Sr. Principal Engineer, Automation Engineering, Controls System Hardware

About This Opportunity

Our talent team is representing a confidential pharmaceutical manufacturing organization seeking a Sr. Principal Engineer, Automation Engineering, Controls System Hardware for a remote position based in the United States. This is a critical technical leadership role supporting advanced automation systems in a highly regulated GMP environment during a major facility startup phase expected between 2026 and 2028.

You will serve as a key technical expert providing automation support across manufacturing operations and capital projects, with primary focus on instrumentation and control hardware. This role combines deep technical expertise with mentorship responsibilities and cross-functional collaboration to ensure reliable, compliant control systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead site operation support, capital project execution, and commissioning and qualification activities for automation systems
• Provide technical leadership for projects from concept through commissioning and qualification phases
• Perform automation engineering activities including design, development, and commissioning using DeltaV DCS and Rockwell Allen Bradley platforms
• Develop and implement automation engineering project plans and maintenance strategies for instruments and control hardware
• Technically lead and oversee the work of site area leads and system integrators
• Develop and review functional requirements, design specifications, and test specifications
• Lead design reviews, system hardware reviews, and participate in equipment factory acceptance tests
• Maintain validated state of control system hardware in line with quality standards, including validation strategy development
• Implement and support electronic systems such as plant historians for capturing production data
• Mentor engineering team members to strengthen technical capabilities and promote best practices
• Translate complex technical concepts for executive and non-technical stakeholders
• Resolve complex technical challenges with instrument and control system hardware
• Participate in rotational on-call schedule

What We're Looking For

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field
• 8+ years of working experience in pharmaceutical or highly regulated environment
• Deep expertise with DeltaV Distributed Control System and batch process automation
• Deep expertise with Rockwell Allen Bradley PLCs and FactoryTalk View
• Expertise with DeltaV control panels, remote I/O panels, and Rockwell I/O systems
• Experience in highly automated facilities using DeltaV DCS and Rockwell Allen Bradley PLC from design through startup
• Thorough understanding of process control communication protocols
• Strong knowledge of GMP, regulatory requirements, and computer system validation
• Thorough understanding of 21CFR Part 11 and GMP processes
• Experience with developing and utilizing master maintenance plans
• Must be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis (visa sponsorship not available)

Preferred Qualifications:

• Hands-on experience working directly with automation control panel hardware and wiring
• Experience in clinical-stage manufacturing with flexible, multi-product capabilities
• Demonstrated initiative, strong planning and organizational skills, and ability to prioritize tasks
• Strong problem-solving skills and technical curiosity with commitment to continuous improvement
• Ability to influence peers and business partners without direct authority
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for both technical and non-technical audiences
• System-level thinking and expertise working with multi-disciplinary teams

How We Work with You

When you apply through Get A Job.ai, our recruiting team will review your qualifications and conduct an initial screening. If there's a strong match, we will submit your profile to our client for consideration. Please do not contact the client directly—all communication and coordination will flow through our team to best represent your interests throughout the hiring process.

Pay

Compensation details will be discussed during the screening process based on your experience and qualifications.

Equal Employment Opportunity: Get A Job.ai is committed to equal employment opportunity and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, disability, age, or any other legally protected status.