Robotics/Logistics Technical Lead in Carolina at JC Automation Corp
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Job Description
About Company:
JC Automation Corp. (JCA) was founded in 1997 with the mission of filling a gap between technology and regulatory requirements in the life science manufacturing industry. The company offers highly capable resources at an affordable cost to build solutions and execute projects in: Automation, Control Systems Integration, Information Technology, System Integration and Regulatory Compliance.
JCA is a HUBZone Certified Small Business Firm, NMSDC Certified Minority Business Enterprise, and Certified Critical Industry Supplier. It’s mission is to add value by delivering quality services & solutions on time all the time by transforming processes & technology into business advantages.
ABOUT THE ROLE
We are seeking a highly skilled Robotics and Logistics Technical Lead to provide specialized engineering leadership for robotic and automated logistics systems. In this role, you will serve as the primary technical authority for the design, implementation, integration, troubleshooting, and validation of robotic and automated material handling systems within a cGMP pharmaceutical manufacturing environment.
You will own the end-to-end technical strategy for robotics and ASRS capabilities, drive architectural decisions across OT/IT layers, lead commissioning and qualification efforts, and ensure all systems operate at peak performance in full compliance with applicable regulatory and quality standards.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Enterprise Technical Strategy & Architecture: Own the end-to-end technical strategy for robotics and ASRS capabilities; define reference architectures, subsystem boundaries, and interface patterns; set performance and reliability targets; and ensure solutions scale across sites, vendors, and operational profiles.
- System Integration Leadership (OT/IT/Software): Lead the integrated technical solution across PLC/HMI, safety PLC, robot/ASRS controllers, and WMS/WES/WCS/EMS; establish robust interface control (message contracts, state models, exception handling, recovery); and drive architectural decisions across OT networks, industrial protocols, and middleware.
- Technical Governance & Design Assurance: Establish and run technical governance (design reviews, architecture boards, readiness gates) for layouts, electrical/controls, safety, and software; ensure traceability from business requirements to test evidence; set engineering quality standards; and approve deviations with risk acceptance and mitigation plans.
- Commissioning, Readiness & KPIs Oversight: Define commissioning and qualification strategy across multiple workstreams (FAT/SAT, integrated testing, cutover, hypercare); lead complex issue triage and root cause efforts; and ensure throughput, accuracy, availability, and recovery KPIs are achieved before acceptance.
- OEM/Integrator Technical Oversight: Act as the senior technical authority for robotics/ASRS OEMs and integrators; shape scope and technical assumptions driving cost and schedule; review submittals and change requests; negotiate technical trade-offs; and hold partners accountable for documentation, training, spares, and supportability.
- Functional Safety, Compliance & Risk Leadership: Own the safety-by-design approach for automated systems (risk assessments, safeguarding strategy, LOTO, E-stops, safety validation); lead hazard closure and safety acceptance; and ensure operational readiness includes maintainability, training, and a reliability plan that sustains performance post go-live.
- Program-Level Planning & Technical Risk Management: Provide technical leadership for integrated schedules and dependency management across vendors and internal teams; forecast resourcing; identify and retire technical risks early; and communicate trade-offs, contingencies, and decision points to senior stakeholders.
- Standards, Knowledge Management & Handover: Establish reusable standards and templates (ICDs, control narratives, alarm/diagnostic philosophy, test protocols, as-built requirements); drive a clean transition to Operations/Maintenance with training, troubleshooting playbooks, spares strategy, and clear ownership for sustaining engineering.
REQUIREMENTS & QUALIFICATIONS
Required
- Bachelor's degree in Robotics Engineering, Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
- Minimum 7–10 years of hands-on experience with industrial robotic systems (FANUC, KUKA, ABB, Yaskawa, or equivalent) in a manufacturing environment.
- Demonstrated experience integrating robotic systems with PLCs, SCADA, MES, and/or ERP platforms.
- Strong knowledge of cGMP, 21 CFR Part 11, GAMP 5, and CSV lifecycle requirements in a pharmaceutical or regulated manufacturing setting.
- Proven ability to lead troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and corrective action implementation for complex automation systems.
- Bilingual in English and Spanish (oral and written).
Preferred
- Experience with AGVs, ASRS, or other automated logistics and material handling systems.
- Familiarity with ISA-95 architecture and MES-robotics integration in a pharmaceutical context.
- PMP certification or equivalent project management credential.
- Exposure to Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or operational excellence methodologies.
- Experience in pharmaceutical, biotech, or FDA-regulated manufacturing environments.
SKILLS
Technical Skills
- Industrial robotics platforms: FANUC, KUKA, ABB, Yaskawa — programming and integration
- Robotic system integration with PLCs, SCADA, MES, and ERP platforms
- AGVs, ASRS, conveyor systems, and automated material handling
- Computer System Validation (CSV): URS, IQ/OQ/PQ, risk assessments
- cGMP, 21 CFR Part 11, GAMP 5 compliance
- Preventive maintenance program development and execution
- Technical documentation and change control management
- Microsoft Office 365 — Project, Excel, Word, Teams
Soft Skills
- Technical authority with the ability to communicate complex concepts to diverse audiences
- Strategic thinker who balances innovation with regulatory compliance
- Proactive in identifying system risks and implementing preventive solutions
- Strong project leadership with hands-on field accountability
- Collaborative and cross-functional team builder
- Committed to continuous improvement and knowledge sharing