-term and long-term disability coverage.
• Basic life insurance.
• Tuition reimbursement program.
• Paid volunteer time off.
• Company holidays and well-being benefits.
• Sick time accrual of up to 80 hours per calendar year.
• Paid vacation accrual of up to 120 hours for new hires.