Automation Engineer

1. Req Prep (Hypothesis Story) Novenesis is executing a long-term 800xA upgrade program and needs to secure a small, high-impact controls team in a tight market. Because true 800xA talent is scarce, the strategy is to intentionally hire Delta V junior and mid-level engineers who can transition quickly due to platform similarities, supported by senior technical leadership onsite.The engagement is fully onsite, margin-sensitive, and phased, making local availability, coachability, and Delta V fundamentals more important than niche 800xA pedigree. Success on this project creates a reusable talent pool that can flex into Johnson & Johnson MES/Delta V work and future NNE Delta V Live upgrades, increasing long-term delivery leverage.2. Req Story / ContextPrimary Project: Novenesis 800xA UpgradeLocation: Franklinton (local required)Start: April (initial hire)Duration: ~2 yearsTotal Scope: ~14,000 hoursStaffing Plan (Validated)April: 1 Junior Delta V EngineerJune-August: 2 Mid-Level Delta V EngineersSenior onsite leadership already in place to support onboardingScope of WorkConvert SAT line templates into 800xA frameworksBuild 8 new fermentation cores~8,000 hours of recovery and operational supportPharma-adjacent environment (lighter regulatory constraints)Interview ProcessNo-name resume submitted to customerPanel interview with Caleb Gibson + Dan BrammerCustomer meet-and-greet (final confirmation)3. NEED TO VALIDATE Gaps (Updated)Role Definition • (Validated)Hiring mix: 1 Junior / 2 Mid-LevelMinimum Delta V experience: 3 years hands-onLogistics • (Validated)Work Model: Fully onsite; occasional hybrid exceptions onlyRelocation / Travel: NoneWeekly Hours: 40 hours expectedTechnical ! (Still NEED TO VALIDATE)Which 800xA modules/tools are mission-critical vs trainableSAT line system expectations on day one (read-only vs configuration)Validation exposure for juniors (required vs nice-to-have)Commercial ! (Still NEED TO VALIDATE)Rate flexibility for exceptional local candidatesOvertime rules and billing multipliersConfirmation that 20-30% margin applies consistently per clientProcess ! (Still NEED TO VALIDATE)Resume review SLAInterview turnaround timingOffer decision window4. Technical Source (TS) RelationshipKey StakeholdersCaleb Gibson - Delivery lead, technical and commercial ownerDan Brammer - Site lead, deep 800xA / Delta V expertiseVendor Team - Pipeline ownership and executionOperating StyleQuality over volumeTransparent skill representationFast movement once the right candidate is identifiedExpectation of tight communication to avoid duplication5. Experience - Three Must-HavesMust-Have #1: Delta V ExperienceMinimum 3 years hands-onBatch, configuration, or commissioning experienceMust-Have #2: Controls AdaptabilityDemonstrated ability to learn new platformsUpgrade or migration experience preferredMust-Have #3: Regulated / Industrial ExposurePharma preferredChemical, biotech, or pulp & paper acceptableNice-to-HavesAny 800xA exposureFermentation or SAT line familiarityValidation documentation exposure6. LogisticsLocation: Franklinton (local only)Onsite Requirement: YesHours: 40/weekDuration: ~24 monthsStart Dates:Junior: AprilMid-levels: June-AugustRates (Targets):Junior: ~$120/hrMid-level: ~$140-160/hrSenior/Specialist (if needed): Up to ~$180/hr7. Req Pitch (Candidate-Facing)"This is a long-term, fully onsite automation engagement where Novenesis is intentionally bringing in Delta V engineers to transition into 800xA. You'll work on real system modernization - not maintenance - in a pharma-adjacent environment with less red tape and strong technical leadership onsite. If you're looking for stability, growth, and deep controls work over the next two years, this project is built for that."8. Sourcing StrategyTarget ProfilesLocal Delta V engineers (3-6 years)Engineers finishing short-term pharma or biotech projectsCandidates open to long-term onsite workExecution StrategyScreen hard on commute toleranceLead with Delta V → 800xA growth storySubmit early to secure candidate interestMaintain bench for cross-project deployment (Novenesis / J&J)Risk ControlsAvoid non-local candidatesKeep backup profiles warm due to competitive marketDo not over-index on volatile clients (e.g., Fujifilm)