Sr. Automation Engineer

COMPANY DESCRIPTION: 

A career here is life-enhancing.

At Syner-G, we enable our people to build careers that impact positively on their quality of life. Through our expertise, insight, consulting and management skills, we accelerate breakthrough science and delivery of life-enhancing therapies to more patients. We work across a diverse range of clients and projects, supporting many organizations from the most critical phases of the drug discovery and approval process through to commercialization. It is meaningful, varied and thought-provoking work with a strategic emphasis, a solutions-driven approach and significant, real-world outcomes, from science to delivery/success. To learn more about who we are and what drives us, watch our company video here. 

Underpinning this mission is a culture that aligns perfectly with what we want to achieve. We enable our people to grow, we support them in their learning and we reward them in so many different ways. In return, they play an instrumental role in maintaining our reputation across the globe as a strategic biopharma product development and delivery partner.

Syner-G was recently honored with BioSpace's prestigious "Best Places to Work" 2026 award, for the third consecutive year, along with many other award-winning programs to make a career here truly life-enhancing. These recognitions are a testament to our commitment to fostering a positive and engaging work environment for our employees, with a particular emphasis on culture, career growth and development opportunities, financial rewards, leadership and innovation. 

At Syner-G, we recognize that our team members are our most valuable asset. Join us in shaping the future, where your talents are valued, and your contributions make a meaningful impact. 

For more information, visit www.Synergbiopharma.com

POSITION OVERVIEW:
Syner-G is seeking a Sr. Automation Engineer with 7–11 years of experience and strong hands-on expertise in Ignition SCADA, PLC-level programming (Rockwell and/or Siemens), and exposure to modern digital or MES-lite system architectures. This role leads the oversight, documentation, and lifecycle management of automation and digital systems in GMP-regulated environments. The Sr. Automation Engineer will act as a senior technical authority, driving automation strategy, ensuring system reliability and compliance, and supporting complex troubleshooting and integration efforts across client engagements.

WORK LOCATION: Travel to client sites may be required up to 100%, depending on project needs and client expectations.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: (This list is not exhaustive and may be supplemented or changed as necessary.)

• Lead development, maintenance, and review of automation system documentation, including SOPs, design documents, and lifecycle deliverables such as DS, FS, CA, RTM, and RA.
• Oversee system lifecycle activities, periodic reviews, and audit readiness aligned with regulatory expectations and industry best practices.
• Author, review, and execute complex validation documentation including IOQs, engineering tests, protocols, and summary reports.
• Drive CSV and SDLC processes with strong traceability, risk assessments, and compliance rigor.
• Perform advanced data and system reviews, including alarm rationalization, user access audits, and performance evaluations.
• Own and manage automation-related change records, including impact assessments, stakeholder coordination, and documentation updates.
• Oversee and coordinate maintenance activities, work orders, and system enhancements across automation and digital platforms.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external vendors to resolve complex issues, support upgrades, and implement system improvements.
• Serve as a senior liaison between Facilities, Quality, IT, Operations, and external partners.
• Mentor junior and mid-level automation staff, providing technical leadership and oversight. 
• Lead audit preparation activities and ensure systems remain inspection-ready at all times.
• Provide subject-matter leadership in Ignition SCADA configuration, scripting, module management, and integration with PLCs and MES-lite systems.
• Support PLC and SCADA programming, troubleshooting, and optimization across Rockwell, Siemens, and related control platforms.
• Contribute to digital transformation initiatives, including MES-lite deployments, data modeling, historian integration, and OT/IT convergence efforts.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS:

Education:

• BS or MS in Engineering, Life Sciences, or a related technical field preferred.

Experience: 

• 7–11 years supporting and leading automation initiatives in GMP-regulated biotech or pharmaceutical environments.
• Hands-on experience with Ignition (Inductive Automation) for SCADA/HMI development, scripting, gateway configuration, and system integration.
• PLC-level programming experience with Rockwell ControlLogix or CompactLogix and/or Siemens S7 or TIA Portal.
• Experience with BAS/BMS, EMS, or process automation platforms such as Siemens Desigo, DeltaV, Rockwell, or PLC/SCADA systems.
• Exposure to modern digital or MES-lite stacks such as Ignition Perspective, Sepasoft modules, lightweight MES workflows, data lakes, or historians.
• Extensive background in GMP documentation, validation, and CSV/SDLC processes.
• Demonstrated ability to lead technical efforts, manage complex automation projects, and support SMEs through strong documentation, coordination, and compliance execution.

Technical Skills:

• Strong understanding of automation system architecture, control logic, alarm logic, and point configuration review.
• Strong Ignition development skills including Vision or Perspective, scripting, UDTs, tag structures, and gateway configuration.
• Advanced skill in writing, reviewing, and managing controlled documents and validation protocols. Strong leadership, communication, organization, and cross-functional coordination abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple high-priority tasks in a fast-paced, compliance-driven environment.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Physical Demands: 

The physical demands described here are representative of the requirements that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use a computer keyboard and mouse; reach with hands and arms; talk and listen. The employee is frequently required to walk and sit, as well as to lift and carry objects such as books and files weighing up to 25 pounds. The employee is occasionally required to stand, stoop, or kneel. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. 

Work Environment: 

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job, including moderate noise level, an indoor temperate environment, and light levels that are bright and conducive to minimal eye strain, typical for an office environment. 

TOTAL REWARDS PROGRAM:

We define total rewards as compensation, benefits, remote work/flexibility, development, recognition, and our culture with programs that support each of our reward pillars. This includes a market competitive base salary and annual incentive plan, robust benefit offerings, and ongoing recognition and career development opportunities. Employees also enjoy our generous flexible paid time off program, company-paid holidays, flexible working hours, and fully remote work options for most positions and the ability to work “almost anywhere.” However, if a physical work location is more for you, we have office locations in Greater Boston; San Diego, CA; Boulder, CO; and India.

LEGAL STATEMENT:
 
Syner-G is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. All employment decisions, including the recruiting, hiring, placement, training availability, promotion, compensation, evaluation, disciplinary actions, and termination of employment (if necessary) are made without regard to the employee’s race, color, creed, religion, sex, pregnancy or childbirth, personal appearance, family responsibilities, sexual orientation or preference, gender identity, political affiliation, source of income, place of residence, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, age, marital status, military veteran status, unfavorable discharge from military service, physical or mental disability, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law. Syner-G is an E-Verify employer.