Senior Automation Engineer, Manufacturing Automation

Job Description

THE OPPORTUNITY

Our Engineers support manufacturing operations to remain operational, continuously improve and innovate. With our extensive range of facilities and environments, our Engineers have opportunities across many diverse areas including Manufacturing Operations, Automation, Utilities, Capital Projects, Process Development, Technical Services, Maintenance and Validation.

The Senior Automation Engineer is responsible for providing technical support in the field of automation and supports a large spectrum of automated systems within Manufacturing Operations. He/She is also responsible for resolution of automation problems, implementation of automation changes and troubleshooting in compliance with SDLC, GMP, safety and environmental regulations. He/She actively supports an empowered team culture including significant interaction with Manufacturing, Quality, Pharm Technical Operations and Engineering groups.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

Critical Responsibilities but not limited to:

• Lead and manage automation activities supporting new product introductions, new manufacturing capabilities, process optimisation initiatives and technical transfers into manufacturing.
• Provide technical support for manufacturing and utility systems during equipment start-up, commissioning, qualification and routine operations.
• Identify opportunities to improve control systems, manufacturing processes and equipment reliability by leveraging industry best practices and continuous improvement principles.
• Lead complex troubleshooting and investigations involving production processes, equipment, automation systems and software configuration to minimise operational impact.
• Perform automation maintenance activities including preventive maintenance, periodic reviews, backup verification, disaster recovery testing and obsolescence management to ensure systems remain compliant and in a validated state.
• Support DeltaV DCS lifecycle management activities including system monitoring, infrastructure support, development environment maintenance and implementation of system improvements.
• Develop, review and maintain automation SOPs, Job Aids, SDLC documentation, test protocols and validation deliverables to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Prepare and execute AIQ, AOQ, test plans and supporting documentation in accordance with quality and validation requirements.
• Execute automation change controls and manage implementation activities to ensure changes are delivered on time without impacting manufacturing operations.
• Support site capital projects, plant improvement initiatives and automation projects through technical leadership and execution.
• Perform root cause analysis, develop corrective and preventive actions, and implement sustainable solutions to prevent recurrence of automation-related issues.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing, Quality, Pharm Technical Operations and Engineering teams to support reliable product supply and successful project execution.
• Support investigations, deviations, atypical events and fault reports related to automation systems and ensure timely resolution.
• Participate in HAZOP reviews and complete assigned actions as required.
• Support Service Owner and System Owner responsibilities for DCS, PLC, BMS, EMS, utility and other automation systems as assigned.
• Develop automation training materials and provide technical coaching to engineers, operators and site stakeholders.

WHAT YOU MUST HAVE

• Bachelor's degree in Automation, Electronics & Electrical Engineering, Instrumentation Engineering, Information Technology, Computer Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Life Sciences or equivalent.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

• Minimum 5 years relevant technical experience in Process Automation, preferably within pharmaceutical, biotechnology, chemical or manufacturing industries.
• Hands-on experience supporting Emerson DeltaV DCS and/or other distributed control systems.
• Experience supporting GMP-regulated manufacturing operations and working within SDLC and change management frameworks.
• Strong troubleshooting, root cause analysis and problem-solving skills.
• Experience supporting commissioning, qualification, startup and operational manufacturing activities.
• Good communication skills and strong stakeholder management capabilities.
• Demonstrates ability to work independently and drive results across multiple assignments in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Customer-focused, proactive and willing to take on challenges.
• Ability to work effectively across functional boundaries and collaborate with diverse teams to achieve common goals.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE

• Experience supporting DeltaV Batch applications and ISA-88 batch manufacturing systems.
• Experience supporting manufacturing utility systems including BMS, EMS, water systems and PLC-based platforms.
• Experience with automation lifecycle management, disaster recovery, system administration or infrastructure support activities.
• Experience supporting new product introduction (NPI), technical transfer and capital project execution.
• Experience supporting 24x7 manufacturing operations and participation in standby support programmes.

Required Skills:

Automation Solutions, Automation Systems, Automation Technology, Continual Improvement Process, Manufacturing Automation, Process Automations

Preferred Skills:

Communication, Manufacturing, Root Cause Analysis (RCA)

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Search Firm Representatives Please Read Carefully 
Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, also known as Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, Rahway, NJ, USA, does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. All CVs / resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at our company without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of our company.  No fee will be paid in the event a candidate is hired by our company as a result of an agency referral where no pre-existing agreement is in place. Where agency agreements are in place, introductions are position specific. Please, no phone calls or emails. 

Employee Status:

Regular

Relocation:

VISA Sponsorship:

Travel Requirements:

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Not Applicable

Shift:

Valid Driving License:

Hazardous Material(s):

Job Posting End Date:

10/13/2026

*A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFORE the listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date.