Thermo Fisher Scientific · 10 hours ago
Automation Engineer / Automation Specialist
Sunnyvale, CA
Full-time
Onsite
Mid, Senior Level
$96K/yr - $143K/yr
5+ years expThermo Fisher Scientific is a leader in scientific research and quality control, and they are seeking an Automation Engineer / Automation Specialist to join their Analytical Instruments team. This role involves providing technical leadership for automation and controls systems in manufacturing processes, ensuring safe and compliant production through design and troubleshooting of PLC-based systems.
BioinformaticsBiotechnologyCloud Data ServicesConsultingHealth CareLife ScienceManagement Information SystemsOffice SuppliesPrecision Medicine
Responsibilities
Serve as the technical owner for automation and control systems supporting resin synthesis, resin handling, and column manufacturing equipment
Design, modify, and support PLC-based control systems, HMIs, sensors, interlocks, and data acquisition solutions
Support NPDI programs to define automation requirements, execute factory bring-up, and support pilot and first-production runs
Lead and execute automation validation activities (IQ/OQ/PQ) for new equipment, control logic changes, and system upgrades, in partnership with Quality and Manufacturing
Troubleshoot automated manufacturing equipment, addressing control logic, instrumentation, network server infrastructure, and system integration issues
Collaborate with Manufacturing Engineers to improve process robustness, yield, cycle time, and data visibility through automation
Support change control activities for automation-related changes, ensuring validated state is maintained
Develop and maintain automation documentation, including control narratives, software change records, test protocols, and SOPs
Support integration of manufacturing data systems for process monitoring, alarms, and trending
Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior automation engineers or interns
Participate in safety reviews, hazard analyses, and risk assessments related to automated systems
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Polymer Chemistry, Materials Engineering, or related field required & 5+ years of experience
Advanced degree & 3+ years of experience
Experience in automation, controls, or manufacturing systems engineering within a regulated manufacturing environment
Hands-on experience with PLC programming, software, and troubleshooting (e.g., Allen-Bradley/FactoryTalk, Siemens, or equivalent)
Experience supporting automated or semi-automated manufacturing equipment
Experience supporting NPDI / NPI equipment or process introductions
Experience working in GMP, ISO, or similarly regulated environments
Strong understanding of industrial automation, network server infrastructure, and control systems (PLCs, HMIs, sensors, actuators, safety interlocks)
Familiarity with process validation, change control, and regulated documentation practices
Ability to troubleshoot across controls, equipment, and process interfaces
Strong collaboration skills with Manufacturing, Quality, and Operations teams
Ability to clearly document and communicate technical changes and validation results
Comfortable working hands-on in a manufacturing environment
Preferred
Experience supporting chemistry- or materials-based manufacturing processes is a plus
Benefits
A choice of national medical and dental plans, and a national vision plan, including health incentive programs
Employee assistance and family support programs, including commuter benefits and tuition reimbursement
At least 120 hours paid time off (PTO), 10 paid holidays annually, paid parental leave (3 weeks for bonding and 8 weeks for caregiver leave), accident and life insurance, and short- and long-term disability in accordance with company policy
Retirement and savings programs, such as our competitive 401(k) U.S. retirement savings plan
Employees’ Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) offers eligible colleagues the opportunity to purchase company stock at a discount
Company
Thermo Fisher Scientific
Thermo Fisher Scientific is a biotechnology and laboratory equipment company that provides a wide range of scientific products and services.
10001+ employees
H1B Sponsorship
Thermo Fisher Scientific has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (272)
2024 (224)
2023 (233)
2022 (342)
2021 (315)
2020 (227)
Funding
Current Stage
Public CompanyTotal Funding
$15.97BKey Investors
National Grid
2025-11-24Post Ipo Debt· $2.42B
2025-09-30Post Ipo Debt· $2.5B
2023-08-07Post Ipo Debt· $2.95B
Leadership Team
Marc Casper
CEO
Stephen Williamson
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Recent News
CB Insights
2026-01-23
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