The Mid-Level Automation Project Engineer will be responsible for the design, implementation, and lifecycle management of automation systems supporting manufacturing and utility operations. This role will focus on delivering automation projects safely, on time, within budget, and in full compliance with regulatory and site requirements.
The successful candidate will collaborate cross-functionally with operations, quality, validation, maintenance, and external vendors to ensure robust and reliable automation solutions that enhance performance, compliance, and operational excellence.
Project Delivery
Lead and support automation-related capital and expense projects from concept through commissioning and handover.
Develop user requirement specifications (URS), functional design specifications (FDS), and test documentation.
Coordinate with system integrators, vendors, and contractors to deliver automation scope.
Manage project timelines, budgets, and risk registers.
Ensure compliance with site change management procedures.
Design, configure, and troubleshoot PLC, SCADA, DCS, and HMI systems.
Support modifications and upgrades to existing control systems.
Ensure systems meet GMP, data integrity, and cybersecurity standards.
Maintain and update system documentation, drawings, and configuration backups.
Support CSV (Computer System Validation) lifecycle activities in line with regulatory requirements (e.g., GAMP 5).
Develop and execute FAT, SAT, IQ, OQ documentation as required.
Ensure all systems comply with internal quality standards and regulatory guidelines.
Provide technical troubleshooting and root cause analysis for automation-related issues.
Support continuous improvement initiatives to enhance system performance and reliability.
Participate in on-call or out-of-hours support as required.
Work closely with manufacturing, quality, EHS, and maintenance teams.
Communicate project progress and technical information clearly to stakeholders.
Mentor junior engineers or technicians where appropriate.
Requirements
Education:
Bachelor’s degree in Automation, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronic, or a related discipline.
Experience:
3–6 years’ experience in automation engineering within a regulated manufacturing environment (pharmaceutical or biopharmaceutical preferred).
Experience with PLC platforms (e.g., Siemens, Allen Bradley), SCADA/DCS systems, and industrial networks.
Knowledge of GMP, data integrity principles, and validation practices.
Experience managing automation aspects of capital projects is desirable.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities
Project management and organisational skills
Attention to detail and compliance mindset
Ability to work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Automation, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronic, or related discipline
- 3-6 years' experience in automation engineering within a regulated manufacturing environment
- Experience in pharmaceutical or biopharmaceutical environment
- Experience with PLC platforms (Siemens, Allen Bradley)
- Experience with SCADA, DCS, and HMI systems
- Knowledge of industrial networks and related troubleshooting
- Knowledge of GMP, data integrity principles, and validation practices
- Experience with Computer System Validation (CSV) lifecycle and GAMP 5
- Ability to develop and execute FAT, SAT, IQ, OQ documentation
- Experience managing automation aspects of capital projects (timelines, budgets, risk registers)
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, communication, and stakeholder management skills
- Willingness to provide on-call or out-of-hours technical support
What We Do
Horizon Controls Group: A global leader in automation consulting, enabling both clients and employees to live on the forefront of evolving technology. Horizon Controls Group is a modern, global technology company, specializing in automation consulting, engineering, and training. Founded on the belief that our people are the difference, we have grown entirely from customer references and successive projects. Our people and their established reputation are our most valued assets. This belief has created a great place to work, enabling us to attract the very best and to give our customers confidence in our superior solutions. Our business is comprised of excellence at every level. We employ a pro-active and comprehensive approach to projects -- asking the right questions, analyzing client needs, and engineering a skilled solution. We are committed to understanding the entire spectrum of your automation challenges and to developing uniquely tailored innovative solutions. Our decision to be vendor-independent enables us to offer tailored solutions and represent your needs free of any conflict of interest. We are aligned exclusively with our customers' goals and system requirements, enabling us to provide maximum value. Ultimately, the ability to harvest maximum value from new systems is dependent on the quality and training of your people. Just as we expect and ensure absolute expertise in our people, we work with you to ensure your team is trained to the specific needs of your organization and remain at the forefront of industry trends. We are a global company operating in the United States from our headquarters in Blue Bell, PA and offices in Indiana, Massachusetts, North Carolina, and California and from Cork in Ireland. This is Horizon Controls Group’s official company LinkedIn page.
