The Service Automation Controls Engineer is responsible for supporting, troubleshooting, and improving automation control solutions used in biopharmaceutical manufacturing and laboratory environments. This role provides technical expertise across PLCs, HMIs, SCADA systems, industrial networks, and process control platforms while partnering with Service, Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, and customers to resolve technical issues, support documentation and testing activities, and ensure solutions meet business, safety, and quality requirements.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide advanced troubleshooting and technical support for automation controls, PLCs, HMIs, SCADA systems, industrial computers, electrical controls, instrumentation, and industrial networks used in biopharmaceutical manufacturing and laboratory environments.
- Program, configure, modify, and support automation platforms including Allen-Bradley RSLogix 500/5000, Siemens, DeltaV, AutomationDirect PLCs, and related I/O systems.
- Develop, troubleshoot, and support HMI and SCADA applications, including iFIX, Wonderware System Platform, Ignition, Siemens WinCC, TIA Portal, and AutomationDirect C-more, as applicable.
- Diagnose and resolve issues related to control loops, sinking and sourcing instrumentation, current and voltage control systems, LAN networking, switches, industrial communication protocols, data cabling, and network topology.
- Review, interpret, and reverse-engineer automation code, control logic, system architecture, and electrical control designs to support service, repair, upgrade, and root cause investigation activities.
- Generate, review, and execute test protocols, qualification documentation, technical evaluations, engineering design documents, and manufacturing documentation for automated equipment and control systems.
- Ensure automation support activities and documentation align with applicable quality and compliance expectations, including 21 CFR Part 11, GAMP, ISA-88, cGMP, ISO, and internal quality requirements.
- Support data acquisition, historian, visualization, reporting, and database-related activities that enable equipment performance monitoring, troubleshooting, and process improvement.
- Provide technical training, knowledge transfer, and presentations on automation hardware, software, troubleshooting methods, and system functionality for Field Service teams, internal stakeholders, and customers.
- Partner with Service, Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, and cross-functional teams to drive timely issue resolution, project execution, continuous improvement, and customer support.
- Apply structured problem-solving, risk-based decision making, and clear technical communication to support business priorities, customer expectations, and quality requirements.
- Support Repligen’s Environmental Health and Safety culture by following safe work practices, identifying hazards, reporting concerns, and contributing to corrective actions and process improvements.
Education and Experience Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Automation, Controls, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related technical discipline with 3-5+ years of relevant automation, controls, or service engineering experience; equivalent technical experience may be considered.
- Experience supporting automation systems in biopharmaceutical, life sciences, laboratory, or regulated manufacturing environments; direct bioprocessing and process filtration experience is preferred.
- Strong working knowledge of PLC programming, HMI/SCADA configuration, industrial controls, instrumentation, I/O systems, industrial networking, data acquisition, and automation troubleshooting.
- Hands-on experience with automation platforms and tools such as Allen-Bradley, Siemens, DeltaV, AutomationDirect, Wonderware, iFIX, Ignition, WinCC, TIA Portal, C#, JavaScript, Ladder Logic, Function Block, and Boolean logic; experience with SQL, Python, Java, or Visual Basic is a plus.
- Experience creating, reviewing, or executing engineering documentation, design documents, technical evaluations, manufacturing documentation, test plans, and qualification protocols for automated or cGMP process equipment.
- Working knowledge of applicable quality and compliance expectations, including ISO-regulated environments, cGMP, 21 CFR Part 11, GAMP, ISA-88, and internal quality system requirements.
- Demonstrated ability to lead or support technical projects, provide guidance to peers, communicate project status and risks, and escalate issues appropriately.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex technical information clearly to technical and non-technical audiences.
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities, support multiple projects, and collaborate effectively across Service, Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, and customer-facing teams.
- Proficiency with standard business software, including Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and related applications.
- Ability to demonstrate Repligen R-Values and model those principles in daily work.
- Commitment to safe work practices, PPE requirements, hazard identification, EHS reporting, and continuous improvement.
- Approximately 25% travel, including up to 10% international travel, to support customer implementations, troubleshooting, diagnostics, commissioning, and system optimization activities.
Our mission is to inspire advances in bioprocessing as a trusted partner in the production of biologic drugs that improve human health worldwide. Focused on cost and process efficiencies, we deliver innovative technologies and solutions that help set new standards in bioprocessing. The estimated salary range for this role, based in the United States of America is $111,000-$150,000. Compensation decisions are dependent on several factors including, but not limited to an individual's qualifications, location, internal equity, and alignment with market data. Additionally, employees are eligible to participate in one of our variable cash programs (bonus or commission) and eligible roles may receive equity as part of the compensation package. We offer a wide range of benefits such as paid time off, health/dental/vision, retirement benefits and flexible spending accounts. All compensation and benefits information will be confirmed in writing at the time of offer.
