Mentor Technical Group · 7 hours ago
Automation Engineer / Automation & Controls Specialist
Durham, NC
Full-time
Onsite
Mid LevelMentor Technical Group is seeking an Automation Engineer to provide technical support for automated manufacturing and inspection systems in a regulated environment. The role involves troubleshooting, maintaining, and enhancing automation systems while ensuring compliance with industry standards.
BiotechnologyFacility ManagementLife Science
Responsibilities
Serve as the primary escalation point for automation and equipment control issues during syringe filling, inspection engineering activities, and manufacturing operations
Rapidly respond to alarms, equipment faults, and automation-related process deviations to minimize downtime and production impact
Monitor automated system performance, trends, and logs to proactively identify reliability or control-related concerns
Collaborate with engineering peers to meet project deliverables and mitigate schedule risks
Partner with manufacturing operators to ensure safe, compliant, and efficient automated production
Perform first-line troubleshooting of PLCs, HMIs, servo systems, robotics, sensors, vision systems, pneumatics, and other control components
Implement minor PLC and HMI code modifications following established engineering change control procedures
Support deployment of automation updates, patches, and configuration changes
Work closely with maintenance and engineering teams on complex repairs, advanced diagnostics, and planned shutdowns
Document issues, corrective actions, and code changes in compliance with cGMP and site procedures
Assist in the development, testing, and implementation of new PLC logic, HMI screens, alarms, and control strategies
Support automation upgrades, including hardware replacements, system migrations, and new equipment integrations
Identify and recommend improvements to enhance equipment reliability, process robustness, and operational efficiency
Participate in engineering design reviews and provide automation-related technical input
Support commissioning activities for new or upgraded automated systems, including I/O checks, sequence testing, and functional verification
Execute qualification and validation protocols such as FAT, SAT, IQ, and OQ in collaboration with engineering and quality teams
Assist in the development of validation documentation, including test scripts, traceability matrices, and configuration records
Ensure all automation changes comply with change control, risk assessment, and documentation requirements
Maintain accurate and timely automation documentation, including code revisions, configuration backups, logbooks, and CMMS records
Ensure compliance with cGMP, safety, environmental, and corporate engineering standards
Support internal and external audits, inspections, and quality investigations
Assist in training operations and maintenance personnel on updated automation systems, troubleshooting methods, and best practices
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's or Associate degree in Automation Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Engineering Technology, or a related discipline; or equivalent relevant experience
Strong hands-on troubleshooting experience with PLCs, HMIs, motion control systems, pneumatics, and automated inspection systems
Experience supporting automated systems in a regulated manufacturing environment (pharmaceutical, biotech, medical device, food/beverage, or similar)
Ability to interpret electrical schematics, P&IDs, machine drawings, and control system documentation
Hands-on experience with Rockwell PLC and HMI platforms
Flexibility to work extended hours as required to meet operational and project objectives
Preferred
Experience with syringe filling equipment, aseptic manufacturing operations, or automated visual inspection systems
Experience with Siemens, Beckhoff, or similar PLC/HMI platforms
Knowledge of cGMP requirements, data integrity principles, and change control processes
Experience executing or developing commissioning and validation protocols
Strong communication, documentation, and cross-functional collaboration skills
Company
Mentor Technical Group
Mentor Technical Group is a minority-owned business setting new standards for multidisciplinary compliance, technical, and engineering services.
Founded in 2000
501-1000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
Lydmarie Llorens
HR Business Partner and Compliance Manager
Neyshia Rivera, MA
Human Resources Business Partner
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