Job Description

Automation Controls Engineer III – Springfield, MO

Build your future at Curia, where our work has the power to save lives.

At Curia, we believe that the work we do directly supports the development of life-changing therapies for patients around the world. The Automation Controls Engineer plays a meaningful role in that mission by designing, developing, and implementing the automation solutions that keep our manufacturing processes running safely, reliably, and at their best.

In this role, you will lead the design, development, programming, testing, and maintenance of industrial automation and control systems used in manufacturing, processing, and production environments. You will drive improvements in equipment performance, reliability, safety, and operational efficiency through the application of PLCs, HMIs, SCADA systems, robotics, instrumentation, and industrial networking technologies.

As a technical leader, you will manage automation and controls projects from initial concept development and design specifications through implementation, commissioning, validation, and operational start-up. You will oversee all phases of project execution, ensuring technical excellence, adherence to project schedules and budgets, and successful delivery of automation solutions.

You will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including Operations, Engineering, Quality, Maintenance, clients, contractors, and equipment vendors, to develop and implement innovative automation solutions that enhance safety, reliability, and operational efficiency. Working in a highly regulated manufacturing environment, you will serve as a trusted technical resource and project leader throughout all phases of project execution.

Success in this role requires strong technical expertise in industrial automation and controls, proven project management capabilities, and a proactive, solutions-driven approach to problem-solving. The ideal candidate takes ownership of projects and outcomes, communicates effectively with stakeholders at all organizational levels, and builds strong working relationships across diverse teams.

Curia is a global contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) with over 30 years of experience partnering with pharmaceutical and biotech companies to provide life-saving treatments to patients. At Curia, we are on a mission to advance our customers’ therapies from curiosity to cure and ultimately to improve patients’ lives.

We proudly offer

• Generous benefit options (eligible first day of employment)
• Paid training, vacation and holidays (vacation accrual begins on first day of employment)
• Career advancement opportunities
• Education reimbursement
• 401K program with matching contributions
• Learning platform
• And more!

Responsibilities

Project & Engineering Leadership
• Lead automation and controls projects from concept development, design, and specification through installation, commissioning, validation, and start-up
• Develop project scopes, technical specifications, budgets, schedules, and resource plans to ensure successful project execution
• Prepare and manage project budgets, ensuring activities remain within established guidelines, budget, and schedule
• Manage relationships with equipment vendors, system integrators, contractors, and clients throughout the project lifecycle
• Coordinate and oversee the work of outside trade firms, technical contractors, and equipment vendors
• Conduct design reviews, risk assessments, and change control activities to ensure compliance with safety, quality, and regulatory requirements
• Communicate project status and progress to stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle
• Support engineering documentation including SOPs, PMs, P&IDs, process flow diagrams, and other technical documents

Automation Design & Implementation
• Design and develop automation control systems and produce associated project documentation and drawings to meet customer requirements
• Configure software and hardware packages in alignment with client design specifications
• Program PLCs (Allen-Bradley, Rockwell, Siemens) and HMI/SCADA systems (FactoryTalk)
• Diagnoses and troubleshoot automation and control system issues, collaborating with internal teams, clients, and vendors to identify root causes and implement effective solutions
• Manage site construction, installation, commissioning, and start-up support for integrated control systems
• Validate and commission facility systems following established execution protocols, ensuring successful turnover to the customer

Continuous Improvement
• Identify and initiate projects for electrical and control system improvements within established guidance
• Validate and commission facility systems following established execution protocols and ensure a successful turnover of the system to the customer.

Good Manufacturing & Documentation Practices
Quality is something we take pride in together. You’ll perform your work in alignment with cGMP requirements and Curia’s standards to ensure our facilities support the safe and reliable manufacture of products for our customers.
• Perform all documentation in compliance with ALCOA++ principles and site SOPs.
• Adhere to applicable cGMP documents including SOPs, batch records, protocols, change controls, and controlled forms.
• Keep all required cGMP training current and escalate quality concerns along with proposed solutions to the Quality department.

Required
• Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Chemical, Mechanical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline
• 5 to 7 years of industrial experience in control engineering, systems integration, or a similar role, with a preference for regulated environments such as pharmaceutical, biotechnology, food and beverage, or consumer health manufacturing
• Demonstrated experience designing and developing automation control systems, including Siemens and SCADA platforms
• Solid understanding of instrumentation and controls (I&C), field instrumentation, and control panel design
• Proficiency with engineering documentation including P&IDs, process flow diagrams, and SOPs
• Familiarity with machine safety applications and electrical power distribution
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to produce technical reports and deliver group presentations
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously
• Knowledge of applicable regulatory agencies and standards (OSHA, EPA, FDA, EU, JP, etc.)
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, Access)

Preferred
• PLC (Allen-Bradley) certifications and continuing education credits
• Experience with building management systems and cleanroom/aseptic facility design

Other Qualifications

• Must pass a background check
• Must pass a drug screen
• May be required to pass Occupational Health Screening
• May be required to obtain and maintain gowning certification
• May be required to obtain and maintain media qualification

Education, experience, location and tenure may be considered along with internal equity when job offers are extended.

We do not accept unsolicited assistance from any headhunters or recruitment firms for any of our job openings. All resumes or profiles submitted by search firms to any employee at Curia, in any form without a valid, signed search agreement by an authorized signatory in place for the specific position, approved by Talent Acquisition, will be deemed the sole property of Curia. No fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by Curia because of the unsolicited referral.

All interested applicants must apply online. Please be aware of scammers. Curia will only send offer letters and requests for sensitive personal information from a curiaglobal.com email address. Curia is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. Curia is an E-Verify employer.