Principal Automation Engineer

Stellix

$150K — $210K *
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
11 - 15 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 15+ years of experience in life sciences automation
  • Deep hands-on expertise in DeltaV implementation
  • Proven experience in regulated manufacturing environments
  • Strong knowledge of data collection systems and OPC communications
  • Understanding of cGMP requirements and batch process manufacturing
  • Ability to apply and communicate automation design best practices
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.

Responsibilities

  • Lead multi-disciplinary automation projects through all phases of the project lifecycle
  • Serve as a technical lead and advisor for complex process automation initiatives
  • Build strong client relationships through effective technical communication
  • Author and review functional specifications and design documents
  • Identify technical and project risks and develop mitigation strategies
  • Partner with Project Management to ensure project quality and timeliness
  • Mentor and develop junior engineers to elevate technical capabilities

Benefits

  • Competitive Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
  • Flexible Spending or Health Savings Accounts
  • Unlimited Vacation Time Policy
  • 10 Paid Holidays
  • 12 Paid Weeks Birthing Parent Leave
  • 401(k) and Employee Stock Ownership Plan
  • Pet Insurance
  • Employee Referral Bonus
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Company Paid STD, LTD, and Life Insurance
Full Job Description
The Opportunity

We are seeking a Principal Automation Engineer to join our Project Services group. In this role, you will serve as a technical leader on complex automation projects, contributing across the full project lifecycle from early concept and design through implementation, commissioning, and site support.

This position is highly focused on the DeltaV platform, including its integration with systems such as Syncade, OSI PI, MATLAB, SQL, servers, virtualization, networking, and reporting tools. You will act as a trusted advisor to clients, lead multi-disciplinary project execution, and mentor developing engineers across the organization.

This role is ideal for a senior automation professional who enjoys solving technically complex problems, guiding project teams, and working directly with life sciences clients in highly regulated environments.

What You'll Do
  • Lead multi-disciplinary automation projects through all phases of the project lifecycle, including concept development, proposals, execution, commissioning, and close-out
  • Serve as a technical lead and advisor for complex process automation initiatives
  • Build strong client relationships through clear, confident, and consultative technical communication
  • Author and review functional specifications, high-level design documents, and other key automation deliverables
  • Identify technical and project risks early and develop practical mitigation strategies
  • Partner closely with Project Management to deliver projects on time, on budget, and at a high standard of quality
  • Provide process and technology expertise across DeltaV-centered manufacturing environments
  • Support implementation of new product technologies and ongoing customer site support
  • Mentor and develop junior engineers, helping elevate technical capability across the team
  • Maintain a strong commitment to quality, with the authority to stop work if quality standards are at risk


What You'll Bring
  • 15+ years of experience in life sciences automation, with deep hands-on expertise in DeltaV implementation and client-facing delivery
  • Proven experience leading project delivery efforts in regulated manufacturing environments
  • Strong knowledge of data collection systems, bus technologies, and OPC communications
  • Solid understanding of cGMP requirements and batch process manufacturing in life sciences
  • Demonstrated ability to apply and communicate automation design best practices and project delivery standards
  • Full lifecycle project execution experience, from early concept through cGMP manufacturing support
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field


Technologies You'll Work With

Primary
  • DeltaV

Secondary
  • Ignition
  • Syncade
  • OSI PI
  • VMware
  • EMC / Dell / Cisco infrastructure
  • MATLAB
  • SQL / SSRS
  • LIMS
  • Reporting systems
  • Kepware / Matrikon OPC or similar platforms

Travel

This role includes travel to client sites primarily within the Greater Boston area, with occasional additional travel across the U.S. and internationally.

Benefits
  • Competitive Medical, Dental & Vison Insurance
  • Flexible Spending or Health Savings Accounts
  • Unlimited Vacation Time Policy
  • 10 Paid Holidays
  • 12 Paid Weeks Birthing Parent Leave
  • Retirement Savings: 401(k) and Employee Stock Ownership Plan
  • Pet Insurance
  • Employee Referral Bonus
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Company Paid STD, LTD, and Life Insurance

Compensation: This position offers a base salary range of $150,000 to $210,000, based on experience and qualifications. The role is also eligible for a variable compensation plan.

The posted salary range represents a good faith estimate of the expected compensation for this role at the time of posting. Final compensation will be determined based on factors such as relevant experience, skills, qualifications, internal equity, and business needs.

Must be currently authorized to work in the United States.

Policy on Third-Party Unsolicited Resume Submissions: Please note that any third-party unsolicited resume submissions will immediately become the property of Stellix Global Services. Stellix Global Services will not pay any fee to a submitting employment agency, person, or entity unless a signed agreement is established.

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