Automation Engineer - Life Sciences (KY)

Excel Engineering Inc

$86K — $160K *
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Engineering degree from an ABET accredited institution or equivalent experience.
  • Minimum of 3 years' experience in industrial control systems/automation engineering.
  • Experience in pharmaceutical, biotech, food and beverage, nutritionals, nuclear, or chemical industries preferred.
  • Strong knowledge of industrial control system technology (e.g., Rockwell ControlLogix, FactoryTalk).
  • Problem-solving skills and the ability to assess project challenges.
  • Willingness to travel up to 25%.

Responsibilities

  • Understand client manufacturing processes to design control systems for automation integration.
  • Develop functional and design specifications for client review and code development.
  • Create PLC programs, HMI applications, and batch recipes from user requirements.
  • Perform control system validation in alignment with specification documents.
  • Develop project scopes and estimates based on client discussions.
  • Specify, configure, and commission VFDs according to project scope.
  • Design network layouts and analyze data traffic for control system support.

Benefits

  • Ongoing continuing education and hands-on training.
  • Assistance in earning professional certifications and pursuing further education.
  • 401(k) plan with employer matching.
  • Comprehensive health coverage including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.
  • Access to wellness programs supporting overall well-being.
  • Paid time off and flexible work environment.
  • A flexible schedule supported by mutual trust and accountability.
Full Job Description
Job Type

Full-time

Description

Excel Engineering is seeking an Automation Engineer for its Life Sciences division. This position will execute projects both independently and in a team structure, delivering engineered industrial control & automation solutions to our clients in support of their manufacturing processes. Knowledge of PLCs, HMI/SCADA, VFDs, P&IDs, Good Manufacturing Practices, and validation workflows within the pharmaceutical/biotech industries is fundamental to this role. This position works closely with other engineers, project managers, vendors, contractors, and client team members in support of both capital and operational improvement projects.

Primary Responsibilities
  • Understand client manufacturing processes to support the design of associated control systems and automation integration.
  • Develop functional specification and design specification documents for client review and subsequent code development.
  • Create programmable logical controller (PLC) programs, HMI applications, and batch recipes from user requirements and functional specifications.
  • Perform control system validation based on specification documents and project requirements, either developing and executing directly or as automation support for designated validation resources.
  • Develop project scopes and estimates based on discussions with clients. Develop and issue proposals in response to client requests.
  • Specify, configure, and commission variable frequency drives (VFDs) based on project scope.
  • Design network layout and analyze data traffic and server requirements to support the control system design.
  • Perform calculations for power, heat dissipation, wire sizing, fusing, and other activities required for control panel design.
  • Delegate and assign work to team members on larger-scope projects and independently execute multiple concurrent small projects as needed.


Requirements

Experience and Education
  • Engineering degree from an ABET accredited institution or equivalent experience.
  • Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
  • Minimum of (3) or more years' experience as an industrial control systems/automation engineer.
  • Experience in one or more of the following industries highly preferred: pharmaceuticals, biotech, food and beverage, nutritionals, nuclear, and chemical.


Qualifications
  • Knowledge of industrial control system technology including the following: Rockwell ControlLogix, FactoryTalk View SE and ME, FactoryTalk Batch, FactoryTalk Historian / AVEVA PI Historian
  • Distributed control systems and platforms (e.g. ThinManager, FTDirectory)
  • Process engineering knowledge including PID control, batch manufacturing, and associated process equipment.
  • Problem solving skills and ability to assess and overcome challenges and project hurdles.
  • Ability to travel up to 25%


We offer...
Growth & Development: Ongoing continuing education, hands-on training, and opportunities to expand your skills.
Career Advancement Support: Assistance in earning professional certifications and pursuing further education.
Retirement Benefits: 401(k) plan with employer matching.
Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance options.
Wellness Focus: Access to programs designed to support your overall well-being.
Work-Life Balance: Paid time off and flexible work environment
Flexibility & Trust: A flexible schedule and work environment built around mutual trust and accountability.
Share the Talent, Share the Rewards: We value great people recommending great people, which is why our employee referral program is designed to reward you continuously

We offer a competitive salary and great benefits. At Excel Engineering, we're proud of our positive, high-performing culture where teamwork, continuous improvement, and a service-oriented mindset help us do our best work every day. If you enjoy a fast-paced and rewarding environment, you'll love being part of our team!

Salary Description

$86,700 - $160,000 Annually

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