Automation Engineer

Hiring: Industrial Automation Engineer – cGMP Manufacturing | Greater Richmond VA

This is an opportunity to join a growing manufacturing organization that is actively investing in new equipment, automation systems, and production capabilities as they help bring critical medicines to life here in the United States.

The team is looking for a hands-on Industrial Automation Engineer who can step into a fast-paced manufacturing environment and quickly become a technical resource for the operation. This is not a corporate IT or network engineering role. The focus is on supporting the plant floor, troubleshooting automation systems, improving reliability, and helping production teams keep operations running safely and efficiently.

You’ll work closely with manufacturing, quality, engineering, and maintenance teams while supporting a wide range of systems including DCS controls, PLCs, instrumentation, HVAC automation, VFDs, process equipment, and calibration programs.

The environment includes:

• DeltaV and DCS systems
• Rockwell controls
• Instrumentation and calibration oversight
• VFD troubleshooting and programming adjustments
• HVAC and building automation systems
• Centrifugal processing equipment
• Slurry and liquid transfer systems
• Heating, chilling, and cooling systems
• New equipment installations and commissioning projects

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys being highly involved in operations and solving real-world manufacturing challenges. The hiring manager emphasized the need for someone who can ramp up quickly, troubleshoot independently, make programming edits when needed, oversee contractors and calibrations, and confidently support production without requiring extensive onboarding.

The team values practical engineering ability and hands-on troubleshooting experience more than titles or credentials. If you understand machine loads, currents, low-voltage controls, process automation, and how to keep industrial systems operating reliably in a regulated manufacturing environment, this could be a strong fit.

Backgrounds that could align well:

• Pharmaceutical manufacturing
• Food or beverage manufacturing
• Specialty chemical or batch processing
• Industrial process manufacturing
• Other regulated manufacturing environments

The role is based onsite manufacturing facility with a traditional M-F day schedule and occasional weekend project support

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to the individual's race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, genetic information, status as a military veteran or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Please apply if you are interested in this role. This will ensure you are considered for the appropriate role. If you are not elected for interviews then we will contact you when opportunities arise that match your geography and experience. All inquiries are kept confidential and your information will not be shared with other organizations without your knowledge.

If you enjoy plant-floor problem solving, supporting advanced manufacturing systems, and being part of a company investing heavily in growth and new production capabilities, feel free to message me directly for a confidential conversation.