Job Title: Principal Automation & MES Engineer

Location: Redmond, WA

Department: Global MSAT

The Role: / your challenge, in our journey

We9re looking for a passionate and curious Principal Automation & MES Engineer to join our team. If you9re excited by new challenges, solving complex problems, and learning every step of the way, you might just be the perfect fit. In this role, you9ll have the opportunity to drive impactful projects, collaborate with bright minds, and explore uncharted territories.

As a Principal Automation & MES Engineer at Just-Evotec, you9ll have the freedom to ask the hard questions, think outside the box, and find creative solutions that push us forward. It9s a role where your curiosity will fuel both your personal growth and the success of the team.

What You9ll Do:

The Principal Automation & MES Engineer is responsible for the design, implementation, optimization, and lifecycle management of Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), process automation systems, and digital manufacturing technologies within a regulated manufacturing environment. This role serves as a senior technical leader supporting enterprise manufacturing operations, operational excellence initiatives, and digital transformation strategies across manufacturing sites.

While MES technologies are a primary area of responsibility, this position is broader in scope and includes leadership in automation architecture, systems integration, process control strategy, validation, governance, and manufacturing systems modernization. The ideal candidate combines deep technical expertise with strong engineering leadership, cross-functional collaboration, and strategic thinking to deliver scalable and compliant manufacturing solutions.

This role will partner closely with Manufacturing, MSAT, IT, Quality, Validation, Engineering, and external system integrators to drive innovation, maintain system reliability, and support expansion of advanced manufacturing capabilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, configuration, deployment, and continuous improvement of MES solutions to support manufacturing operations, electronic batch execution, data integrity, and operational efficiency.

• Support integration of MES platforms with enterprise and site systems including ERP, LIMS, historians, SCADA/DCS, CMMS, and data analytics platforms.

• Define and maintain MES governance, standards, lifecycle management practices, and system roadmaps aligned with business objectives.

• Participate in enterprise digital manufacturing initiatives and support implementation of Industry 4.0 capabilities including process data integration, automation connectivity, and advanced manufacturing analytics.

• Provide technical leadership for automation and process control systems including DeltaV, SCADA, PLC, HMI, and related manufacturing control platforms.

• Support development and implementation of automation strategies for manufacturing processes, utilities, and process equipment.

• Lead or support complex troubleshooting, root cause investigations, deviation investigations, and corrective actions related to manufacturing automation and MES systems.

• Evaluate and implement innovative technologies to improve manufacturing flexibility, reliability, and process performance.

• Lead integration efforts between manufacturing systems and enterprise applications to ensure reliable and compliant data flow across the manufacturing ecosystem.

• Develop and review system architectures, functional specifications, design documents, and interface strategies for manufacturing technologies.

• Provide oversight of external vendors, system integrators, and contractors supporting manufacturing systems projects.

• Support cybersecurity, data integrity, disaster recovery, and infrastructure reliability initiatives related to manufacturing systems.

• Ensure manufacturing systems remain compliant with GMP, FDA, GAMP5, and 21 CFR Part 11 requirements.

• Author, review, and approve validation documentation including URS, FRS, DS, IQ/OQ/PQ protocols, risk assessments, traceability matrices, and test scripts.

• Support regulatory inspections, audits, and quality investigations related to manufacturing systems and automation platforms.

• Drive adoption of risk-based validation methodologies and continuous improvement of CSV and SDLC practices.

• Lead or contribute to capital projects, system implementations, upgrades, migrations, and site expansion initiatives.

• Develop project scopes, schedules, resource plans, and technical execution strategies for manufacturing systems projects.

• Coordinate cross-functional teams and stakeholders to ensure project deliverables, timelines, budgets, and quality expectations are achieved.

• Provide technical and strategic input into long-term manufacturing technology planning and operational roadmaps.

• Identify opportunities to improve manufacturing efficiency, data visibility, system reliability, and process robustness through automation and MES enhancements.

• Drive standardization and harmonization of manufacturing systems across sites and programs where applicable.

• Support development of KPIs, system performance metrics, and reporting capabilities to enable data-driven decision making.

• Stay current on emerging technologies, industry trends, and best practices in MES, automation, and digital manufacturing.

• Serve as a subject matter expert for MES, automation, validation, and manufacturing systems engineering.

• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical coaching across automation and manufacturing systems disciplines.

• Influence engineering standards, governance processes, and best practices across the organization.

• Lead technical reviews, design discussions, and strategic engineering initiatives with senior stakeholders.

Position Requirements

• Bachelor9s or Master9s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Biotechnology, Automation, or related technical discipline.

• 10+ years of experience in pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device, or other regulated manufacturing environments.

• Strong experience with Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) platforms such as PAS-X, Syncade, PharmaSuite, Opcenter, or equivalent.

• Experience with process automation platforms such as DeltaV, Siemens, Allen-Bradley, Wonderware, Ignition, or related technologies.

• Demonstrated experience supporting validated manufacturing systems within GMP-regulated environments.

• Strong understanding of FDA regulations, GAMP5, SDLC methodologies, and 21 CFR Part 11 compliance requirements.

• Proven experience leading complex technical projects and cross-functional engineering initiatives.

• Experience with system integration, manufacturing data flows, and enterprise application connectivity.

• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, organizational, and communication skills.

• Ability to work effectively across global teams, manufacturing sites, and external partners.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting global manufacturing operations or Center of Excellence (CoE) initiatives.

• Experience with continuous manufacturing, single-use systems, or advanced bioprocessing technologies.

• Knowledge of data historians, analytics platforms, and industrial networking concepts.

• Experience with cloud-connected manufacturing systems and digital transformation initiatives.

• Prior involvement in regulatory inspections and audit support.

• Experience managing or mentoring engineering teams and technical resources.

• PMP, Lean Six Sigma, or automation/manufacturing certifications are a plus.

Travel & Work Flexibility

• Occasional travel to manufacturing sites and global locations may be required.

• Flexibility in working hours may be necessary to support collaboration across multiple time zones and manufacturing operations.

The base pay range for this position at commencement of employment is expected to be $134,000 to $154,100; Base salary offered may vary depending on individual9s skills, experience and competitive market value. Additional total rewards include discretionary annual bonus, comprehensive benefits to include Medical, Dental and Vision, short-term and long-term disability, company paid basic life insurance, 401k company match, flexible work, generous paid time off and paid holiday, wellness and transportation benefits.