Automation Controls Engineer

Job Title: Automation Controls Engineer

Job Description

The Automation Controls Engineer supports PLC, HMI, SCADA, and automated manufacturing systems within a GMP-regulated pharmaceutical manufacturing environment. This role focuses on troubleshooting production equipment, supporting packaging and aseptic manufacturing automation, executing control system changes, partnering with validation and quality teams, and driving equipment reliability and continuous improvement across manufacturing and packaging operations.

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot PLC, HMI, and SCADA systems to ensure reliable operation of automated manufacturing and packaging equipment.

• Support automation for packaging lines and aseptic manufacturing processes in a GMP-regulated pharmaceutical facility.

• Diagnose and resolve control system and process issues through structured root cause analysis and process troubleshooting.

• Execute control system changes in alignment with change control procedures and regulatory requirements.

• Partner closely with validation, quality, manufacturing, and engineering teams to implement and document control system modifications.

• Contribute to FAT, SAT, IQ, OQ, and PQ validation activities for new and existing automation and control systems.

• Drive equipment reliability initiatives for packaging lines, filling equipment, labeling systems, inspection systems, robotics, motion control, and vision systems.

• Support and optimize serialization systems and manufacturing execution systems (MES) to enhance traceability and compliance.

• Prepare clear technical documentation and reports related to control changes, troubleshooting activities, and validation efforts.

• Ensure automation and control systems comply with GMP requirements, 21 CFR Part 11, and other relevant industry regulations.

• Participate in continuous improvement projects focused on increasing production reliability, efficiency, and throughput.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement cutting-edge manufacturing automation solutions and best practices.

• Provide technical support on the production floor, including accessing equipment, control panels, and manufacturing suites as needed.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related technical field.

• 3+ years of experience in automation, controls, or manufacturing engineering.

• Hands-on PLC programming and PLC troubleshooting experience.

• Strong HMI systems troubleshooting and controls engineering experience.

• Experience supporting automated manufacturing or packaging equipment.

• Experience working in a regulated manufacturing environment such as GMP pharmaceutical, biotech, medical device, food, or chemical manufacturing.

• Proficiency in automation controls, industrial networking, and control system integration.

• Demonstrated ability to perform root cause analysis and process troubleshooting on production equipment.

• Experience with equipment reliability initiatives and continuous improvement in manufacturing environments.

• Familiarity with change control processes and documentation in regulated industries.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in pharmaceutical manufacturing or biotechnology environments.

• Experience in medical device, food, or chemical manufacturing industries.

• Hands-on experience with packaging lines, filling equipment, labeling systems, inspection systems, robotics, motion control systems, and vision systems.

• Experience with serialization systems and packaging automation.

• Knowledge of Rockwell Automation and Siemens PLC platforms.

• Experience with Wonderware and SCADA systems.

• Exposure to manufacturing execution systems (MES).

• Understanding of FAT, SAT, IQ, OQ, and PQ validation processes.

• Knowledge of 21 CFR Part 11 and compliance for automated systems.

• Experience in aseptic manufacturing environments.

• Ability to write clear technical reports and documentation.

• Mechanical engineering or experience supporting mechanical aspects of automated equipment.

• Interest in working with cutting-edge manufacturing automation and driving production reliability and efficiency.

• Motivation to grow professionally in a high-visibility role within an expanding pharmaceutical manufacturing site.

Work Environment

This role is based on-site at a pharmaceutical manufacturing facility that includes cleanroom and aseptic production environments, packaging and inspection operations, and a mix of office and production floor exposure. The position requires regular access to equipment, control panels, and manufacturing suites. Personal protective equipment and gowning are required when entering cleanroom and aseptic areas. The environment offers exposure to advanced automation technologies, high-impact manufacturing operations, and close collaboration with quality, validation, manufacturing, and engineering teams in a growing and dynamic setting.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Sacramento, CA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $135000.00 - $160000.00/yr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Company offers Medical, dental & vision

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Sacramento,CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 14, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [email protected] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.