Rockwell Area Lead
A rapidly growing automation and controls engineering firm is seeking an experienced Rockwell Automation Engineer - Area Lead to lead automation delivery across complex, multi‑unit pharmaceutical manufacturing projects. This fully remote role provides the opportunity to guide major automation workstreams while enjoying the flexibility to work from anywhere in the United States.
This position is ideal for senior‑level automation engineers who have owned full process areas, not just individual systems-professionals who have driven architecture, standards, integration, and long‑term maintainability across multi‑suite or multi‑train manufacturing operations.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Technical Ownership (Large‑Scale Area Leadership)
- Serve as the Area Lead with full ownership of an assigned manufacturing area (e.g., upstream, downstream, fill/finish, utilities), ensuring complete responsibility for the architecture, standards, system integration, and lifecycle documentation.
- Lead automation delivery across the entire engineering lifecycle: concept → FEED → detailed design → configuration → FAT/SAT → commissioning → validation → handover.
- Drive cross‑discipline coordination with process engineering, CQV, QA, validation, IT/OT, construction, and operations across multi‑suite or multi-train facilities.
- Provide architectural direction, mentor engineers, and ensure consistency of design, coding standards, and long-term system maintainability.
- Ensure automation solutions align with sitewide control strategies, data integrity requirements, and corporate automation governance.
Rockwell System Development
- Architect full Rockwell/Allen‑Bradley automation solutions using ControlLogix/CompactLogix, PlantPAx, FactoryTalk Batch, and FactoryTalk View SE/ME.
- Develop and review control logic, structured text, AOIs, HMI graphics, alarming, network segmentation, and batch/S88 implementations.
- Own I/O strategy, panel hardware architecture, controller loading, virtualization strategy, and system redundancy approaches.
- Lead integration of OEM skids and package systems, ensuring consistent design standards, namespace alignment, and seamless orchestration within the broader automation architecture.
GMP / Pharmaceutical Execution
- Lead creation and oversight of keyGMP automation documentation:
- URS
- FDS
- Detailed design/configuration documentation
- FAT/SAT protocols
- IQ/OQ validation deliverables
- Ensure compliance with GMP, 21 CFR Part 11, Annex 11, cybersecurity, data integrity, and site quality standards.
- Work with QA/Validation to resolve deviations, close change controls, and finalize qualification packages.
Project Delivery & Coordination
- Manage schedules, risks, deliverables, resourcing, and discipline interfaces for your assigned automation area.
- Represent automation in cross‑functional project meetings and serve as the primary decision-maker for your area.
- Support client teams through troubleshooting, readiness plans, operational transition, and long-term sustainment strategy.
Required Qualifications
Must‑Haves (Reflecting True Large‑Scale Area Ownership)
- Proven experience owning full manufacturing areas-not just isolated skids/systems-within pharmaceutical automation projects.
- Demonstrated responsibility for architecture, standards, governance, and cross‑suite integration.
- Senior-level Rockwell/Allen‑Bradley experience:
- ControlLogix/CompactLogix
- FactoryTalk View SE/ME
- PlantPAx / S88 batch experience
- AOIs, structured text, ladder logic, alarming, network design
- Track record leading automation efforts from early design → configuration → validation → operational handover in a GMP environment.
- Strong understanding of GMPs, validation frameworks, data integrity, and full automation lifecycle documentation.
- Ability to lead alignment across process, facilities, CQV, QA, OT/IT, and operations with minimal oversight.
Preferred
- Experience with biotech, sterile/aseptic manufacturing, clean utilities, or large greenfield/brownfield capital projects.
- Strong background in integrating OEM skids, data layers, historians, and plantwide automation networks.
Why This Role Is Unique
- 100% Remote - lead major pharma automation initiatives from anywhere.
- High autonomy with ownership of full manufacturing areas, not just isolated deliverables.
- Join a high-performing engineering culture delivering advanced automation to state‑of‑the‑art facilities.
- Opportunity to shape architecture, standards, and long-term automation strategy across major client sites.
Compensation & Benefits
- Competitive salary based on experience
- Project performance incentives
- Comprehensive benefits package
- Significant growth and leadership opportunities within a fast‑scaling consultancy
FAQs
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