SLAS (Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening) · 11 hours ago
Automation Engineer / Automation Specialist
Sunnyvale, CA
Full-time
Onsite
Mid, Senior Level
$96K/yr - $143K/yr
5+ years expSLAS (Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening) is seeking an Automation Engineer / Automation Specialist to join their Analytical Instruments team. This role involves providing technical leadership for automation and control systems in resin production and chromatography column manufacturing, ensuring safe and compliant manufacturing processes.
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Responsibilities
Serve as the technical owner for automation and control systems supporting resin synthesis, resin handling, and column manufacturing equipment
Design, modify, and support PLC-based control systems, HMIs, sensors, interlocks, and data acquisition solutions
Support NPDI programs to define automation requirements, execute factory bring-up, and support pilot and first-production runs
Lead and execute automation validation activities (IQ/OQ/PQ) for new equipment, control logic changes, and system upgrades, in partnership with Quality and Manufacturing
Troubleshoot automated manufacturing equipment, addressing control logic, instrumentation, network server infrastructure, and system integration issues
Collaborate with Manufacturing Engineers to improve process robustness, yield, cycle time, and data visibility through automation
Support change control activities for automation-related changes, ensuring validated state is maintained
Develop and maintain automation documentation, including control narratives, software change records, test protocols, and SOPs
Support integration of manufacturing data systems for process monitoring, alarms, and trending
Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior automation engineers or interns
Participate in safety reviews, hazard analyses, and risk assessments related to automated systems
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Polymer Chemistry, Materials Engineering, or related field required & 5+ years of experience
Advanced degree & 3+ years of experience
Experience in automation, controls, or manufacturing systems engineering within a regulated manufacturing environment
Hands-on experience with PLC programming, software, and troubleshooting (e.g., Allen-Bradley/FactoryTalk, Siemens, or equivalent)
Experience supporting automated or semi-automated manufacturing equipment
Experience supporting NPDI / NPI equipment or process introductions
Experience working in GMP, ISO, or similarly regulated environments
Strong understanding of industrial automation, network server infrastructure, and control systems (PLCs, HMIs, sensors, actuators, safety interlocks)
Familiarity with process validation, change control, and regulated documentation practices
Ability to troubleshoot across controls, equipment, and process interfaces
Strong collaboration skills with Manufacturing, Quality, and Operations teams
Ability to clearly document and communicate technical changes and validation results
Comfortable working hands-on in a manufacturing environment
Preferred
Experience supporting chemistry- or materials-based manufacturing processes is a plus
Benefits
A choice of national medical and dental plans, and a national vision plan, including health incentive programs
Employee assistance and family support programs, including commuter benefits and tuition reimbursement
At least 120 hours paid time off (PTO), 10 paid holidays annually, paid parental leave (3 weeks for bonding and 8 weeks for caregiver leave), accident and life insurance, and short- and long-term disability in accordance with company policy
Retirement and savings programs, such as our competitive 401(k) U.S. retirement savings plan
Employees’ Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) offers eligible colleagues the opportunity to purchase company stock at a discount
Company
SLAS (Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening)
SLAS, headquartered in Oak Brook, IL, is a tax exempt organization under section 501 (c) (3) of the United States Internal Revenue Code.
11-50 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Early StageLeadership Team
Vicki Loise
CEO
Amy Wilkinson
Director, Global Events and Corporate Partnerships
Recent News
2025-10-23
News-Medical.Net
2025-10-03
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