Lead Automation Engineer – Life Sciences

Location: NY / New England Region / North Carolina (3 Openings)
Department: Operations
Industry: Life Sciences / Automation

About the Company

Our client is a large national engineering and system integration firm delivering advanced automation and control solutions across Life Sciences, CPG, and other process industries.

With decades of experience and a strong North American presence, they partner with leading manufacturers to design, standardize, and deploy scalable automation systems in complex, regulated environments. Life Sciences is a key growth area, supporting pharmaceutical clients in advancing digital manufacturing capabilities.

The Role

The Lead Automation Engineer will serve as the technical lead across a portfolio of projects, working closely with Project Management while maintaining hands-on ownership of system design and development.

This is a true player-coach role—you will lead from the front technically while also engaging directly with clients and supporting business development efforts.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Leadership

• Lead the design, configuration, and testing of continuous and batch control systems

• Serve as the technical authority across projects

• Maintain hands-on involvement in:

  • PLC programming

  • HMI / SCADA development

  • System integration and troubleshooting

• Mentor junior engineers and guide engineering direction

• Stay close to the code—this is not a hands-off leadership role

Project Ownership

• Manage a portfolio of projects alongside Project Managers

• Support:

  • Scope definition

  • Scheduling and budgeting

  • Change order identification and justification

• Ensure successful delivery across multiple engagements

• Support startup, commissioning, and troubleshooting

Client-Facing Leadership (Critical)

• Act as a primary technical interface with clients

• Lead technical discussions, presentations, and working sessions

• Manage expectations and deliver difficult or complex messages when needed

• Operate with a service-provider mindset and strong accountability

Sales & Proposal Support

• Partner with sales teams on new project pursuits

• Contribute to proposals including:

  • Solution approach

  • Scope definition

  • Feasibility validation

• Help position the organization as a trusted automation advisor

Team Development

• Mentor and develop junior and mid-level engineers

• Promote knowledge sharing and best practices

• Contribute to building a strong technical culture

Requirements

Core Experience

• 8+ years in process automation and controls engineering

• Strong background in Life Sciences

• Proven experience operating as a technical lead

Platform Expertise

• Deep experience with Rockwell Automation stack:

  • Studio 5000 / ControlLogix

  • FactoryTalk (View, Batch, Historian)

• Experience with SCADA platforms (Ignition strongly preferred)

• Exposure to additional platforms (Siemens, DeltaV, etc.) is a plus

Technical & Regulatory Knowledge

• Experience with:

  • PLC, HMI, SCADA system development

  • Batch and continuous process control

  • System integration and SQL/database connectivity

• Knowledge of:

  • ISA S88 / S95

  • GAMP 5

  • cGMP

  • 21 CFR Part 11

• Experience supporting startup and commissioning in live environments

Client-Facing & Commercial Capability (Non-Negotiable)

• Proven experience working directly with clients

• Comfortable with:

  • Presentations

  • Managing expectations

  • Navigating challenging conversations

• Ability to contribute to sales efforts and project acquisition

Work Model

• Hybrid role with flexibility

• Must be local enough for regular office collaboration and mentorship

• Project-based travel (not excessive)

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive base salary aligned with market for Lead Automation Engineers

• Performance-based bonuses including:

  • Company performance

  • Project performance

  • “Above & Beyond” incentives (paid for hours over 40/week)

Benefits Package

• 401(k) with immediate vesting

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage

• Generous PTO and paid holidays

• Ongoing training and professional development

How to Apply

If you’re ready to take your career to the next level and help shape the future of Life Sciences automation:

📩 Send your CV to:
candidate@xperiorglobal.com