Automation Engineer III

Job Title: Automation Engineer III

**NO C2C or SPONSORSHIP**

Job Description

We are seeking an Automation Engineer III to support the rebuild and expansion of our Automation and MSAT capabilities within a small, GMP-regulated manufacturing environment. This is a hands-on individual contributor role requiring strong technical execution, adaptability, and a systems-level mindset. The role is ideal for an experienced automation engineer familiar with startup or small-company environments, with a solid understanding of GMP manufacturing processes.

Responsibilities

• Support the planning, design, implementation, integration, and maintenance of GMP automation systems across manufacturing operations.
• Execute automation activities across all project phases, including requirements and functional specifications, detailed design and implementation, system integration, testing, commissioning, and on-site startup.
• Provide hands-on technical support for process manufacturing automation, including utilities and facility systems.
• Partner closely with MSAT, Process Engineering, Manufacturing, Facilities, IT, and Quality teams.
• Support automation architecture and system integration, including how automation systems migrate and scale over time.
• Support data management and historian systems, ensuring compliant and reliable data flow.
• Author and support automation documentation (URS, FRS, SDS, validation documentation) in accordance with GMP requirements.
• Support automation troubleshooting, issue resolution, and continuous improvement in a regulated manufacturing environment.
• Participate in change control, deviation investigations, and CAPAs related to automation systems.
• Work with vendors, integrators, and service providers to ensure safe, compliant, and effective automation execution.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related discipline.
• 5 years of Automation experience.
• Experience working in a small company or startup-style environment.
• Strong systems-level automation perspective, including architecture, integration, and data flow.
• Experience supporting PLC- and SCADA-based manufacturing systems.
• Comfortable working across process, utilities, facilities, and manufacturing automation.
• Ability to work independently as a hands-on individual contributor.
• Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate across multiple functional groups.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in biopharmaceutical or biotech manufacturing environments.
• Experience with PLC platforms (Rockwell, Siemens, etc.).
• Experience with SCADA/HMI systems and automated manufacturing platforms (including Cytiva systems).
• Experience with data historians (OSI PI or similar).
• Familiarity with ISA S88, ASTM E2500, ISPE guidance, and GEP.
• Experience supporting startup facilities, site expansions, or new builds.

Work Environment

The work environment is a start-up GMP-regulated manufacturing facility in the pharmaceutical industry. This dynamic setting offers opportunities to engage with cutting-edge technologies and collaborate with a diverse team of professionals.

This is a Permanent position based out of Durham, NC.

The pay range for this position is $120000.00 - $140000.00/yr.

PTO, Holiday, 401(k) match, full company benefits

This is a fully onsite position in Durham,NC.

This position is anticipated to close on Apr 15, 2026.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:

• Hiring diverse talent
• Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
• Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
• Ensuring growth opportunities for our people

Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we’ve helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC—with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000 extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.

Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.

Salary : $120,000 - $140,000