Automation Engineer

Job Title: Automation Engineer

Job Description

The Automation Engineer is responsible for ensuring the reliable operation of sterile pharmaceutical manufacturing systems. This role involves installing, maintaining, calibrating, and troubleshooting various automation components, process instrumentation, drives, motors, control devices, clean utility systems, and aseptic production equipment. The engineer will support continuous and compliant operations adhering to cGMP, FDA 21 CFR Part 11, and cleanroom standards.

Responsibilities

• Install, maintain, calibrate, and troubleshoot sensors and transmitters for pressure, temperature, flow, level, pH, conductivity, and environmental monitoring.
• Support GMP-compliant calibrations with complete traceability and accurate documentation.
• Install, maintain, and troubleshoot motors, pumps, fans, drives, control devices, and sterile manufacturing equipment.
• Perform conduit bending, cable routing, wire pulling, cable termination, tray installation, and equipment connections in accordance with plant procedures.
• Install and modify control panels, junction boxes, and instrumentation assemblies.
• Diagnose issues in circuits, protection components, sensors, actuators, drives, and automated machines.
• Use diagnostic tools such as multimeters, clamp meters, insulation testers, and calibration instruments.
• Support PLC, HMI, SCADA, BMS, and EMS platforms, including troubleshooting and system checks.
• Conduct loop checks, functional tests, FAT/SAT, commissioning, and support validation activities (IQ/OQ/PQ).
• Maintain and troubleshoot systems for PW, WFI, Clean Steam, CIP/SIP, HVAC/HEPA controls, and aseptic filling/packaging operations.
• Read and interpret P&IDs, wiring diagrams, schematics, ladder logic, and loop drawings.
• Maintain cleanroom support systems, including differential pressure controls, HEPA filtration, and environmental monitoring.
• Ensure compliance with cGMP, cleanroom classification requirements, FDA 21 CFR Part 11, and data integrity principles.
• Perform preventive, corrective, and predictive maintenance.
• Conduct root-cause analysis and implement CAPA actions.
• Maintain accurate CMMS entries, calibration logs, and audit-ready documentation.

Essential Skills

• Strong troubleshooting skills across sensors, transmitters, motors, drives, actuators, control components, automated machinery, and process systems.
• Experience with conduit bending, tray installation, cable pulling, wire routing, cable dressing, and termination.
• Proficiency in installing and modifying panels, junction boxes, and equipment assemblies.
• Skilled in using multimeters, clamp meters, insulation testers, and calibration devices.
• Ability to install, connect, and terminate control wiring and instrument cabling for field devices.
• Understanding of circuits, drives, starters, protection components, actuators, and control system diagnostics.
• Ability to read and interpret P&IDs, schematics, wiring diagrams, ladder logic, and loop documentation.
• Knowledge of GMP requirements, sterile manufacturing, cleanroom practices, aseptic operations, and validation processes.
• Strong documentation discipline, attention to detail, and audit readiness.
• Ability to work efficiently and safely in regulated manufacturing environments.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Minimum 3 to 10 years of professional experience in the field of pharmaceutical or manufacturing industry.
• Degree in Mechanical or Chemical Engineering from a reputed university.
• Result-oriented with innovative thinking.
• Strong time management and professional work conduct.
• Problem-solving ability with a high level of interpersonal relationship skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Must have experience in pharmaceutical manufacturing.
• Valid driver"s license and acceptable driving record.
• Legally authorized to be employed in the United States.
• Must live or be willing to move to the Sacramento Metropolitan Region (Approx 40 miles" radius).

Work Environment

The role requires the ability to work rotating, weekend, or extended shifts. The work environment includes exposure to high-noise areas with PPE provided, frequent work on mezzanine floors, elevated platforms, ladders, and step-ups. You will work inside aseptic cleanrooms and controlled environments (ISO 5/7/8) wearing full gowning. Exposure to hot, cold, humid, or pressurized utility systems such as PW, WFI, Clean Steam, and HVAC units is expected. Occasional work in tight spaces, behind panels, or equipment enclosures may be required. Regular use of PPE, including sterile gowning, gloves, and eye protection, is mandatory. The role also demands the ability to lift up to 50 lbs and perform hands-on tasks for extended periods.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Sacramento, CA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $75000.00 - $95000.00/yr.

Health dental vision 401k holiday pay and pto

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Sacramento,CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on May 29, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.