When joining PerkinElmer, you select an experienced and trusted leader in scientific solutions, with the support of a global service network and distribution centers, providing the right solution, at the right time, to meet critical customer needs. With over an 80+ year legacy of advancing science and a mission of innovating for a healthier world, our dedicated team collaborates closely with commercial, government, academic and healthcare customers to deliver our broad portfolio of analytical solutions, and OneSource services.
Job TitleDT&A - Lead Engineer, MES & Digital SystemsLocation(s)US Remote - MA
Job Description
This is a full-time salaried position with Project Farma, a PerkinElmer company. The successful candidate will reside in one of Project Farma's primary markets and be willing to travel domestically to meet client project requests.
Project Farma’s purpose is to improve patient lives by accelerating the delivery of life-changing therapies. We accomplish this through the successful execution of high-quality life sciences projects across the full project lifecycle. Project Farma (PF) team members collaborate with cross-functional teams to build trusted client relationships, deliver an exceptional customer experience, and contribute to business growth by identifying opportunities and applying data-driven insights to support project planning, cost, schedule, and performance management.
All team members are expected to embody Project Farma’s values by being curious, personable, and unselfish, while maintaining a strong commitment to a Patient Focused and People First mindset.
The Automation Engineer III and Lead Engineer is an advanced individual contributor with demonstrated depth in their technical discipline and a growing record of leading complex workstreams. This role applies strong subject‑matter expertise to solve high‑impact technical and operational challenges, supports technical decision‑making, and contributes to the evolution of standards, methods, or best practices within their area. They partner closely with project and people leaders—while remaining focused on technical delivery rather than formal people management.
Key Responsibilities
The Automation MES & Digital Systems Engineer provides subject matter expertise in the design, implementation, and lifecycle management of digital systems across biologics, pharmaceutical, and novel therapy manufacturing facilities. This role requires deep experience with various MES platforms, Data Repositories, Serialization and integration to manufacturing applications (ERP, LIMS, CMMS, etc) and the ability to author, interpret, and lead documentation such as URS, FRS, Functional Narratives, and detailed system architecture designs.
MES Design & Architecture
Develop system architectures and data flows for biologics, pharmaceutical, and advanced therapy manufacturing (DCS, PLC/SCADA, MES, historians, network layers).
Develop product recipe strategies across the full application layer of ERP, MES and DCS Batch.
Detailed knowledge of Master data and how to define and control Master Data.
Create ISA‑88/ISA‑95‑aligned architecture diagrams, inc Application and Data Flow diagrams.
Ensure architecture supports scalability, cybersecurity, data integrity, and multi‑product flexibility.
URS / FRS / Design Documentation
Lead the creation, review, and approval of:
URS (User Requirements Specifications)
FRS (Functional Requirements Specifications)
DS / DDS (Design Specifications)
Functional & Control Narratives
Recipe Design Documentation (ISA‑88 compliant)
Automation Standards & Engineering Guidelines
Work cross functionally to translate process requirements into robust digital system design documents.
Digital System Implementation
Configure, program, and deploy Digital System within the manufacturing environment.
Develop, modify, and test MES (eBR, RbE, eLogbooks, Equipment Tracking, Weigh & Dispense), LIMS, Serialization and CMMS application functionality.
Support integration of OEM skids: bioreactors, chromatography systems, filtration skids, CIP/SIP, and fill finish equipment.
Commissioning, Validation & GMP Compliance
Detailed knowledge of FAT, SAT, IQ/OQ, and PQ protocols in alignment with GAMP 5 and 21 CFR Part 11.
Ensure all changes meet data integrity requirements, change control processes, and validation lifecycle rules.
Lead deviation investigations, CAPAs, and risk assessments related to Digital systems.
Manufacturing & Operations Support
Serve as SME for troubleshooting, system optimization, batch failure analysis, and performance enhancements.
Support 24/7 operations through structured root cause analysis and resolution of Digital System issues.
Develop long-term lifecycle plans for upgrades, patches, and system expansions.
Cross Functional Leadership
Collaborate with IT/OT, process engineering, MSAT, quality, and capital project teams to deliver integrated system solutions.
Manage vendors, system integrators, and OEMs; review design packages and ensure alignment with internal standards.
Mentor junior engineers and act as technical SME during audits and regulatory inspections.
Attributes for Success
Technical Delivery: Applies advanced technical knowledge and professional expertise
Innovation & Continuous Improvement: Seeks better ways, adapts to change and champions new ideas.
Customer Focus & Professionalism: Represents PF with consistent professionalism, appropriate escalation and respect for internal stakeholders, even during high stress delivery situations
Integrity & Humility: Demonstrates self-awareness and puts PF mission above ego
Collaboration & Communication: Communicates clearly and proactively and drives transparent alignment with clients.
Project Execution: Delivers reliably, manages priorities and drives for high quality outcomes
Growth Mindset: Shows openness to new ideas, feedback and change
Experience Required
Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Life Science, Engineering, or related discipline (OR a combination of equivalent work experience in capital project engineering, pharma cGMP facility start-up, CapEx/OpEx project management and/or comparable military experience.
4+ years / 7+ years in Digital Manufacturing Systems within GMP life sciences (biotech, pharma, ATMP). Expert-level experience with various MES platforms, Data Repositories, Serialization and integration to manufacturing applications (ERP, LIMS, CMMS, etc).
Willing to travel as required for client project assignments.
Other Preferred
Strong communicator and influencer across engineering, quality, IT/OT, and manufacturing.
Structured thinker with advanced troubleshooting and problem solving skills.
Skilled at managing multiple priorities in a high pressure, regulated environment.
Demonstrated leadership and mentorship abilities.
Project Farma is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability status, age, or veteran status or any other characteristics protected by applicable law. PerkinElmer is committed to a culturally diverse workforce.
Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. We will not sponsor applicants for current or future work visas for this position. This position may require significant travel to support project and business needs. We cannot employ anyone with an invalid driver's license.
The annual compensation range for this full-time position is $100,000 - 130,000. The final base pay offered to the successful candidate will be determined by factors including internal equity, work location, as well as individual qualifications, such as job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.
PerkinElmer is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability status, age, or veteran status or any other characteristics protected by applicable law. PerkinElmer is committed to a culturally diverse workforce.Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Life Science, Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience)
- 4+ years / 7+ years in Digital Manufacturing Systems within GMP life sciences (biotech, pharma, ATMP)
- Expert-level experience with MES platforms, data repositories, and serialization
- Experience integrating MES to ERP, LIMS, CMMS and other manufacturing applications
- Deep knowledge of DCS, PLC/SCADA, historians, and industrial network layers
- Ability to author URS, FRS, DS/DDS, functional/control narratives, and ISA-88/ISA-95 aligned architecture/recipe documentation
- Experience with FAT, SAT, IQ/OQ, PQ protocols, GAMP 5, and 21 CFR Part 11 compliance
- Ability to configure, program, test, and deploy MES, LIMS, serialization, and CMMS functionality
- Experience supporting integration of OEM skids (bioreactors, chromatography, filtration, CIP/SIP, fill finish)
- Willingness to travel domestically as required for client project assignments
- Authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship
- Valid driver's license (cannot employ with invalid license)
- Strong communication, influence, troubleshooting, and leadership abilities
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in high-pressure regulated environments and mentor junior engineers
PerkinElmer Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about PerkinElmer and has not been reviewed or approved by PerkinElmer.
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Retirement Support — Retirement support stands out through strong 401(k) matching and, in places, immediate vesting that can materially increase total rewards. The ability to direct contributions and manage rollover options adds flexibility to long-term savings.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Leave offerings are described as fair, with paid holidays, vacation, floating holidays, and paid sick leave included across many roles. Reported PTO amounts (e.g., roughly three weeks or 18 days) suggest a solid baseline even if it varies by site and department.
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Flexible Benefits — Benefits appear broad and customizable, spanning multiple insurance types, spending accounts, wellness programs, and optional coverages like pet insurance. Added programs such as EAP resources, backup care, discount platforms, and tuition reimbursement expand the total rewards footprint beyond core pay.
PerkinElmer Insights
What We Do
For 85 years, PerkinElmer has pushed the boundaries of science from food to health to the environment. We’ve always pursued science with a clear purpose – to help our customers achieve theirs. Our expert team brings technology and intangibles, like creativity, empathy, diligence, and a spirit of collaboration, in equal measure, to fulfill our customers’ desire to work better, innovate better, and create better. PerkinElmer is a leading, global provider of technology and service solutions that help customers measure, quantify, detect, and report in ways that help ensure the quality, safety, and satisfaction of their products. Learn more at www.newperkinelmer.com.
