Automation Engineer

Simtra BioPharma Solutions (Simtra) is a world-class Contract Development Manufacturing Organization, partnering with pharmaceutical and biotech companies to bring their sterile injectable products to market. With facilities in Bloomington, Indiana, US and Halle/Westfalen, Germany, we offer a wide range of delivery systems including pre-filled syringes, liquid/lyophilized vials, diluents for reconstitution, powder-filled vials and sterile crystallization.  

Our product types include biologics and small molecules, cytotoxics, highly potent compounds, diluents for reconstitution and vaccines – which are all directly injected into patients worldwide.  As such, there is a strong emphasis on quality and continuous improvement at Simtra.  We hold ourselves to the highest quality and regulatory standards.

While our primary focus is cGMP manufacturing, we offer many support services including formulation and development, lyophilization optimization, global regulatory support and secondary packaging.  Our teams are driven to help clients scale, innovate and bring life-changing medicines to patients worldwide.

Why join Team Simtra? Because we:

Make it HAPPEN – We bring a growth mindset to every opportunity, developing new skillsets and exceeding our expectations and those of our customers.

Make it TOGETHER – We work as one, respecting each voice and tapping into our unique strengths across teams—so we can solve problems in new ways.

Make it RIGHT – We hold ourselves to a high standard of excellence, fulfilling our commitments to the customer, their patients, and our team members.

Make it COUNT – We take pride in our day-to-day work, knowing the impact we make – taking on challenges big and small to improve patient health.

This role:

We are looking for Automation Engineers (level depends on experience) that are responsible for leading the identification, implementation, optimization, and maintenance of process automation and controls systems in pharmaceutical processing, packaging, and facilities. These engineers ensure efficient, quality, functional, and compliant process automation systems and supports engineering systems, capital projects, technical services, and plant support, as applicable. These positions are 100% onsite at the Bloomington, Indiana facility and reports directly to the Sr. Manager, Automation Engineering.

The responsibilities:

• Lead various aspects of support needed in the design, development, and implementation of the site process automation and controls systems
• Develop, modify, and troubleshoot PLC & HMI programs
• Specify and configure ins
• Identify and drive improvement opportunities for equipment, instrument, and process optimization, efficiency, and cost reduction through automation technologies and lead initiatives to implement projects
• Lead the deployment of the full system lifecycle for process automation and control systems including the design, assessment, selection, commissioning, validation, and implementation of systems
• Troubleshoot automation and controls systems issues, conduct root causes analysis, and implement corrective actions to minimize downtime and ensure continuous operations
• Conduct risk assessments of automation and controls systems
• Ensure automation and controls systems meet regulatory requirements by conducting and assisting with validation activities

Required qualifications:

• BS in Engineering (Computer, Electrical, Computer Science, Systems Engineering and Design, or related field), plus 6+ years of relevant experience
• Work experience in process automation and controls systems (including programming PLCs, SCADA, and HMI systems) in pharmaceutical and/or manufacturing environments
• Experience in reading and interpreting electrical schematics and Process & Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs)
• Experience in Ignition SCADA/HMI
• Knowledge of coding in Rockwell and Siemens (PLCs and HMIs)
• Knowledge of automation and controls hardware and software systems
• Ability to prioritize projects and workload
• Excellent verbal communication and technical writing skills

Physical/safety requirements:

• Duties may require overtime work, including nights and weekends
• Position requires sitting for long hours, but may also involve walking or standing for long periods of time
• Variable travel of 0-10% could be expected
• Must be able to lift, push, pull, and carry up to 50 lbs
• Must be able to lift 20 lbs overhead
• Must be able to wear personal protective equipment (PPE), as required

In return, you’ll be eligible for[1]:

• Day One Benefits

  • Medical & Dental Coverage
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Life and AD&D Insurance
  • Supplemental Life Insurance
    • Spouse Life Insurance
    • Child Life Insurance
  • 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with Company Match
  • Time Off Program
    • Paid Holidays
    • Paid Time Off
    • Paid Parental Leave and more
  • Adoption Reimbursement Program
  • Education Assistance Program
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Community and Volunteer Service Program
  • Employee Ownership Plan

• Additional Benefits

  • Short and Long-Term Disability Insurance

  • Voluntary Insurance Benefits

    • Vision Coverage
    • Accident
    • Critical Illness
    • Hospital Indemnity Insurance
    • Identity Theft Protection
    • Legal and more

  • Onsite Campus Amenities

    • Workout Facility
    • Cafeteria
    • Credit Union

[1] Current benefit offerings are in effect through 12/31/26

Disclaimer

This job description is intended to provide the minimum knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to perform the job.  It may not be inclusive of all the duties and responsibilities of the job.  Simtra reserves the right to make modifications based on business requirements.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Simtra is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Simtra evaluates qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, protected veteran status, disability/handicap status or any other legally protected characteristic.

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