Controls Automation Engineer - Maintenance

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary MOL controls and automation engineer for CT CMAP Operations, ensuring system uptime, troubleshooting, and operational continuity.
• Provide centralized JMCRS automation, controls, robotics, and instrumentation support across sites, programs, and future automation platforms.
• Maintain, troubleshoot, and improve automation systems, robotic platforms, instruments, and supporting controls infrastructure.
• Support liquid handling and automated workflows across a variety of automation platforms.
• Develop and support preventive maintenance, calibration, and system health monitoring strategies for automation platforms.
• Support integration of automation platforms with LIMS, data systems, custom software solutions, and digital workflows.
• Ensure documentation, training, and support processes enable successful transition from project deployment to operational ownership.
• Develop and maintain technical documentation, procedures, training materials, and validation records.
• Respond to operational issues while driving root-cause analysis, risk reduction, and continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with scientific, operational, engineering, and informatics teams to improve process reliability and automation performance.
• Support automation implementations through commissioning, vendor coordination, operational readiness, and support handoff activities.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and recommend practical automation improvements.
• Provide technical guidance and serve as an escalation resource for automation system troubleshooting and vendor support activities.
• Ensure compliance with safety, quality, and regulatory requirements.
• Apply Lean and Six Sigma principles to improve reliability, efficiency, and uptime.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related field with a focus on automation systems, robotics, or industrial controls.
• At least 5+ years of relevant experience supporting, troubleshooting, commissioning, or maintaining automation systems in operational environments.
• Programming experience in Python, C/C++, or structured text, with emphasis on robotic instrument and liquid handler programming (Hamilton, Agilent, Dynamic Devices) and API-based integrations for lab automation.
• Proficiency in PLC programming, HMI development, and industrial robotics, including integration with Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) and experience with custom automation software solutions.
• Experience integrating automation platforms with LIMS and data pipelines.
• Strong understanding of control systems, automation hardware, and system integration.
• Excellent troubleshooting and problem-solving skills in technical environments.
• Familiarity with safety and ergonomic standards in automation design.
• Experience with vision systems, and data acquisition tools.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma principles.
• Experience working in GMP or regulated laboratory environments.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's Degree in a relevant engineering, robotics, automation, controls, or applied technical discipline.
• 10+ years of relevant engineering experience in automation engineering, controls engineering, laboratory automation, manufacturing automation, or advanced technical operations support.
• Certification in automation or robotics (e.g., ISA Certified Automation Professional (CAP), Certified Robotics Engineer (CRE), Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST), etc.).
• Certification in Lean or Six Sigma (green belt level).
• SolidWorks or AutoCAD Professional Certification.
• Proficiency in MS Project or similar software.
• Experience with programming robotic instruments/liquid handlers and custom software development.
• Familiarity with CAD, microcontroller programming, and 3D printing for custom fixtures.
• Experience with robotics, motion control, or mechatronic systems.
• Experience with vision systems, barcode/RFID systems, electronic batch/traceability workflows, environmental monitoring, or data acquisition tools.
• Experience coordinating vendor support, service agreements, spare parts strategies, preventive maintenance plans, and technical escalation pathways.
• Experience with MS Project, Planner, Smartsheet, Jira, Azure DevOps, or comparable tools for work tracking, implementation planning, and issue management.