Automation Engineer III

Work Schedule Standard (Mon-Fri) Environmental Conditions Able to lift 40 lbs. without assistance, Adherence to all Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) Safety Standards, Some degree of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) required (safety glasses, gowning, gloves, lab coat, ear plugs etc.) Job Description As part of the Thermo Fisher Scientific team, you'll discover meaningful work that makes a positive impact on a global scale. Join our colleagues in bringing our Mission to life every single day to enable our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer. We provide our global teams with the resources needed to achieve individual career goals while helping to take science a step beyond by developing solutions for some of the world's toughest challenges, like protecting the environment, making sure our food is safe or helping find cures for cancer. Description As an Automation Manufacturing Engineer III at Thermo Fisher Scientific, you will optimize production processes, implement new automation technologies, and drive continuous improvement initiatives. You'll work with cross-functional teams to ensure the efficient manufacture of high-quality products while maintaining compliance with regulatory requirements. This position offers the opportunity to contribute meaningfully by enabling our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer through innovative manufacturing solutions. You will manage process improvement projects, provide technical automation systems expertise for new product introductions and implement industrial controls and automation systems solutions. Working with R&D, Quality, Production, and other departments, you'll optimize existing automated processes while ensuring consistent product quality and regulatory compliance. Your analytical skills and engineering expertise will help drive cost reductions, improve efficiency, and enhance manufacturing capabilities across our operations. Requirements Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field preferred. Associate Degree or equivalent with 5 + years of experience required. Equivalent combinations of education, training, and experience in manufacturing engineering within regulated industries (pharmaceutical, medical device, or similar) will be considered. Strong knowledge of GMP and life sciences regulatory requirements. Proficiency in PLC programming, HMI/SCADA systems, DCS platforms, and industrial networking (e.g., Profibus, EtherNet/IP). Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Excellent attention to detail and organizational abilities. Effective written and verbal communication skills. Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a dynamic manufacturing environment. Experience supporting engineers and technicians in a production setting. Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and prioritize effectively. Experience with risk assessment methodologies and root cause analysis. Familiarity with change management principles and processes. Proficiency with Microsoft Office and relevant engineering/automation software. Willingness and ability to travel up to 20%, including support of Factory Acceptance Tests (FATs) at domestic and international vendor sites. Ability to work in cleanroom environments as required. Key Responsibilities Troubleshooting & Support: Provide on-call (24/7) technical support, troubleshooting, and optimization for sterile manufacturing systems, including autoclaves, parts washers, filling lines, and CIP/SIP systems. System Design & Implementation: Contribute to automation and control system design; oversee contractors during implementation, commissioning, and validation of systems (e.g., D3 DCS, Siemens, Allen-Bradley) for both production and utility systems. Documentation: Develop, review, and maintain functional design specifications (FDS), software design documentation, and validation protocols. Compliance & Validation: Ensure all systems comply with cGMP, GAMP 5, and FDA regulatory requirements. Project Execution: Partner with cross-functional teams (Process Engineering, Operations, Validation, Quality, IT) to execute automation projects, manage vendors, and support system upgrades and lifecycle management. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Hands-on experience with Allen-Bradley PLCs (ControlLogix preferred) and process control systems. Experience developing and supporting Rockwell FactoryTalk SCADA applications. Familiarity with D/3 (or similar) DCS platforms, or ability to quickly learn. Experience with OPC communication setup and configuration. Working knowledge of SQL Server, including data queries, support, and basic database management. Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and technical drawings. Basic understanding of HVAC, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems. Experience configuring and troubleshooting servo systems and variable frequency drives (VFDs). Experience with Optima and IMA sterile filling systems is highly preferred. Willingness and ability to travel up to 20%, including support of Factory Acceptance Tests (FATs) at domestic and international vendor sites. Benefits We offer competitive remuneration, annual incentive plan bonus, healthcare, and a range of employee benefits. Thermo Fisher Scientific offers employment with an innovative, forward-thinking organization, and outstanding career and development prospects. We offer an exciting company culture that stands for integrity, intensity, involvement, and innovation! Other Relocation assistance is not provided. Must be legally authorized to work in the United States now and in the future, without sponsorship. Must be able to pass a comprehensive background check, which includes a drug screening. Thank you for your interest as you consider starting a new career journey with us. As the world leader in serving science, our colleagues develop critical solutions through innovation—and build rewarding careers. Discover their extraordinary stories and connection to our Mission to enable our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer. Their work is a story of purpose. What story will you tell? Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. is the world leader in serving science, with annual revenue of more than $40 billion. Our Mission is to enable our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer. Whether our customers are accelerating life sciences research, solving complex analytical challenges, increasing productivity in their laboratories, improving patient health through diagnostics or the development and manufacture of life-changing therapies, we are here to support them. Our global team delivers an unrivaled combination of innovative technologies, purchasing convenience and pharmaceutical services through our industry-leading brands, including Thermo Scientific, Applied Biosystems, Invitrogen, Fisher Scientific, Unity Lab Services, Patheon and PPD. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.