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Manufacturing and Supply

Manufacturing and Supply
Where the
miracles of
science
are made
a reality
for patients

Automation Engineer

Swiftwater, Pennsylvania Salary Range   USD 84,750.00 - 141,250.00
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At a glance

Our teams produce and deliver over 4 billion units of medicines and vaccines every year, ensuring every breakthrough gets to the people who need it most.
Our state-of-the-art facilities, AI-powered smart factories, and cutting-edge automation are redefining what’s possible: ensuring treatments reach patients faster, safer, and more sustainably than ever before. This is where your skills, ambition, and passion can shape the future of healthcare.

Job Title: Automation Engineer

Location: Swiftwater, PA

About the Job

We deliver 4.3 billion healthcare solutions to people every year, thanks to the flawless planning and meticulous eye for detail of our Manufacturing & Supply teams. With your talent and ambition, we can do even more to protect people from infectious diseases and bring hope to patients and their families.

Our Team/ Overview

Sanofi is an innovative global healthcare company with one purpose: to pursue scientific miracles to improve lives. Our team strives to transform the practice of medicine, connecting our science to communities in meaningful ways. Within our Sanofi Manufacturing & Supply Ambition, we’re redefining our strategy, culture, and processes to make a tangible impact worldwide.

In this role, you'll join the Automation & Manufacturing Systems department at our Swiftwater site, supporting directly the manufacturing system automation. The role will support implementation of changes to the automation systems, updating design documents, executing testing, troubleshooting events, and being a part of the site automation on-call support. The role will provide Subject Matter Expert (SME) level support of all automated process control systems used in licensed manufacturing (including dedicated clean utilities) of the building that the Automation Engineer has been assigned to.  The position will be the Manufacturing Systems & Automation Site Support interface with Operations personnel, QA Compliance, Information Systems, Engineering, Maintenance and the site wide Automation Support technicians. 

The Automation Engineer must exhibit strong customer communication skills and have in-depth technical knowledge of process control systems and equipment used in biotech/ pharmaceutical manufacturing and utility systems. This position will support the highly complex automated systems installed in the new and existing manufacturing facilities, security and its support systems. Expected results from this position would include hands-on support of automated system in manufacturing (including Building Automation Systems), troubleshooting of automated process equipment and process systems, coordination of contractors, execution of site change controls, aiding in the investigation of process deviations and providing expertise for process evaluation and product improvements for better quality and yields. The role will provide improved response time to failures in manufacturing and implement site automation standard procedures and Global Engineering Practices.

We are an innovative global healthcare company with one purpose: to chase the miracles of science to improve people’s lives. We’re also a company where you can flourish and grow your career, with countless opportunities to explore, make connections with people, and stretch the limits of what you thought was possible. Ready to get started?

Main Responsibilities:

The Automation Engineer will oversee automation control systems within the whole site but mostly dedicated to Buildings with DeltaV system.
Key responsibilities include:   

  • System Integration: Ensure seamless integration of automation systems with digital applications to support production, quality control, and data management.

  • Deliverable Accountability:    Ensure compliance with GMP and regulatory standards (C&Q), including user/functional/detailed specification development, test protocols, and system validation. Work closely with the client to understand their needs and develop strategies tailored to their organization through site assessments.  

  • Risk and Compliance Management:   Identify and proactively manage risks. Ensure compliance with GMP to minimize disruptions to timelines and costs.   

  • Training and Support: Develop and deliver specialized training materials for staff to ensure proper operation and maintenance of automated systems. Provide ongoing support post-implementation.     

  • Collaboration and Documentation: Collaborate with Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Quality, Facilities, and Tech Transfer departments to capture and document detailed requirements.

  • Standards and Best Practices: Develop standards and best practices for development and validation activities.   Lead cross-functional teams through design reviews and user acceptance testing during the development change and validation process.

  • Operational Meetings: Participate in facility operational meetings to ensure facility reporting needs are met.

  • Operational Oversight: Oversee the daily monitoring, troubleshooting, and support of automation systems (PLCs, SCADA, DCS, and other control systems) to ensure continuous production with minimal downtime and maximum efficiency.

  • Continuous Improvement: Identify, propose, and implement process and system improvements to enhance automation performance, reduce costs, and improve flexibility in manufacturing operations.

  • Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with engineering, production, quality, IT, and other cross-functional teams to ensure alignment of automation systems with production goals and regulatory requirements.

  • Compliance & Risk Management: Ensure that all automation activities comply with GMP, safety standards, and other relevant regulations. Lead efforts to manage risks associated with automation systems and address any compliance issues proactively.

  • On-Call Support: Be available to provide “on call” support during off-shift hours, based on a rotating schedule, to support manufacturing operations.

Local specificities

Additional Accountabilities

  • Expertise in DCS, PLC, SCADA, BMS, EMS and HMI systems.

  • Knowledge of IoT device integration.

  • Experience in biopharma automation.

  • Understanding of ISA-95, ISA-88 standards.

  • Problem-solving and project management skills.

  • Cybersecurity awareness for automation systems.


About you
Experience:

  • Education: Bachelor's degree in engineering, electrical, chemical, mechanical, automation, Computer Science, Biotechnology, and/or applicable technical field related to engineering in the biopharma sector.

  • Automation and Engineering: Minimum 4 years of direct experience in DeltaV Control System and automation support within biopharma or related industries.

  • Process Control Systems: Knowledge in systems like DCS (DeltaV), SCADA, PLCs, and related automation technologies in a manufacturing context. Machine connectivity understanding with data acquisition from PLCs into higher level applications like Historian, ERPs, etc... using current technologies like OPC.

Soft and Technical Skills:

  • Team Collaboration: Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.

  • Analytical Skills: Problem-solving abilities.

  • Communication: Effective communication skills for engaging diverse stakeholders across projects.

Languages:

  • English: Proficiency in both written and spoken English.

Disclaimer

The above information was designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees with this job description. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. Requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate qualified individuals with disabilities. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” employment relationship.

Why Choose Us?

  • Bring the miracles of science to life alongside a supportive, future-focused team.

  • Discover endless opportunities to grow your talent and drive your career, whether it’s through a promotion or lateral move, at home or internationally.

  • Enjoy a thoughtful, well-crafted rewards package that recognizes your contribution and amplifies your impact.

  • Take good care of yourself and your family, with a wide range of health and wellbeing benefits including high-quality healthcare, prevention and wellness programs and at least 14 weeks’ gender-neutral parental leave.

Sanofi Inc. and its U.S. affiliates are Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employers committed to a culturally diverse workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; creed; religion; national origin; age; ancestry; nationality; marital, domestic partnership or civil union status; sex, gender, gender identity or expression; affectional or sexual orientation; disability; veteran or military status or liability for military status; domestic violence victim status; atypical cellular or blood trait; genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing) or any other characteristic protected by law.​

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All compensation will be determined commensurate with demonstrated experience. Employees may be eligible to participate in Company employee benefit programs, and additional benefits information can be found here.

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Why work with us

  • We’re problem-solvers and pioneers. United by the belief that everyone deserves a healthier future. We create best-in-class vaccines that prevent disease and protect lives.

  • Innovation drives us. From AI and mRNA to next-gen science, we push the boundaries to deliver first- and best-in-class vaccines for infectious diseases worldwide.

  • Growth happens here. With bold investments in R&D and world-class facilities, Sanofians across the entire vaccine lifecycle are shaping the future of global health.

  • We do what’s right. Sustainability and DE&I drive our positive global impact—because the diverse communities Sanofians represent are the patients we serve.

All-in on diversity

At Sanofi, diverse perspectives fuel the best solutions for patients. Hear from Monique Vessey, our Supply Chain Transformation Leader, on how her background shapes her approach to delivering life-changing medicines.

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"Manufacturing and Supply is the bridge between the science that happens in research laboratories and the people and communities we serve."

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Executive Vice President of Manufacturing and Supply

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