Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Automation, Controls, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field.
Significant experience in industrial automation or controls engineering.
Experience in regulated environments like pharmaceutical or biotechnology manufacturing.
Demonstrated project management or leadership experience.
Strong understanding of automation systems and troubleshooting in GMP-regulated settings.
Excellent communication, organization, and stakeholder management skills.
Willingness to work onsite in Rockville, Maryland.
Responsibilities
Lead automation projects from planning through execution and closeout.
Coordinate project scope, schedule, resources, and deliverables.
Provide technical leadership for automation systems and initiatives.
Support troubleshooting and continuous improvement of automation systems.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams in a regulated environment.
Identify and implement innovative AI solutions in operations.
Ensure compliance with GMP and quality standards.
Benefits
Opportunity to work in a cutting-edge life sciences environment.
Engagement with advanced technologies like AI and Machine Learning.
Cross-functional collaboration with diverse teams.
Potential for professional growth and mentorship opportunities.
Full Job Description
ABOUT THE ROLE
JC Automation is seeking a Senior Automation Engineer / Project Manager to support a life sciences manufacturing site in Rockville, Maryland. This role requires a strong background in industrial automation, project execution, and regulated life sciences environments, along with an innovative mindset toward the implementation and use of Artificial Intelligence within site operations.
The ideal candidate will combine technical automation expertise with project leadership skills and will be comfortable working cross-functionally with engineering, operations, quality, IT, and other site stakeholders.
REQUIREMENTS & QUALIFICATIONS
Required
Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Automation, Controls, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field.
Significant professional experience in industrial automation or controls engineering.
Experience supporting projects within pharmaceutical, biotechnology, life sciences, or another regulated manufacturing environment.
Demonstrated project management or project leadership experience.
Strong understanding of automation systems, controls, commissioning, and troubleshooting.
Experience working in GMP-regulated environments.
Strong communication, organization, and stakeholder-management skills.
Ability to work onsite in Rockville, Maryland.
Preferred
Previous experience leading automation projects at a pharmaceutical or biotechnology manufacturing site.
Experience with digital transformation, advanced analytics, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, or AI-enabled operational solutions.
Experience identifying and implementing innovative technologies within manufacturing or site operations.
Familiarity with PLC, HMI, SCADA, DCS, or other industrial automation platforms.
Experience with FAT, SAT, commissioning, startup, and system validation.
PMP certification or equivalent project management training is a plus.
SKILLS
Technical Skills
Lead and support automation projects throughout the full project lifecycle, from planning through execution, commissioning, and closeout.
Coordinate project scope, schedule, resources, risks, and key deliverables.
Provide technical leadership for automation systems and site initiatives.
Support troubleshooting, optimization, and continuous improvement of automation systems.
Collaborate with engineering, operations, quality, IT, and other stakeholders in a regulated life sciences environment.
Identify opportunities for innovative use of Artificial Intelligence within manufacturing or site operations.
Support evaluation and implementation of AI-enabled solutions where appropriate.
Ensure automation activities comply with applicable GMP, quality, safety, and site requirements.
Support project documentation, testing, commissioning, FAT/SAT activities, and system turnover as required.
Communicate project status, risks, dependencies, and action items to key stakeholders.
Mentor and provide technical guidance to engineering team members as needed.
Soft Skills
Logical, systematic problem-solving
Ability to manage multiple priorities based on business needs
Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration
Availability and flexibility to support a 24/7 operation
