Program Description: The Automation Engineer will be involved in all automation activities including: implementation of sequences of operations, writing functional specifications (FS) and design specifications (DS), creating project software and project specific graphics, and conducting engineering testing activities, Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT), Site Acceptance Testing (SAT), deviation resolution and customer training.
Essential Job Functions:
Essential job functions represent the fundamental job duties and accountabilities of the employment position the individual holding the position must be capable of performing. Persons with disabilities can perform these with or without reasonable accommodations. The Director or his/her designee may assign other duties and accountabilities limited to those consistent with the applicable scope of the appropriate professional job function.
Documentation Generation - 10%
• Generate sequence of operations documents related to door interlocks, POD HVAC Automation, and high level integration sequencing to be implemented into software code
• Generate functional design specifications (FDS) based on I/O lists, automation plan sets, and electrical and panel drawings
• Assist the commissioning group in developing commissioning strategy, Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) and Site Acceptance Test (SAT) documentation for each POD
• Generate punch lists to track items requiring correction
• Write work instructions and SOPs
AutoCad Design – 25%
• Create P&ID drawings based on project needs
• Generate instrumentation plan sets for POD construction
• Design PLC layout and schematic drawings for UL508A panels based on I/O lists
• Create parts libraries for use in AutoCad Electrical
Automation Software Development - 30%
• Convert project documentation into code to program HVAC, door interlock, security, and process equipment
• Program PLCs utilizing Siemens TIA Portal
• Generate graphics associated with project P&ID drawings
• Integrate graphics with selected HMI software Siemens TIA Portal
• Develop high-quality pharmaceutical industry software programs that can be easily validated
Automation Software Development - 5%
• Train Automation Engineers in AutoCAD and PLC Programming
• Train other departments on the automation system
Instrument Specification – 10%
• Specify and order instruments per the POD design
• Create termination drawings for instruments consistent with industry standards
• Continuously improve the selection and validation of instruments
Acceptance Testing Activity Execution - 10%
• Assist in FAT activities to ensure proper functioning of software
• Follow Good Documentation Practices
• Document and correct discrepancies/deviations that occur during testing
• Travel to client sites, interact with commissioning team, collaborators and suppliers
• Participate in SAT activities to ensure all integration requirements satisfactorily meet project requirements
• Perform on site training of customer personnel so that each customer can maintain POD automation systems
Supports External Departments as Needed - 10%
• May support communications and document exchange between the company and engineering firms, customers, 3rd party integrators in conceptual design and detailed automation platform design discussions
• May travel to equipment vendor locations to better integrate with 3rd party product lines
• Assist other departments as needed to ensure seamless integration between automation and POD mechanical systems
Position Specifications
Qualification Requirements:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.
Education and/or Experience:
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience:
Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or practical Automation Software Development background
Minimum of 3-5 years Experience in controls for HVAC systems, including familiarity with current technology
Required Experience with PLC or microcontroller programming
Required Ability to read and understand plan drawings and electrical schematics
Required Experience with AutoCad Electrical software or other drafting software
Required Skill in computer functions such as word processors, spreadsheets, and internet usage
Preferred Technical writing experience
Preferred Experience in and/or knowledge pertaining to pharmaceutical cleanrooms
Preferred Knowledge of HVAC systems, in areas of design, common control strategies, installation, sequence of operations
Preferred Knowledge of commissioning in accordance with cGMP standards
Preferred Knowledge of industrial communications protocols (BACNet, OPC/UA, ControlNet, Ethernet/IP, Modbus TCP)
Preferred FactoryTalk Batch, AssetCenter, VantagePoint, PlantPAX Experience preferred
Language Abilities:
Ability to read and comprehend instructions, correspondence, memos, and work place policies. Ability to analyze, interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures and governmental regulations. Ability to analyze and interpret technical research journals. Ability to write professional correspondences. Ability to present information in small group and large group situations to customer, strategic business partners, the general public, and other employees. Ability to effectively present information to administrators, management, and other employees.
Reasoning Abilities:
Ability to carry out detailed written and/or verbal instructions. Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form to carry out business objectives. Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret a variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.
Temperament:
Focused and action-oriented. Performance under little structure. Flexibility and coping with change. Multitasking. Ability to maintain composure in a stressful environment. Freedom to work from supervision.
Other Abilities:
• Up to 20% Travel
• Experience working with multi-disciplinary teams
• Ability to make decisions and recommendations
• Ability to demonstrate professionalism with personnel and management
• Collaborative team player
• Ability to gather, organize and analyze information skillfully
• Ability to manage multiple projects concurrently
