Senior Siemens S7 PLC Engineer

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced Siemens S7 PLC Engineer to support a major pharmaceutical/biopharmaceutical project in Holly Springs, NC. The consultant will provide hands-on PLC programming, troubleshooting, commissioning, and automation support within a regulated manufacturing environment.

The ideal candidate will have strong experience working with Siemens S7 PLC platforms, industrial automation systems, HMI/SCADA, controls troubleshooting, and equipment integration. Experience in pharmaceutical, biotechnology, life sciences, or other GMP-regulated manufacturing environments is highly preferred.

This is a long-term onsite contract of approximately 10 months, and candidates must be available to start within 2–3 weeks.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, modify, troubleshoot, and maintain Siemens S7 PLC control programs.
• Support PLC programming and automation activities throughout the project lifecycle.
• Troubleshoot PLC, HMI, instrumentation, and control-system issues in a manufacturing environment.
• Perform PLC code reviews, logic modifications, testing, and debugging.
• Support equipment integration and communication between PLCs, HMIs, SCADA systems, and other automation platforms.
• Participate in commissioning, startup, testing, and site acceptance activities.
• Execute and support FAT, SAT, commissioning, and qualification-related activities as required.
• Review control-system specifications, functional requirements, and automation documentation.
• Develop or modify PLC logic, sequences, interlocks, alarms, permissives, and control strategies.
• Troubleshoot industrial communication networks and PLC-to-device communications.
• Support HMI development, modifications, alarm configuration, and operator-interface functionality.
• Collaborate with electrical, instrumentation, process, engineering, validation, and manufacturing teams.
• Document automation changes, testing activities, troubleshooting results, and system updates.
• Ensure automation activities are performed in accordance with applicable GMP, safety, quality, and site procedures.
• Provide onsite support during equipment installation, commissioning, startup, and production readiness.
• Assist with resolving automation issues and minimizing equipment downtime.
• Participate in project meetings and provide technical updates to project leadership.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Automation Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related technical discipline; equivalent experience may be considered.
• Strong hands-on experience with Siemens S7 PLCs.
• Experience with Siemens TIA Portal and/or STEP 7.
• Strong understanding of PLC programming, troubleshooting, sequencing, interlocks, alarms, and controls logic.
• Experience with HMI/SCADA systems and industrial automation.
• Experience with industrial communication protocols and PLC/device integration.
• Hands-on experience with commissioning, startup, troubleshooting, and system testing.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, control drawings, I/O lists, and automation documentation.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and documentation skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fully onsite project environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device, or other GMP-regulated manufacturing environments.
• Experience supporting automation projects from design through commissioning and startup.
• Experience with Siemens WinCC, PCS 7, or related Siemens automation platforms.
• Experience with Rockwell/Allen-Bradley PLCs in addition to Siemens.
• Knowledge of industrial networking, including Ethernet/IP, Profinet, Profibus, or similar protocols.
• Experience with manufacturing equipment integration.
• Familiarity with GAMP 5, 21 CFR Part 11, data integrity, and computerized system validation (CSV) concepts.
• Experience supporting FAT/SAT and validation documentation in regulated environments.