Senior Automation Engineer, Operational Technology

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Are you passionate about improving and expanding on the possibilities of vision treatments Ready to join a team thats reimagining how vision is improved Our Vision team solves the toughest health challenges. Help combine cutting-edge insights science technology and people to encourage eye care professionals and patients to proactively protect correct and enhance healthy sight for life. Our products and services address these needs from the pediatric to aging eye in a patients lifetime.
Your unique talents will help patients on their journey to wellness. Learn more at are searching for the best talent for Senior Automation Engineer OT.

Purpose: We are seeking an experienced automation professional to establish and implement comprehensive automation solutions for our manufacturing systems infrastructure and services. This role involves planning designing and managing automation projects that support new product development while ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and operational excellence. The successful candidate will serve as a technical leader driving automation strategy while managing complex projects and multi-functional teams.

You will be responsible for:

Systems Management

• Develop and oversee automated control systems including PLC robotics electrical servo motion vision SCADA and complex device integration applying industry standards such as IEC 61131 IEC 61508 (Functional Safety) and ISO 12100 (Machine Safety).

• Serve as a consultant and technical SME supporting colleagues and cross-functional teams in automation design troubleshooting and system modernization.

• Manage significant automated equipment procurement installation validation and qualification working closely with project managers and internal teams.

• Conduct risk assessments system design reviews and validation activities for automation solutions.

Control Systems Development & Validation

• Design and implement high-quality PLC and SCADA solutions from functional and detailed design specifications supporting all phases of lifecycle including validation in validated manufacturing environments compliant with cGMP FDA and 21 CFR Part 11.

• Develop and validate automated control solutions for legacy and new equipment ensuring safe reliable and scalable operation.

• Support and lead validations (IQ/OQ/PQ) to ensure control systems meet regulatory safety and quality requirements.

Technical Problem Resolution & System Integration

• Diagnose and resolve complex technical issues involving both software and hardware components of automated equipment

• Participate in solving efforts for critical production systems and implement preventive maintenance strategies

• Provide on-call support for production operations as needed

• Handle system integrations across diverse platforms including Beckhoff Allen-Bradley Siemens Wonderware and data historian systems

Data Management & Analytics Systems

• Configure and maintain databases reporting systems and comprehensive data collection platforms

• Implement and optimize PI Data Historian for data storage retrieval trending and advanced analytics

• Generate and maintain preventive maintenance schedules and procedures to ensure optimal machine functionality

Multi-functional Collaboration

• Apply Microsoft Project for comprehensive project planning resource allocation and timeline management

• Participate in technical design reviews and vendor management meetings with equipment suppliers and service providers

• Prepare detailed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) work instructions and user documentation

• Manage Computer System Validation (CSV) processes and system lifecycle documentation throughout project phases

OT Network Design & Security

• Design implement and manage secure industrial network architectures including VLANs subnetting and network segmentation.

• Configure and troubleshoot industrial protocols such as Ethernet/IP Profinet Modbus and OPC UA.

• Manage and secure industrial switches routers firewalls and wireless access points.

• Implement secure remote access solutions for vendors and support teams without compromising system integrity.

• Maintain and optimize industrial network performance and security monitoring tools.

Qualifications / Requirements:

Experience & Education

• Bachelors degree in engineering Automation Robotics Computer Science or equivalent is required.

• Minimum of 2 years of experience working with automated controls systems in regulated highly automated manufacturing environments preferably in pharmaceutical or medical device sectors is required.

• GMP Environment Experience: Extensive working knowledge in regulated pharmaceutical or medical device manufacturing operations

Core Technical Expertise

• Industrial Networking: Experience with Ethernet/IP Profinet Modbus protocols managed switches VLANs and wireless industrial systems

• Network Troubleshooting: Proficiency with diagnostic and connectivity issue resolution

• Understanding of IT/OT convergence challenges and security implementation strategies

• Proficiency across all Allen-Bradley PLC families (ControlLogix CompactLogix MicroLogix) Siemens (S7-300/400/1200/1500) and Beckhoff TwinCAT systems

• Experience creating and maintaining operator interfaces using current industrial software platforms

• Knowledge in database design reporting systems and data collection platform management

• Understanding of Computer System Validation (CSV) methodologies and system lifecycle management

Regulatory & Compliance Knowledge

• Deep understanding of cGMP regulations and FDA requirements for automated systems

• Experience with qualification protocols (IQ/OQ/PQ) and validation documentation

• Knowledge of 21 CFR Part 11 compliance for electronic records and signatures

• Change control process experience in regulated environments

Communication Skills

• Strong technical writing capabilities for SOP development and system documentation

• Excellent communication skills for conducting design reviews and customer meetings

Additional Requirements

• Experience developing testing protocols and preventive maintenance programs

• Ability to work effectively in fast-paced regulated manufacturing environments

• Strong analytical and systematic problem-solving approach

• Flexibility to support production operations including off-hours support

Preferred Qualifications

Professional Certifications

• Professional Engineering (PE) license

• Beckhoff Rockwell Automation or Siemens automation platform certifications

Emerging Technologies

• Experience with Industry 4.0 initiatives and digital transformation projects

• Cloud-based automation solutions and data analytics platforms

• Advanced process analytics and machine learning applications

• Experience with backup systems redundancy configurations and disaster recovery planning

• Knowledge integrating Artificial Intelligence in manufacturing processes to enhance manual operations and improve efficiency.

Johnson & Johnson is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race color religion sex sexual orientation gender identity age national origin disability protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by federal state or local law.

We actively seek qualified candidates who are protected veterans and individuals with disabilities as defined under VEVRAA and Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act.
Johnson and Johnson is committed to providing an interview process that is inclusive of our applicants needs. If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request an accommodation please email the Employee Health Support Center () or contact AskGS to be directed to your accommodation resource.

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