Senior Automation & Operational Technology Engineer

Lonza - Abell, MD

Full-time - Mid Level

Abell, MD

Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

About the position

Lonza is a global leader in life sciences operating across three continents, and we are currently seeking a Senior Automation Engineer to support our ongoing operations through technical assistance related to manufacturing and process systems. This role is crucial in ensuring that our equipment and facilities are designed and operating optimally to meet production needs. The Senior Automation Engineer will act as a subject matter expert in site support on automation-related issues and will be responsible for designing, selecting, and implementing new process automation technologies. This position is located on-site at Walkersville, MD, and offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the advancement of life sciences through innovative engineering solutions. In this role, the Senior Automation Engineer will conduct troubleshooting and technical analyses on manufacturing equipment and process control systems. This will involve utilizing historian data analyses, reviewing CIP/SIP circuits, and performing flow path analyses and logic reviews. The engineer will also be responsible for planning and executing plant projects that involve complex automation changes and significant process improvements, including lump sum capital projects. Additionally, the role requires executing test scripts, which includes design, execution, simulation, validation support, and SAT. The Senior Automation Engineer will be proficient in programming Distributed Control Systems such as Emerson, Delta V, Siemens Building Management Systems, and Factory Talk, as well as PLCs including Allen Bradley, Siemens, and GE. Wiring and troubleshooting electrical cabinets, signals, and sensors will also be part of the responsibilities. Furthermore, the engineer will support the plant communications network, which includes Ethernet IP, Devicenet, and Modbus. This position is integral to ensuring that our manufacturing processes are efficient, reliable, and capable of meeting the high standards expected in the pharmaceutical and biotech industries.

Responsibilities

• Conduct troubleshooting and technical analyses on manufacturing equipment and process control systems utilizing historian data analyses, CIP/SIP circuit review, flow path analyses, and logic review.
• Plan and execute plant projects involving complex automation changes and significant process improvements, including lump sum capital projects.
• Execute test scripts including design, execution, simulation, validation support, and SAT.
• Program Distributed Control Systems (Emerson, Delta V, Siemens Building Management Systems, and Factory Talk) and PLCs (Allen Bradley, Siemens, and GE).
• Wire and troubleshoot electrical cabinets, signals, and sensors.
• Support plant communications network (Ethernet IP, Devicenet, and Modbus).

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in electrical or Automation Engineering required.
• Experience from a Pharma or Biotech environment.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage small and medium projects with little direction.
• Capable of interacting with contractors, consultants, and other resources as required.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, with strong organizational skills and record-keeping abilities.
• Ability to handle multiple assignments simultaneously.