Associate Automation Engineer

We are LOTTE BIOLOGICS! Delivering Therapies That Enable a Healthier World. 

A new company, built on 80 years of tradition. We embody our core values of being Inspired by Science, Embracing Diversity, Fostering Talent, and Connecting Lives. Our mission is to be the most trusted partner in the industry, with high standards of quality and continuous innovation, to reliably deliver benefits for patients worldwide. 

Position Summary

The Associate Automation Engineer is a key member of the IT Automation team supporting process controlled automated systems at the Syracuse, NY manufacturing facility. The primary role of the associate automation engineer is to design and participate in the implementation of engineering solutions for process equipment controls, S88 batch controls, hardware, device integration, and server support for the production and building control systems. The role will work directly with process experts in determining automation requirements, developing specifications, implementing hardware/software strategies, testing designs, providing rotating 24/7 support for manufacturing systems, and working safely and efficiently in a high compliance environment.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Owns end-to-end responsibility for providing design recommendations for automation related projects, ensuring processes are configured per user functional requirements.
• Support the operation of all GMP/ Non GMP manufacturing systems (Process Automation Systems and Building Automation Systems) in the Manufacturing facilities at Syracuse, NY.
• Participate in root case investigations of IT Automation problems and propose solutions to prevent recurrence.
• Support the configuration, testing and implementation of process control solutions to a variety of complex technical problems.
• Ensure the documentation of the knowledge base on how to resolve issues encountered, thus facilitate the job for future activities.
• Provide oversight and ownership on the Automated Manufacturing processes, including Batch Recipes, Formulas, Phases, automated sequences, hardware, and networking components.
• Participate in Lean OpEx initiatives that align with site strategy and interact with cross-functional groups to achieve departmental and organizational goals.
• Conduct all job activities in accordance with cGMP and EHS requirements.

Education & Experience

• Knowledge of engineering or sciences generally attained through studies resulting in a B.S. in, engineering, science, biochemistry or related discipline or its equivalent is highly desired
• Direct biologic manufacturing experience of 3+ years is desired.
• Knowledge and proven expertise of engineering and operating principles related to typical biopharmaceutical upstream and downstream processing and support equipment including but not limited to bioreactors, filtration and ultra-filtration, CIP, SIP, centrifugation, chromatography, and media and buffer make-up is preferred.
• Experience with Emerson DeltaV Distributed Control Systems and/or Rockwell/Allen Bradley PLCs preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Knowledge of products and technologies provided by major automation vendors, including but not limited to: Emerson - DeltaV, Rockwell - Factory Talk & Thin Manager, and Millipore - Common Control Platform.
• Experience in deploying computing hardware and communication systems that include PCs, servers, thin clients, Ethernet infrastructure. Knowledge of instrumentation bus protocols (Ethernet, Foundation FieldBus, ProfiBus, DeviceNet, etc.) a plus.
• Ability to execute innovative process control solutions for continuous improvement for control of the manufacturing operations.
• Understanding of Process Flow Diagrams, Standard Operating Procedures, and Manufacturing Batch Records to design appropriate controls system programming.
• Technical problem solving and analysis skills as well as good communications skills (verbal and written).
• Demonstrated experience in process control methods and industry standards.
• Demonstrated ability to understand process design documents such as P&IDs, electrical schematics, and loop drawings.
• Demonstrated ability to participate in multi-disciplined team environment to achieve goals.
• Knowledge and understanding of applicable regulatory requirements.
• Knowledge of current industry standards for Safety and Automation.
• Adaptable to a fast paced, complex, and ever-changing business environment.

Physical Demands

This position is primarily office-based and requires frequent use of computers, monitors, keyboards, and other technology equipment for system configuration, programming, troubleshooting, and documentation activities. The role also requires regular visits to manufacturing and utility areas to support automation systems, equipment installations, investigations, testing, and commissioning activities.

Employees may be required to stand, walk, climb stairs, bend, stoop, reach, and work around manufacturing equipment for extended periods. The ability to safely access production, utility, and mechanical spaces is required. Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) must be worn when working in GMP manufacturing areas, laboratories, utility spaces, and other operational environments. Occasional lifting and carrying of equipment, tools, or computer hardware weighing up to 25 pounds may be required.

Work Environment

This position operates in a combination of office, laboratory, utility, and GMP manufacturing environments within a highly regulated biopharmaceutical facility. This role works closely with cross-functional teams including Manufacturing, Engineering, Quality, Validation, Facilities, and Information Technology, while also performing independent project and troubleshooting activities.

The role may require work in active manufacturing areas where noise levels, temperature variations, and operational equipment are present. Participation in system implementations, maintenance activities, investigations, and troubleshooting efforts may occasionally require off-shift support, weekends, holidays, or inclusion in a rotating 24/7 on-call support schedule to ensure manufacturing and building automation systems remain operational. Adherence to cGMP, safety, and environmental health requirements is required at all times.

Travel

The position may require up to 5% of travel. 

Target Bonus

8%

Work Location:

East Syracuse, NY 

New York Pay Range

$60,000—$88,000 USD

We are an Equal Employment Opportunity (“EEO”) Employer. 

We believe that women, people of color, veterans and LGBTQ communities must participate in the work we do, so we strongly encourage applications from people with these identities or who are members of underrepresented communities! If this is the work that you want to do, in a culture of inclusion and excellence with the goal of making our world to be a healthier place, then please apply today!