The Process Automation Engineer plays a key role in the successful delivery of growth projects by bridging process expertise and engineering execution. Acting as the technical link between Manufacturing, MSAT and Engineering, this position ensures that automation strategies and system implementations accurately reflect the intended process functionality, supporting efficient, safe and compliant plant orientation. The engineer is responsible for developing and executing automation concepts, control strategies, and testing methodologies from project design through commissioning and start-up.
Main Responsibilities
The process Automation Engineer contributes to all phases of project execution, ensuring process requirements are accurately translated into automation devilerables.
Gather Process Knowledge and Requirements
The engineer collaborates closely with Operations and MSAT teams to collect and interpret detailed process information. A key task is to build a solid understanding of the process fundamentals to define automation needs, control philosophy, and system requirements. The foundational work ensures that automation design supports process intent and operational functionality
Review and Asses Skid Design
Working alongside mechanical, process and equipment engineers, the Process Automation Engineer reviews P&IDs, 3D models, and design documentation to verify that skid design align with process requirements. The role involves early engagement to asses equipment automation interfaces and ensure process control needs are embedded in the design phase, avoiding rework during commissioning.
Translate Process Knowledge into Control Strategies
Using the process and design inputs, the engineer develops detailed control strategies and functional logic for the Distributed Control Systems (DCS). This includes defining control loops, modules, and process phases, as well as setting parameters for automation object creation. The engineer partners with the DCS supplier or internal automation team to ensure consistency in control philosophy, sequence logic, and alarm management across systems.
Develop Recipe Structure and Functional Diagrams
The Process Automation Engineer develops cleaning and production flowpaths, concept documents, and circuit lists for both CIP/SIP and production processes. They transform process understanding info functional diagrams, recipe structures, and specifications that define how the process will be automated. This includes documenting recipe parameters, control sequence, and process dependencies, and supporting MES integration as needed.
Create and Implement Testing Strategies
A critical part of the role is ensuring that automation logic and recipe execution perform as intended. The engineer develops and refines Factory Acceptance Test (FAT), Site Acceptance Test (DAT) and Operational Function Testing (OFT) strategies in close collaboration with the Commissioning and Qualification (CQV) team. They create and maintain dynamic testing matrices, mapping automation functions to process phases to ensure full coverage and traceability. The Process Automation Engineer supports start-up and qualification activities, troubleshooting automation performance and verifying control functionality during water and engineering runs
Cross-functional Collaboration
Throughout the project, the Process Automation Engineer works at the intersection of several key functions. They collaborate with Manufacturing and MSAT to capture process knowledge and operational requirements, with TPL Engineering to review and validate design documents, with EI&C for electrical and control hardware interfaces, and with the Recipe Development and CQV teams to ensure seamless execution from design to start-up. The position requires a proactive approach to communication and coordination, fostering alignment across technical disciplines and project phases.
Required Qualifications
* Bachelor or Master degree in Automation Engineering or Industrial Engineering (Chemical, Mechanical, or Process Engineering disciplines).
* Proven experience in process automation within GMP-regulated or industrial manufacturing environment.
* Solid understanding of process control principles, instrumentation, and automation system architecture.
* Hands-on experience with DCS platforms (e.g. Emerson DeltaV, Siemens PCS7, or equivalent).
* Proficiency in reading and interpreting P&IDs, control logic, and process documentation.
* Experience in supporting FAT/SAT, start-up, commissioning, and qualification phase.
* Experience with automation in biopharmaceutical or chemical process industries.
* Knowledge of MES interfaces and recipe-based control strategies.
* Strong analytical mindset with attention to detail and process safety.
* Excellent communication and teamwork skills, capable of interfacing across multiple disciplines and project stakeholders.
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