Automation Engineer

Job Summary:

• We’re looking for an early-career Automation Engineer who wants hands-on experience building and supporting the systems that keep a modern manufacturing site running. You’ll learn by doing—helping to program and troubleshoot PLC/SCADA and HMI systems, support industrial networks, and partner with Operations, IT, and Quality to improve reliability and performance.
• You’ll also get exposure to newer site technologies such as data/historian systems, analytics, AI-enabled monitoring, and robotics-related automation where applicable. If you’re curious, practical, and motivated to grow, this role offers strong mentorship, real ownership, and a clear path to deepen your controls and automation expertise.

Core Essential skill sets required:

1. Recent college graduate within the last 3 years with Master's Degree or Ph.D. Looking for candidates with a focus from University of Miami, FAU, FIU, NOVA fresh Ph.Ds , and computer science/ automation/ robotics/ Master's degree from FAU and FIU.

2. Min 3 years experience with AI/OT/ controls experience within a GMP-regulated pharmaceutical or medical device environment.

3. Min 3 years experience with PLC (Allen-Bradley, Siemens), SCADA and industrial networking.

4. Strong command of Python, Power Platform, and AI/ML frameworks.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support the full lifecycle of site automation systems (PLC, SCADA, HMI)—design, configuration, programming, testing, and sustaining support.
• Develop and maintain PLC and HMI/SCADA applications (Rockwell/Siemens or equivalent; iFIX/Wonderware/FactoryTalk/Ignition/WinCC).
• Help define automation architectures across control, safety, and industrial IT layers; integrate with historians, MES, BMS, CMMS, ERP, and related systems.
• Design and support industrial networks and connectivity (EtherNet/IP, Profinet, Modbus TCP, OPC DA/UA), partnering with IT on segmentation, backups, recovery, and hardening.
• Apply digital/analytics tools (including AI-enabled monitoring and predictive maintenance where applicable) to improve reliability and operational performance.
• Participate in FAT/SAT, commissioning, qualification, and validation activities in regulated (GxP) environments.
• Troubleshoot controls, software, and network issues to minimize downtime; support root-cause analysis and corrective actions.
• Create and maintain standards and documentation (coding guidelines, change/lifecycle practices, architecture/network diagrams, SOPs, and system records).
• Support capital projects—scope definition, vendor coordination, technical reviews, and acceptance—while ensuring compliance with GMP, data integrity, safety, and cybersecurity requirements.

Qualifications Education:

• Master’s degree in Automation Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field. Master’s degree preferred.
• Experience:
• 2-5 years of experience in industrial automation, controls engineering, and industrial IT systems.

Technical Skills:

• Controls platforms: PLC programming/troubleshooting (Allen-Bradley ControlLogix/CompactLogix; Siemens S7/TIA Portal) and SCADA/HMI development (iFIX, Wonderware InTouch, FactoryTalk View, Ignition, WinCC). – On site test will be required.
• OT/IT systems: industrial IT and integration with servers/virtualization (Windows Server, VMware/Hyper-V) plus databases/historians (SQL Server, OSIsoft PI, or equivalent).
• Industrial networking & protocols: EtherNet/IP, Profinet, Modbus (TCP), OPC DA/UA.
• Automation cybersecurity fundamentals: firewalls/segmentation concepts, access control, patching, backups, and recovery practices.
• Digital/analytics: ability to use modern digital tools, analytics platforms, and AI-enabled monitoring for asset performance and predictive insights.
• Robotics & advanced automation (as applicable): industrial robotics integration and safety (interlocks, E-stops, safety PLCs/networks), vision systems (Cognex/Keyence), and motion control (servos/VFDs/coordinated motion), including working with integrators and URS/FDS/SDS documentation for robotic cells.

Soft Skills:

• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and systems-thinking skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with engineering, IT, quality, and operations teams.
• Demonstrated technical leadership and project ownership.
• Strong documentation, organization, and compliance mindset.