Specialist, Automation

Emergent BioSolutions is committed to assisting employees achieve their professional goals. Internal job postings are one of the tools available to employees at Emergent BioSolutions to assist in their career management. This enables current employees who have remained in their current position for a minimum of one year to apply for an open position.

Job Summary

The Automation Specialist plays a key role in driving innovation and operational excellence at our pharmaceutical manufacturing site. This role leads the design and implementation of automation systems that support critical capital projects, ensuring compliance with cGMP standards. You’ll collaborate cross-functionally to optimize system performance, enhance reliability, and support a culture of continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Design control system architecture (hardware/software) and prepare specifications including user and functional requirements, process narratives, and P&ID-based documentation.
• Select appropriate instrumentation and equipment to meet project goals and align with system architecture.
• Lead automation-related capital projects, ensuring timely, budget-conscious delivery in compliance with cGMP.
• Guide stakeholders through trade-offs in cost, schedule, quality, and risk; propose innovative solutions to complex problems.
• Administer and maintain Honeywell EBI and DeltaV DCS systems, including field wiring and equipment installation.
• Troubleshoot system issues and assess equipment failures to inform maintenance and make the program improvements.
• Enhance system reliability through root cause analysis, reliability strategies, and sound engineering practices.
• Implement, validate, and maintain control systems and equipment upgrades.
• Support regulatory inspections (e.g., FDA, Health Canada, CDC) as a subject matter expert.
• Ensure automation systems and documentation meet internal and external compliance standards.
• Provide technical support across departments and projects; train and mentor team members.
• Prepare technical documentation and lead effective cross-functional meetings.
  
  

Education, Experience & Skills

• University degree or college diploma in Mechanical, BioSystems, Biomedical, Chemical, Instrumentation, Electrical, or Computer Engineering, or a related field, with 5+ years of relevant industry experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience in pharmaceutical or other federally regulated industries is considered an asset.
• Proficiency with DeltaV, Honeywell EBI, and PLC systems is strongly preferred.
• Solid understanding of control systems, instrumentation, and automation standards, techniques, and processes.
• Familiarity with utilities such as water purification, compressed air, and HVAC systems.
• Strong project management, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Knowledge of control valves, transmitters (pressure, temperature, flow), and related instrumentation.
• Ability to interpret and work with engineering documentation such as P&IDs, loop sheets, panel layouts, control narratives, and logic diagrams.
• Working knowledge of applicable codes, national standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Effective leadership, decision-making, and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and basic knowledge of AutoCAD.
  
  

There are physical/mental demands and work environment characteristics that must be met by an individual to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. This information is available upon request from the candidate.

As part of our team, you'll join talented and inspiring colleagues whose sense of purpose complements your own. We offer highly diverse career opportunities, a supportive culture, competitive salaries, flexible work arrangements and an extensive benefits package. Information submitted will be used by Emergent BioSolutions for activities related to your prospective employment. Emergent BioSolutions respects your privacy and any use of the information submitted will be subject to the terms of our Privacy Policy.