Senior Engineer, Automation

Department: Ops Tech & Automation

Location: Research Triangle Park, NC

Description

Kriya is a biopharmaceutical company whose mission is to develop life-changing gene therapies for diseases affecting millions of patients around the world.

We leverage our proprietary computational engine, in-house manufacturing infrastructure, and integrated design platform to engineer technologies and therapeutics with the potential to transform the treatment of a broad universe of diseases of high unmet need, with a focus on metabolic disorders, neurology, and ophthalmology.

We are proud to have been named Triangle Business Journal’s Life Sciences 2024 “Best Private Company to Work For,” recognized by Forbes as one of “America’s Best Startup Employers of 2024,” and honored as one of BioSpace’s “2025 Best Places to Work.”

Role Overview

The Senior Automation Engineer is an experienced professional responsible for the design, implementation, and lifecycle management of automated control systems for manufacturing equipment and processes. This position provides technical leadership in the development and optimization of control strategies, PLC programming, HMI/SCADA development, and process automation solutions. You will lead automation projects from conceptual design through commissioning and qualification and serve as a subject matter expert for control system architecture and advanced automation technologies. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams including Manufacturing, Engineering, Facilities, Quality, and IT to deliver innovative automation solutions that enhance operational efficiency, product quality, and regulatory compliance.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and implementation of automated control systems for manufacturing equipment, utilities, and process skids, including control philosophy development, functional requirements specification, and detailed design documentation.
• Develop and maintain PLC programs, HMI applications, and SCADA systems for Allen Bradley, Siemens, and Emerson DeltaV platforms, ensuring adherence to GMP best practices.
• Architect, implement and maintain automation solutions that align with industry 4.0 initiatives, including integration with MES, and data analytics platforms.
• Execute preventive maintenance activities, software patching, and system updates in accordance with change control procedures.
• Investigate and troubleshoot system alarms, faults, and performance degradation, implementing corrective and preventive actions.
• Support validation activities including IQ/OQ/PQ protocol execution, test script development, and documentation review for automation systems.
• Maintain system documentation including network diagrams, configuration specifications, standard operating procedures, and maintenance records
  
  

Experience & Skills and Work Environment

Experience & Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Chemical, Electrical, Mechanical, or related discipline) or equivalent technical degree
• Minimum 8 years of progressive experience designing, programming, and supporting automated control systems in pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or regulated manufacturing environments
• An equivalent combination of education and experience is acceptable
• Familiarity with industrial networking protocols (Ethernet/IP, Modbus, OPC, BACnet) and network infrastructure.
• Knowledge of validation lifecycle and IQ/OQ/PQ protocol execution for automated systems.
• Experience with the life cycle management of at least Two of the following systems in a GMP environment:
  • Allen Bradley PLCs and FT View
  • Emerson DeltaV or ThermoFisher TruBio
  • OSIsoft Pi Data Historian System
  • Tulip Manufacturing Operations System
  • Siemens Desigo CC
  • TiPSView Alarm Assessment System
• Experience with MES integration, batch record generation, and manufacturing data management systems (OSIsoft PI, Tulip, or similar).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with ability to diagnose complex system issues.
• Effective communication skills for technical and non-technical audiences.
• Ability to work independently and as part of cross-functional project teams

Work Environment

• Primarily desk-based, generally in an office setting
• Occasional tasks performed in a lab or manufacturing clean room environment.
• Must be able to lift desktop computers, small servers, switches, PLCs, and electrical components
• May be required to work after-hours for OT emergencies or maintenance window activities
  
  

Life at Kriya

Discover True Collaborative Teamwork
We have an ambitious set of goals, but our confidence – and our inspiration – stems from our people. From California to North Carolina, our teammates bring a spirit of Collaboration, Leadership, and Innovation to their work every day.

We’re always looking for teammates with the drive and energy to help us grow. If you want to be a part of a company with an entrepreneurial culture, a bold vision, and a meaningful purpose, join us.

Rewards & Benefits

• Time Off & Work-Life Balance: Flexible Time Off ∙ Paid Parental & Medical Leave ∙ Paid Company Holidays
• Health & Wellness: Fertility & Family Building Benefits ∙ Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance ∙ Employee Assistance Program (EAP) ∙ Life Insurance ∙ Short- and Long-Term Disability Coverage
• Financial Security: Equity ∙ 401(k) with Company Match ∙ Identity Theft Protection
• And More!
  
  

Kriya is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

All job requirements in the job description provided indicate the minimum level of knowledge, skills, and/or abilities deemed necessary to perform the job competently. Job descriptions are an overview of the duties, responsibilities, and requirements of the position. Employees may be required to perform other job-related assignments as requested.