Job Summary/ Objective: 

The Entry-Level Automation Specialist role involves assisting in the development, implementation, and maintenance of automation systems to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of pharmaceutical manufacturing and laboratory processes. Under the guidance of senior automation engineers, this position requires collaboration with cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality solutions to clients.

Key Responsibilities:

• Ensure all automation activities strictly adhere to industry standards and regulatory requirements, including GMP and FDA guidelines. 
• Perform backup and restore operations on PLCs to secure critical data and ensure system reliability. 
• Execute firmware updates on PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers) and HMIs (Human Machine Interface) while maintaining system compatibility and enhancing performance. 
• Diagnose and troubleshoot issues with PLC hardware and software. 
• Diagnose and correct issues within Ladder Logic PLC code to ensure accurate and efficient process control. 
• Work collaboratively with colleagues on tasks delegated by Subject Matter Experts (SMEs), team leaders, or managers. 
• Support the programming and configuration of PLCs under the supervision of Level II or Level III engineers. 
• Revise existing PLC programs to implement system updates or improvements. 
• Provide technical support to production and maintenance teams to resolve automation-related issues.
• Support the testing and validation of new PLC programs and system changes to confirm they meet operational requirements.
• Participate in commissioning activities for new or upgraded automation systems.
• Propose and execute improvements to increase system efficiency, reliability, and performance.
• Collaborate with end-users to establish project requirements and deliverables.
• Implement and test upgrades and modifications to PLC software and hardware.
• Design, test, and implement new PLC programs, ensuring compliance with operational and safety standards.
• Configure HMI (Human Machine Interface) systems and SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems.
• Execute comprehensive testing and validation of new and modified PLC programs to confirm they operate correctly and meet specified requirements.

Profile and Qualifications  

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field.
• Preferably 1-2 years in pharmaceutical, medical device industry or a regulatory environment.
• Experience through internships or academic projects related to automation, control systems, or programming.
• Familiarity with programming languages relevant to automation, such as Ladder Logic, Function Block Diagram, Python, VBA, or Java. 
• Practical experience in writing, testing, and debugging code for automation solutions.
• Understanding of industry standards and regulatory requirements, including GMP and FDA guidelines.
• Basic knowledge of PLC programming and controls. 
• Knowledgeable in computer system design. 

Synerlution is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants, regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, or veteran status. We feel that having a diverse staff increases our capacity to drive synergy through solutions for our clients. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment in which all employees feel comfortable sharing their unique ideas and talents.