When joining PerkinElmer, you select an experienced and trusted leader in scientific solutions, with the support of a global service network and distribution centers, providing the right solution, at the right time, to meet critical customer needs. With over an 80+ year legacy of advancing science and a mission of innovating for a healthier world, our dedicated team collaborates closely with commercial, government, academic and healthcare customers to deliver our broad portfolio of analytical solutions, and OneSource services.
DT&A - Lead Engineer, PLC/DCS
US Remote - CO, US Remote - DC, US Remote - FL, US Remote - GA, US Remote - IN, US Remote - MA, US Remote - MO, US Remote - NC, US Remote - NJ, US Remote - OH, US Remote - PA, US Remote - TX, US Remote - VA
This is a full-time salaried position withProject Farma,a PerkinElmer company. The successful candidate willresidein one of Project Farma's primary markets and be willing to travel domesticallyto meet client projectrequests.
Project Farma’s purpose is toimprove patient lives by acceleratingthe delivery of life-changingtherapiesWeaccomplishthisthrough thesuccessful execution of high-quality life sciences projects across the full project lifecycle. Project Farma (PF) teammemberscollaboratewith cross-functional teams to build trusted client relationships, deliveran exceptional customer experience, andcontributeto business growth byidentifyingopportunities and applying data-driven insights to support project planning, cost, schedule, and performance management.
All team members are expected to embody Project Farma’s values by being curious, personable, and unselfish, whilemaintaininga strong commitment to a Patient Focused and People First mindset
TheLeadEngineeris an advanced individual contributor with demonstrated depth in their technical discipline and a growing record of leading complex workstreams. This role applies strong subject‑matterexpertiseto solve high‑impact technical and operational challenges, supports technical decision‑making, and contributes to the evolution of standards, methods, or best practices within their area.They partnerclosely with project and people leaders—whileremainingfocused on technical delivery rather than formal people management.
Key Responsibilities
The Automation Engineer provides subject matterexpertisein the design, implementation, and lifecycle management of automation systems across biologics, pharmaceutical, and novel therapy manufacturing facilities. This role requires deep experience with DCS/PLCBMS/EMSplatforms and the ability to author, interpret, and lead documentation such as URS, FRS, Functional Narratives, and detailed system architecture designs
Automation Design & Architecture
Develop full automation system architecturesfor biologics, pharmaceutical, and advanced therapy manufacturingfacilities(DCS, PLC/SCADA, MES, historians, network layers, field instrumentation).
Create ISA‑88/ISA‑95‑aligned architecture diagrams, I/O strategies, network topologies, and interface specifications.
Ensure architecture supports scalability, cybersecurity, data integrity, and multi‑product flexibility.
URS / FRS / Design Documentation
Lead the creation, review, and approval of:
URS(User Requirements Specifications)
FRS(Functional Requirements Specifications)
DS / DDS(Design Specifications)
Functional & Control Narratives
Recipe Design Documentation(ISA‑88 compliant)
Automation Standards & Engineering GuidelinesWork cross functionally to translate process requirements into robust automation design documents.
Automation Implementation
Configure, program, and deploy DCSPLC(modules, phases, recipes, batch strategies, graphics, alarms).
Support integration of OEM skids: bioreactors, chromatography systems, filtration skids, CIP/SIP, and fill finish equipment, HVAC, Chillers, Boilers, etc
Commissioning, Validation & GMP Compliance
Detailed knowledge of FAT, SAT, IQ/OQ, and PQprotocols in alignment with GAMP 5 and 21 CFR Part 11.
Ensure automation changes meet data integrity requirements, change control processes, andvalidationlifecycle rules.
Lead deviation investigations, CAPAs, and risk assessments related to automation systems.
Manufacturing & Operations Support
Serve as SME for troubleshooting, system optimization, alarm tuning, batch failure analysis, and performance enhancements.
Support 24/7 operations through structured root cause analysis and resolution of automation issues.
Develop long-term automation lifecycle plans for upgrades, patches, and system expansions.
Cross Functional Leadership‑Functional Leadership
Collaborate with IT/OT, process engineering, quality, and capital project teams to deliver integrated automation solutions.
Manage vendors, system integrators, and OEMs; review design packages and ensure alignment with internal standards.
Mentor junior engineers and act as technical SME during audits and regulatory inspections.
Attributes for Success
Technical Delivery Applies advanced technical knowledge and professionalexpertise
Innovation & Continuous Improvement Seeks better ways, adapts to change and championsnew ideas
Customer Focus & ProfessionalismRepresentsPF with consistent professionalism,appropriate escalationand respect for internal stakeholders, even during high stress delivery situations
Integrity & HumilityDemonstratesself-awarenessand puts PF mission above ego
Collaboration & CommunicationCommunicates clearly and proactively and drives transparent alignment with clients.
Project Execution Delivers reliably, managesprioritiesand drives forhigh qualityoutcomes
Growth Mindset Shows openness tonew ideas,feedbackand change
Experience Required
EducationBachelor’s Degree in Life Science, Engineering, or related discipline (OR a combination of equivalent work experience in capital project engineering, pharma cGMP facility start-up,CapExOpExproject management and/or comparable military experience.
Strong understanding of ISA‑88 batch control, ISA‑95 manufacturing hierarchy, BACnet, ISO 16484and GAMP 5.
PLCDCS4+ years / 7+ yearsin automation engineering within GMP life sciences (biotech, pharma, ATMP). Expert-level experience with DeltaVDCS and/or Rockwell / Allen Bradley PLC/SCADA platforms.
BMS/EMS4+ years / 7+ yearsin buildingautomation engineering within GMP life sciences (biotech, pharma, ATMP). Expert-level experience with common BMS and EMS platforms (SiemensDesigoCC, Rockwell PLC,Schneider Electric,etc)
Willingness to travel asrequiredfor client project assignments.
Other Preferred
Strongcommunicatorandinfluenceracross engineering, quality, IT/OT, and manufacturing.
Structured thinker with advanced troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
Skilled at managing multiple priorities in a high pressure, regulated environment.
Ability to manage scope and track project changes
Demonstrated leadership and mentorship abilities.
Project Farmais committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability status, age, or veteran status or any other characteristics protected by applicable law. PerkinElmer is committed to a culturally diverse workforce.
Applicants mustbe authorized towork in the United States on a full-time basis. We will not sponsor applicants for current or future work visas for this position. This position may require significant travel to support project and business needs. We cannot employ anyone with an invalid driver's license.
The annual compensation range for this full-time position is $100,000 - 135,000. The final base pay offered to the successful candidate will bedeterminedby factors including internal equity, work location, as well as individual qualifications, such as job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.
PerkinElmer is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability status, age, or veteran status or any other characteristics protected by applicable law. PerkinElmer is committed to a culturally diverse workforce.
For 85 years, PerkinElmer has pushed the boundaries of science in our food, industrial, life science and environmental markets. In addition to innovative laboratory technologies, our OneSource services division delivers a highly trained, experienced, and collaborative team of service engineers with solutions scalable and customizable to serve laboratory needs.
We’ve always pursued science with a clear purpose – to help our customers achieve theirs. Our expert team brings technology and intangibles, like creativity, empathy, diligence, and a spirit of collaboration, in equal measure, to fulfill our customers’ desire to work better, innovate better, and create better.
PerkinElmer is a leading, global provider of technology and service solutions that help customers measure, quantify, detect, and report in ways that help ensure the quality, safety, and satisfaction of their products.
Science with Purpose. Learn more at www.perkinelmer.com.
