Automation Engineer

Location: Vacaville, CA

Relocation assistance is available for eligible candidates and their families, if needed.

Today, Lonza is a global leader in life sciences operating across five continents. While we work in science, there’s no magic formula to how we do it. Our greatest scientific solution is dedicated people working together, devising ideas that help businesses to help people. In exchange, we let our people own their careers. Their ideas, big and small, genuinely improve the world. And that’s the kind of work we want to be part of.

Join Lonza in Vacaville, CA as an Automation Engineer. Work with the Process Automation Group's Project Support team on exciting projects such as tech transfers and new technology introductions. The projects include Cell Culture Plants (CCP) 1 and 2, as well as Distributed & Manufacturing Control Systems (DCS - Siemens/Modicon and MCS Honeywell/Rockwell).

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop, update, and approve automation-related design specifications and perform design reviews for both the CCP1 Distributed Control System (DCS) and the CCP2 Manufacturing Control System (MCS).
• Work with Manufacturing, Quality, and Technology departments to implement corrective actions and continuous improvement changes, and support capital projects.
• Lead automation projects across departments to resolve issues and implement changes efficiently.
• Lead and assist automation testing, debug, and startup activities.
• Perform off-line and on-line coding, testing, and code reviews.
• Support or lead design, development and execution of Automation Change Records (ACRs) and control qualification/commissioning test documentation.
• Provide technical assessments of proposed changes from other departments and evaluations of discrepancies that occur during manufacturing operations.
• Lead and assist in the troubleshooting of automation system configuration issues, process, equipment and automation system issues or failures as needed.
• Participate in the on-call rotation to provide 24/7 support for the CCP1 DCS and CCP2 MCS.
• Carry out comprehensive evaluations of implemented ACRs and tests for thoroughness and accuracy.
• Unplanned event actions, assessments and overall record ownership as required.
• Planned event (changes) assessments, actions and overall record ownership as required.
• Serve as the automation representative or lead across functional departments at various levels to drive efficient issue resolution and change implementation.
• Act as a System Owner or System Owner delegate as required.
• Mentor incoming automation engineers, more junior staff, consultants, interns or rotational personnel on configuration standards for all applicable process automation platforms.
• Develops policies and standards for the Automation Team at the site.
• Develops and implements new ways of working within Automation that improves both the level of quality and efficiency of the Automation Team.

Key requirements:

• BS/MS/PhD degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Computer, or Chemical Engineering, with a focus in Automation, or equivalent training.
• A minimum of 8 years of experience in the design, implementation and/or support of automation, control systems, and/or instrumentation, preferably in the Bio-Pharmaceutical, Pharmaceutical, food or other batch processing industries.
• Extensive working experience with distributed control systems, process control systems, software development methodologies, and automated systems life cycle support in a regulated industry.
• Extensive working experience of engineering techniques and principles and the ability to apply that knowledge as required.
• Detailed understanding of cGMP particularly as they relate to the operation, validation, and maintenance of computer-controlled systems.
• Familiarity with Instrumentation, Systems, and Automation Society (ISA) Standards S88 and S95 as well as the International Society for Pharmaceutical Engineering (ISPE) Good Automated Manufacturing Practice (GAMP) Guide to the Validation of Automated Systems.
• Detailed knowledge of FDA and EMA regulations, including ICH regulations.

Every day, Lonza’s products and services have a positive impact on millions of people. For us, this is not only a great privilege, but also a great responsibility. How we achieve our business results is just as important as the achievements themselves. At Lonza, we respect and protect our people and our environment.

Any success we achieve is no success at all if not achieved ethically.

People come to Lonza for the challenge and creativity of solving complex problems and developing new ideas in life sciences. In return, we offer the happiness that comes with improving lives all around the world. The happiness that comes with making a meaningful difference.

The full-time base annual salary for this position is between $112,00 and $147,000. Compensation for the role will depend on a number of factors, including the successful candidate’s qualifications, skills, proficiencies, experience, and job-related knowledge. Full-time employees receive a comprehensive benefits package including performance-related bonus, medical and dental coverage, 401k plan, life insurance, short-term and long-term disability insurance, an employee assistance program, paid time off (PTO), and more.

Lonza is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a qualified individual with disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.