Senior Specialist – Biologics Pilot Plant Automation Engineer

MSD

. Lead and execute automation activities supporting pilot-scale GMP manufacturing campaigns for bulk biologics, including vaccines and therapeutic proteins used in clinical development .

Posted 11/5/2026full-timeUnited StatesSenior💰 $117,000 - $184,200 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in automation engineering for GMP manufacturing, with a focus on integrating and optimizing automation systems in the pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical sectors. Proficient in leading cross-functional teams and managing complex projects while ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Automation EngineeringGMP Manufacturing OperationsIgnition And/Or DeltaV PlatformsProcess Control SystemsAgile And Waterfall Methodologies

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Automation EngineeringGMP DocumentationIntegration And CommissioningProcess Hazard Analysis (PHA)Manufacturing Equipment Automation

Soft Skills

Strong Organizational SkillsPlanning SkillsCommunication SkillsAbility To Work IndependentlyCross-Functional Collaboration

Tools & Technologies

JiraConfluenceGantt-Based Planning ToolsMESIndustrial Networking Infrastructure

Industry Keywords

BiopharmaceuticalVaccine IndustryClinical DevelopmentGMPAutomation Technologies

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Cyber SecuritySDLC

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead and execute automation activities supporting pilot-scale GMP manufacturing campaigns for bulk biologics, including vaccines and therapeutic proteins used in clinical development
Provide technical leadership and ongoing support for facility automation systems
Serve as the automation subject matter expert for GMP clinical manufacturing campaigns
Lead and/or execute integration, commissioning, qualification, and startup of new equipment and automation projects
Author, review, and approve GMP documentation, including change controls, test protocols, SDLC documentation, SOPs, safety assessments, deviation investigations, and corrective actions
Lead maintenance, lifecycle management, and upgrade initiatives for automation systems
Evaluate and implement new automation technologies to improve plant reliability, efficiency, and operational performance
Collaborate with cross-functional teams in a multidisciplinary project environment
Cross-train across multiple technologies, systems, and manufacturing processes

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical discipline
Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience, including at least 3 years of automation engineering
Hands-on automation experience with Ignition and/or DeltaV platforms
Experience supporting GMP manufacturing operations within the pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical, or vaccine industry
Experience with manufacturing equipment automation, process control systems, and/or process hazard analysis (PHA)
Experience integrating equipment automation systems with enterprise IT-managed environments, including MES, virtualized environments, industrial networking infrastructure, Windows administration, cybersecurity, patching, and antivirus management
Familiarity with Agile and Waterfall project management methodologies
Experience using Jira, Confluence, RACI matrices, and Gantt-based planning tools
Strong motivation and ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
Strong organizational, planning, and communication skills
Ability to work effectively independently and within cross-functional teams

Benefits

Comp & perks

Annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable
Medical, dental, vision healthcare and other insurance benefits for employee and family
Retirement benefits, including 401(k)
Paid holidays
Vacation
Compassionate and sick days
Accommodation support during the application or hiring process, where needed