Automation Engineer – Alarm Rationalization

Industry: Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
Work Arrangement:
Remote
Contract Duration: Initial 6-month assignment, with potential for extension
Project Site Supported: Carolina, Puerto Rico

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Automation Engineer to support a site-wide Alarm Rationalization Program within a regulated pharmaceutical manufacturing environment.

This is a remote opportunity supporting automation and alarm management initiatives across multiple manufacturing and utilities areas. The selected candidate will be responsible for analyzing, rationalizing, configuring, testing, and validating automation system alarms while collaborating with Automation, Process Engineering, Operations, Quality, EHS, and Technical Services teams.

The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience with DeltaV and/or Rockwell Automation PLC/HMI systems, strong troubleshooting and data analysis skills, and experience working within GMP-regulated operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as a technical resource and Subject Matter Expert for alarm configuration within Rockwell Automation PLC/HMI and/or DeltaV systems.
• Extract, consolidate, and analyze alarm and event data to identify nuisance alarms, bad actors, alarm floods, and opportunities for improvement.
• Support and lead alarm rationalization activities across manufacturing, utilities, fermentation, purification, and wastewater treatment operations.
• Facilitate cross-functional alarm rationalization discussions to evaluate alarm:
  • Setpoints
  • Priorities
  • Causes
  • Consequences
  • Corrective actions
• Develop and maintain alarm rationalization documentation and the master alarm database.
• Initiate, prepare, coordinate, and manage change controls associated with alarm modifications.
• Configure and/or validate approved alarm changes within automation systems.
• Ensure compliance with applicable GMP, data integrity, validation, and quality requirements.
• Provide troubleshooting support for PLC/HMI and DeltaV alarm-related issues.
• Support testing and validation activities associated with implemented automation changes.
• Review applicable SOPs, drawings, schematics, work orders, and technical documentation.
• Develop user requirements, functional specifications, and supporting engineering documentation as required.
• Coordinate instrumentation, control-module, and setpoint changes with Engineering and Process teams.
• Track project activities and provide regular status and KPI reporting to key stakeholders.
• Support continuous improvement and re-rationalization activities as manufacturing processes evolve.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Chemical, Computer, Mechanical, Industrial Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• Previous experience in Automation, Controls, or Process Control within a manufacturing environment.
• Experience with DeltaV and/or Rockwell Automation PLC/HMI systems is highly preferred.
• Knowledge of industrial instrumentation, including smart and conventional instrumentation.
• Previous experience with alarm management or alarm rationalization is strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of ISA-18.2 and/or EEMUA 191 alarm management principles is a plus.
• Experience managing change controls within an electronic quality management system such as Veeva Vault or equivalent is preferred.
• Experience with Computer Systems Validation (CSV) within GMP-regulated operations.
• Strong knowledge of GMP requirements and data integrity principles.
• Strong data analysis skills, including proficiency with Excel and alarm management/reporting tools.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving capabilities.
• Ability to independently manage multiple priorities and project deliverables.
• Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Ability to work effectively with multidisciplinary teams in a remote environment.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred.
• Availability to provide support to a 24/7 manufacturing operation when required.

Preferred Experience

Experience in one or more of the following areas is highly desirable:

• Alarm Rationalization / Alarm Management
• DeltaV
• Rockwell Automation
• PLC / HMI
• Process Control
• Instrumentation
• Veeva Vault
• Change Controls
• Computer Systems Validation (CSV)
• Pharmaceutical or Biotechnology Manufacturing
• ISA-18.2 / EEMUA 191
• GMP Operations

Why Consider This Opportunity?

This role offers the opportunity to participate in a high-impact automation initiative within the pharmaceutical industry while working remotely. The selected engineer will collaborate with multidisciplinary technical teams and contribute directly to the optimization, reliability, and effectiveness of alarm management systems across a large manufacturing operation.

We are an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected status under applicable law.