Automation Engineer

This role focuses on designing, integrating, and validating advanced automated packaging and warehouse systems within a highly regulated pharmaceutical manufacturing facility. The Automation Engineer supports the implementation of Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (ASRS) and Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs), ensuring all solutions operate reliably, efficiently, and in full compliance with GMP and relevant regulatory standards. This position offers the opportunity to work in a greenfield, highly automated environment with significant exposure to cutting-edge robotics, digital manufacturing, and Industry 4.0 technologies while collaborating closely with cross-functional teams across engineering, quality, manufacturing, and IT/OT.

Responsibilities

• Support the design, integration, and operation of automated packaging lines connected to automated warehouse systems, including ASRS and AGVs.
• Develop and review equipment and system specifications that align with GMP, FDA, and 21 CFR Part 11 requirements.
• Lead and support commissioning, qualification, and validation (CQV) activities for automation and control systems.
• Ensure all automation systems meet safety, quality, and regulatory compliance standards in a GxP environment.
• Partner cross-functionally with Quality, Manufacturing, IT/OT, and CSV teams to maintain GxP compliance and data integrity.
• Support the development, testing, and implementation of automation and control systems for packaging and warehouse operations.
• Review and support controls design, including PLC and HMI/SCADA platforms such as Allen-Bradley and Siemens.
• Work closely with external vendors and system integrators to ensure automation systems meet technical specifications and project requirements.
• Drive standardization, system integration, and continuous improvement initiatives across automated packaging and warehouse systems.
• Serve as a technical subject matter expert (SME) and contribute to troubleshooting and problem-solving activities for automation and control issues.
• Support automated warehouse and material handling systems to optimize throughput, reliability, and system performance.
• Contribute to CSV-related activities by supporting computer system validation and ensuring data integrity for automation solutions.

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Automation Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience working in a GMP or GxP-regulated manufacturing environment.
• Hands-on experience with industrial automation and control systems.
• Experience with robotics systems, with strong preference for ASRS and AGVs.
• Ability to review and support controls design for PLCs and HMI/SCADA platforms, including Allen-Bradley and Siemens.
• Knowledge of Industry 4.0, Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), and digital manufacturing technologies.
• Familiarity with regulatory standards such as FDA, OSHA, EPA, and 21 CFR Part 11.
• Experience supporting automated warehouse or material handling systems.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams.
• Proven ability to work with automation vendors and system integrators to deliver complex automation projects.

• Exposure to Computer System Validation (CSV) and data integrity practices in a regulated environment.
• Experience participating in commissioning, qualification, and validation (CQV) of automation systems.
• Background in robotics and advanced material handling solutions within manufacturing or warehouse operations.
• Interest in or experience with continuous improvement and standardization of automation solutions.
• Ability to act as a technical subject matter expert and support troubleshooting in high-automation environments.

This is a 100% onsite contract position based in New Albany, OH, initially planned for 6 months with the potential to extend up to one year. You will work in a greenfield, highly automated pharmaceutical manufacturing facility that features advanced packaging lines, ASRS, AGVs, and state-of-the-art digital manufacturing technologies. The role offers a high-visibility environment with cross-functional collaboration across engineering, quality, operations, and IT/OT. The facility emphasizes safety, regulatory compliance, and operational excellence while providing exposure to cutting-edge automation, robotics, and Industry 4.0 systems.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Columbus, OH.

The pay range for this position is $67.31 - $76.92/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Columbus,OH.

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 22, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.

Salary : $67 - $77