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Automation SME – Project Engineer in Manati at JC Automation Corp

NewJob Function: Engineering
JC Automation Corp
Manati, 00674, Puerto Rico
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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

The Automation SME – Project Engineer is accountable for technical leadership and project coordination of assigned Automation/IT capital projects. Execution activities may be performed directly by the resource or through oversight and coordination of contractors and system integrators. As a candidate, your company must meet BMS policies, guidelines, and other requirements.

2.1. Capital Project Execution 

  • Lead the development, planning, and execution of Automation/IT/Network Capital Projects.
  • Act as the technical project lead for Automation/IT scope, coordinating engineering, quality, validation, IT, and vendors through all project phases. 
  • Define project scope, schedules, cost estimates, risks, and deliverables.
  • Provide routine project status reporting, milestone tracking, and risk mitigation plans.
  • Resolve complex technical and design issues arising during project execution, construction, and start‑up, ensuring decisions support regulatory compliance, safety, product quality, cost, and schedule objectives.
  • Provide clear and timely communication on Project Engineering activities, risks, and milestones to internal stakeholders and management.  Support Capital Appropriation Requests (CARs), budgeting, and financial tracking.
  • Coordinate project execution activities with EHS to ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and waste‑handling requirements throughout all project phases.
  • Review vendor quotations, develop technical specifications, and support procurement activities, including purchase requisitions and technical evaluation of equipment and services for Automation/IT capital projects.

2.2. Automation and Systems Engineering

  • Lead and/or support the design, specification, procurement, installation, commissioning, and start-up of automation and computerized systems.
  • Provide SME support for systems including, but not limited to:
  • PLCs, HMI, SCADA, DCS/BAS o DeltaV, Rockwell Automation, FactoryTalk, Siemens, Wonderware o MES systems (e.g., Syncade), data historians (OSI PI), databases (MS SQL), and virtualization platforms
  • Review and approve automation architectures, network designs, and system configurations.
  • Identify and promote best available automation technologies to meet site and corporate needs. 2.3. Compliance, Quality, and Validation
  • Ensure all project activities comply with: o cGMP, FDA, EMA, OSHA, EPA/EQB o 21 CFR Part 11, Engineering, IT, and Security standards
  • Support execution of the Computer System Validation (CSV) lifecycle, including requirements, specifications, testing, and qualification.
  • Support Performance Qualification (PQ) of equipment and systems installed under capital projects.
  • Participate in quality events, including deviations, investigations, CAPAs, internal audits, and regulatory inspections related to automation systems.
  • Ensure Automation and computerized systems are delivered in a validated state, in compliance with CSV requirements.
  • Support preparation, review, and execution of validation documentation.

2.4. Contractor and Vendor Management 

  • Manage and coordinate external contractors, system integrators, and vendors. 
  • Ensure contractor compliance with safety, environmental, security, and quality requirements. 
  • Review technical proposals, quotations, and specifications. 
  • Coordinate FAT, SAT, commissioning, and start-up activities with vendors and internal stakeholders. 
  • Ensure quality of construction, installation, and system implementation activities for Automation and related infrastructure in accordance with approved designs, specifications, and GMP requirements.

2.5. Documentation and Change Control 

  • Develop, review, and maintain technical and project documentation, including:
  • URS, FRS, DS, and configuration documents.
  • SOPs (Operations, Maintenance, Security, Backup/Restore, Disaster Recovery).
  • Execute and support change control activities related to automation and computerized systems.
  • Ensure proper documentation control, traceability, and data integrity.

2.6. Cross‑Functional Collaboration 

  • Serve as the Automation Project SME for Manufacturing Business Units. 
  • Collaborate with Manufacturing, Quality, Engineering, Maintenance, IT, EHS, Purchasing, and Corporate teams. 
  • Provide technical guidance to resolve complex operational and project-related issues. 
  • Support client initiatives by ensuring adherence to Project Management processes and governance.

REQUIREMENTS & QUALIFICATIONS

Required

The assigned resource must meet the following minimum qualifications: 

  • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Information Systems, or related field. 
  • Minimum five (5) years of experience in pharmaceutical operations or manufacturing environments with proven project management experience, of which: o At least four (4) years must be in process automation within a pharmaceutical environment o At least two (2) years must be in computerized systems validation (CSV). 
  • Demonstrated proficiency in computer system lifecycle concepts, change control processes, and FDA regulatory requirements, including 21 CFR Part 11. 
  • Proven experience developing and reviewing Computerized Functional Requirements (CFR/URS) and Design Specifications (DS/FRS). 
  • In-depth knowledge of the design, installation, commissioning, and qualification of computerized systems, PLCs, and automation platforms in pharmaceutical manufacturing. 
  • Broad knowledge of cGMPs, FDA, EMA, and applicable regulatory guidelines for biopharmaceutical manufacturing facilities. 
  • Experience supporting internal and external regulatory audits (e.g., FDA, EMA).  Strong understanding of pharmaceutical manufacturing processes, equipment, and automation systems. 
  • Knowledge of electrical controls theory, mechanical concepts, and electronic circuitry, with ability to read and interpret electrical and mechanical drawings. 
  • Proven skills in project management, systems development, and implementation of manufacturing automation, MES, and quality-related systems. 
  • Experience with PLC programming platforms, data acquisition systems, historians (e.g., OSI PI), databases (e.g., MS SQL), and industrial networking infrastructures. 
  • Ability to review and support development of SOPs and work instructions. 
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with ability to resolve complex technical issues based on data. 
  • Fully bilingual English/Spanish, written and verbal. 
  • Strong interpersonal skills with ability to work effectively across all organizational levels and disciplines. 
  • Ability to manage and prioritize multiple complex activities simultaneously. 
  • Self-starter, well organized, flexible, and able to meet deadlines. 
  • Willingness to work irregular hours, weekends, and holidays as required. 
  • Ability to exercise good judgment.

Preferred

  • Experience with CMMS systems (e.g., Maximo).
  • High level of expertise in Rockwell Automation platforms.
  • Experience with Siemens, Wonderware, and FactoryTalk Batch.
  • Experience with virtualization platforms (VMware vSphere).
  • Experience with MES systems (e.g., Syncade).
  • Experience with OSIsoft / AVEVA PI systems and Microsoft SQL databases.

SKILLS

Technical Skills

  • PLCs, HMI, SCADA, DeltaV, FactoryTalk — advanced configuration and troubleshooting
  • MES systems — support and integration
  • Change control execution and CAPA support in regulated environments
  • Automation procedure development — SOPs, security plans, backup/restore, disaster recovery
  • cGMP, 21 CFR Part 11, and Data Integrity compliance
  • Quality event investigation and internal audit support
  • Network configuration and industrial communication protocols
  • Microsoft Office 365

Soft Skills

  • Deep technical ownership of automation systems
  • Clear communication with Manufacturing, Quality, IT, and Engineering teams
  • Proactive risk identification and escalation
  • Disciplined in regulatory documentation and change management
  • Project milestone accountability
  • Consulting mindset — advising on technology use and process improvement

Job Location

Manati, 00674, Puerto Rico

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