When joining PerkinElmer, you select an experienced and trusted leader in scientific solutions, with the support of a global service network and distribution centers, providing the right solution, at the right time, to meet critical customer needs. With over an 80+ year legacy of advancing science and a mission of innovating for a healthier world, our dedicated team collaborates closely with commercial, government, academic and healthcare customers to deliver our broad portfolio of analytical solutions, and OneSource services.
Job TitleDT&A - Lead Engineer, PLC/DCSLocation(s)US Remote - CO, US Remote - DC, US Remote - FL, US Remote - GA, US Remote - IN, US Remote - MA, US Remote - MO, US Remote - NC, US Remote - NJ, US Remote - OH, US Remote - PA, US Remote - TX, US Remote - VA
Job Description
This is a full-time salaried position with Project Farma, a PerkinElmer company. The successful candidate will reside in one of Project Farma's primary markets and be willing to travel domestically to meet client project requests.
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Project Farma’s purpose is to improve patient lives by accelerating the delivery of life-changing therapies. We accomplish this through the successful execution of high-quality life sciences projects across the full project lifecycle. Project Farma (PF) team members collaborate with cross-functional teams to build trusted client relationships, deliver an exceptional customer experience, and contribute to business growth by identifying opportunities and applying data-driven insights to support project planning, cost, schedule, and performance management.
All team members are expected to embody Project Farma’s values by being curious, personable, and unselfish, while maintaining a strong commitment to a Patient Focused and People First mindset.
The Lead Engineer is an advanced individual contributor with demonstrated depth in their technical discipline and a growing record of leading complex workstreams. This role applies strong subject‑matter expertise to solve high‑impact technical and operational challenges, supports technical decision‑making, and contributes to the evolution of standards, methods, or best practices within their area. They partner closely with project and people leaders—while remaining focused on technical delivery rather than formal people management.
Key Responsibilities
The Automation Engineer provides subject matter expertise in the design, implementation, and lifecycle management of automation systems across biologics, pharmaceutical, and novel therapy manufacturing facilities. This role requires deep experience with DCS/PLC/BMS/EMS platforms and the ability to author, interpret, and lead documentation such as URS, FRS, Functional Narratives, and detailed system architecture designs.
Automation Design & Architecture
Develop full automation system architectures for biologics, pharmaceutical, and advanced therapy manufacturing facilities (DCS, PLC/SCADA, MES, historians, network layers, field instrumentation).
Create ISA‑88/ISA‑95‑aligned architecture diagrams, I/O strategies, network topologies, and interface specifications.
Ensure architecture supports scalability, cybersecurity, data integrity, and multi‑product flexibility.
URS / FRS / Design Documentation
Lead the creation, review, and approval of:
URS (User Requirements Specifications)
FRS (Functional Requirements Specifications)
DS / DDS (Design Specifications)
Functional & Control Narratives
Recipe Design Documentation (ISA‑88 compliant)
Automation Standards & Engineering Guidelines Work cross functionally to translate process requirements into robust automation design documents.
Automation Implementation
Configure, program, and deploy DCS/PLC (modules, phases, recipes, batch strategies, graphics, alarms).
Support integration of OEM skids: bioreactors, chromatography systems, filtration skids, CIP/SIP, and fill finish equipment, HVAC, Chillers, Boilers, etc.
Commissioning, Validation & GMP Compliance
Detailed knowledge of FAT, SAT, IQ/OQ, and PQ protocols in alignment with GAMP 5 and 21 CFR Part 11.
Ensure automation changes meet data integrity requirements, change control processes, and validation lifecycle rules.
Lead deviation investigations, CAPAs, and risk assessments related to automation systems.
Manufacturing & Operations Support
Serve as SME for troubleshooting, system optimization, alarm tuning, batch failure analysis, and performance enhancements.
Support 24/7 operations through structured root cause analysis and resolution of automation issues.
Develop long-term automation lifecycle plans for upgrades, patches, and system expansions.
Cross Functional Leadership‑Functional Leadership
Collaborate with IT/OT, process engineering, quality, and capital project teams to deliver integrated automation solutions.
Manage vendors, system integrators, and OEMs; review design packages and ensure alignment with internal standards.
Mentor junior engineers and act as technical SME during audits and regulatory inspections.
Attributes for Success
Technical Delivery: Applies advanced technical knowledge and professional expertise
Innovation & Continuous Improvement: Seeks better ways, adapts to change and champions new ideas.
Customer Focus & Professionalism: Represents PF with consistent professionalism, appropriate escalation and respect for internal stakeholders, even during high stress delivery situations
Integrity & Humility: Demonstrates self-awareness and puts PF mission above ego
Collaboration & Communication: Communicates clearly and proactively and drives transparent alignment with clients.
Project Execution: Delivers reliably, manages priorities and drives for high quality outcomes
Growth Mindset: Shows openness to new ideas, feedback and change
Experience Required
Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Life Science, Engineering, or related discipline (OR a combination of equivalent work experience in capital project engineering, pharma cGMP facility start-up, CapEx/OpEx project management and/or comparable military experience.
Strong understanding of ISA‑88 batch control, ISA‑95 manufacturing hierarchy, BACnet, ISO 16484 and GAMP 5.
PLC/DCS 4+ years / 7+ years in automation engineering within GMP life sciences (biotech, pharma, ATMP). Expert-level experience with DeltaV DCS and/or Rockwell / Allen Bradley PLC/SCADA platforms.
BMS/EMS 4+ years / 7+ years in building automation engineering within GMP life sciences (biotech, pharma, ATMP). Expert-level experience with common BMS and EMS platforms (Siemens Desigo CC, Rockwell PLC, Schneider Electric, etc)
Willingness to travel as required for client project assignments.
Other Preferred
Strong communicator and influencer across engineering, quality, IT/OT, and manufacturing.
Structured thinker with advanced troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
Skilled at managing multiple priorities in a high pressure, regulated environment.
Ability to manage scope and track project changes
Demonstrated leadership and mentorship abilities.
Project Farma is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability status, age, or veteran status or any other characteristics protected by applicable law. PerkinElmer is committed to a culturally diverse workforce.
Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. We will not sponsor applicants for current or future work visas for this position. This position may require significant travel to support project and business needs. We cannot employ anyone with an invalid driver's license.
The annual compensation range for this full-time position is $100,000 - 135,000. The final base pay offered to the successful candidate will be determined by factors including internal equity, work location, as well as individual qualifications, such as job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.
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