Specialist, Manufacturing Automation Engineer (Onsite)

Overview The Enabling Facilities (EF) group within the Chemical Engineering Research & Development (CERD) Department seeks a Specialist – Manufacturing Automation to provide technical and project management responsibilities. The position reports to the Associate Director, Engineering, Automation Lead, and is a member of the EF Team at the Rahway, NJ facility. EF is responsible for developing new technologies/capabilities, executing capital and non-capital improvement projects, and managing automation system assets spanning production, utility systems, and associated infrastructure. Key Responsibilities The automation engineer will troubleshoot automation and instrumentation issues, perform root cause analysis, and implement corrective/preventive actions to improve reliability, safety, and energy performance. Develop, test, and deploy logic graphics for various systems in the facility. Manage system patches, firmware upgrades, backup/restore strategies, and cybersecurity hardening aligned with corporate policies. Ensure robust data integrity and audit trails suitable for operations. Support capital projects work to design, install, and commission new equipment. Write, review, or execute test documents. Provide on-call support rotation for facility operations. Collaborate closely with operations, maintenance, and IT to align automation solutions with uptime, safety, sustainability, and efficiency goals. Support continuous improvement initiatives: standardization, modular code libraries, alarm rationalization, and enhanced diagnostics/monitoring for utilities equipment. Additional Supported Areas As required, in addition to current capital projects and MACS Operations, the Specialist may provide direct support to other areas such as Small Scale Organics Pilot Plant (SSO) and Hazardous Reactions Lab (HRL). The SSO uses an Emerson DeltaV Distributed Control System and GMP manufacturing processes within the PR&D organization. The HRL automation systems support hydrogenation hazardous reactions with various vessels and equipment. Education Minimum Requirement Bachelor’s degree in Automation, Engineering, Science, or Computer-Programming related field with a minimum of 4 years relevant experience, or a Master’s degree with 3 years of relevant experience. Required Experience and Skills Ability to understand, update, design, and implement modifications in DeltaV or PLC-based platforms (e.g., Rockwell). Ability to problem solve/troubleshoot with knowledge of root cause analysis. Ability to prepare/review Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and cGMP documents. Experience with Quality Systems. Effective interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written. Excellent organizational skills to multi-task. Desire and willingness to learn and contribute. Knowledge of automation items such as wiring, electrical, device selection or integration. Candidates must be able to work independently and as part of a cross-functional team. Strong analytical thinking and technical writing skills. Proficient in MS Office Platform and document storage systems. Ability to foster innovation, creativity, and self-initiative along with the ability to plan and organize activities. Desired Experience and Skills Experience with DeltaV Live, DeltaV Batch, and Charms I/O. Working knowledge of general OPC and Modbus interfaces. Experience with automation system design, start-up, and/or qualification. Knowledge of PLCs, HMIs or other Control Systems including Rockwell and Siemens. Understanding of object-oriented languages. Past experience programming in a professional setting. Strong IT systems background; specifically, integration of automation systems with IT systems. Networking experience; enterprise networking and local control networks. Experience coordinating maintenance activities around processing to support reliable facility operation. Experience in Process Hazard Analysis (PHA) and/or Level of Protection Analysis (LOPA). Required Skills Automation Technology, Automation Testing, Building Automation Systems, Cloud Computing, Computer Networking, Computer System Validation (CSV), Control Systems Integration, Cross-Functional Team Leadership, Customer Satisfaction, Customized Reporting, Emerson DeltaV, Equipment Calibrations, Instrumentation, PLC Programming, Production Scheduling, Quality Systems Compliance, Rockwell Automation Software, Root Cause Analysis (RCA), Time Management Perquisites Current Employees apply HERE. Current Contingent Workers apply HERE. EEO and Compliance US and Puerto Rico Residents Only: Our company is committed to inclusion. Please click here if you need an accommodation during the application or hiring process. Equal Employment Opportunity provisions apply, prohibiting discrimination on race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or other legally protected characteristics. We comply with affirmative action requirements for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. We are proud to be a company that embraces diversity and inclusivity and encourages applicants with diverse experiences to apply. For more information about rights under U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment laws, visit: EEOC Know Your Rights, EEOC GINA Supplement. U.S. Hybrid Work Model: Effective Sept 5, 2023, office-based roles in the U.S. operate on a Hybrid model (three days on-site per week, Friday remote). This does not apply to field-based, facility-based, manufacturing-based, or remote-designated roles unless specified by a collective-bargaining agreement. Salary range: $87,300.00 - $137,400.00; eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive where applicable. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, retirement (401(k)), holidays, vacation, and sick days. Hiring details and deadlines are provided in the posting. Job Posting End Date: 04/23/2026. A posting remains effective until 11:59 PM on the day before the listed end date. #J-18808-Ljbffr