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Senior Automation Specialist – Mechanic & Controls
Company | AstraZeneca |
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Location | Gaithersburg, MD, USA |
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Salary | $89874 – $134812 |
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Type | Full-Time |
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Degrees | Bachelor’s |
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Experience Level | Senior |
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Requirements
- High School Diploma with 10+ years of experience in industrial automation, or Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering with 5+ years of experience in automation systems.
- 5+ years with Siemens BMS and Allen-Bradley PLCs in mechanical system automation.
- 5+ years troubleshooting and optimizing PLCs, HMIs, and SCADA platforms.
- Experience integrating automation protocols (BACnet, Modbus, OPC, MQTT) with mechanical systems.
- Experience working with field instrumentation and VFDs from major manufacturers.
Responsibilities
- Maintain, troubleshoot, and improve automation systems supporting HVAC and utility infrastructure.
- Support Siemens BMS, Allen-Bradley PLCs, and SCADA platforms to ensure integration and performance.
- Configure and optimize automation control loops, instrumentation, actuators, valves, and dampers.
- Perform updates, backups, and programming to enhance system performance.
- Troubleshoot and calibrate devices such as temperature sensors, flow meters, and pressure transmitters.
- Configure, maintain, and troubleshoot Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) from various manufacturers.
- Lead or support automation upgrades, new installations, and system modifications.
- Ensure alignment of automation systems with mechanical requirements in collaboration with facilities and engineering.
- Support commissioning, validation, and qualification activities in GxP-regulated environments.
- Oversee system integration across automation platforms, enterprise systems, and facility controls.
- Ensure automation systems comply with FDA, GxP, and other regulatory standards.
- Support audits, deviations, and change control processes.
- Follow SOPs, Good Engineering Practices (GEPs), and site safety regulations.
- Drive energy efficiency and sustainability improvements through automation.
- Identify and implement optimization strategies to improve reliability and reduce environmental impact.
- Integrate smart controls to support corporate sustainability goals.
- Train staff on BMS and automation system use and maintenance.
- Provide coaching to the mechanical maintenance team on automation and troubleshooting.
- Evaluate vendor solutions and support contract negotiations to enhance automation capabilities.
- Coordinate vendor services for equipment repairs and automation upgrades.
- Maintain detailed documentation of automation configurations, troubleshooting logs, and updates.
- Prepare performance reports and recommend improvements based on system analytics.
- Review project documentation for automation system compatibility and requirements.
- Respond to urgent automation system issues as needed.
- Collaborate effectively across departments and with external stakeholders.
- Use diagnostic tools and specialized software for system monitoring and optimization.
Preferred Qualifications
- In-depth knowledge of Siemens BMS, Allen-Bradley PLCs, SCADA systems.
- Understanding of HVAC and utility system automation, including process control.
- Proficient in instrumentation diagnostics, calibration, and loop tuning.
- Strong understanding of GxP, FDA regulations, and validation requirements.
- Experienced in audit support and compliant documentation practices.
- Skilled in programming and diagnostics for PLCs, HMIs, and SCADA systems.
- Familiar with industrial cybersecurity and energy optimization techniques.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Able to draft technical documentation, SOPs, and system schematics.
- Strong process control analysis and statistical troubleshooting capabilities.
- Applies mathematical principles to automation logic and system tuning.
- Able to diagnose system issues and implement corrective actions quickly.
- Manages multiple projects while ensuring regulatory and safety compliance.
- Proficient in Siemens Desigo CC, Allen-Bradley software, SAP, and Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Project).
- Experienced with diagnostic software for system monitoring and optimization.