Senior Automation & Operational Technology Engineer (Biotech)
Today, Lonza is a global leader in life sciences operating across five continents. While we work in science, there's no magic formula to how we do it. Our greatest scientific solution is talented people working together, devising ideas that help businesses to help people. In exchange, we let our people own their careers. Their ideas, big and small, genuinely improve the world. And that's the kind of work we want to be part of.
The Senior Automation & Operational Technology (OT) Engineer is responsible for delivering technical leadership and hands-on support for site-based automation and Operational Technology (OT) systems. This is an onsite position located in Walkersville, MD, with an expectation to support all of Walkersville's satellite offices. The role ensures the integrity, reliability, security, and compliance of OT infrastructure and industrial automation platforms across manufacturing, utilities, quality control, and laboratory environments.
Key systems supported include Environmental Monitoring Systems (EMS), Building Automation Systems (BAS), Process Control Systems (PCS), Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES/EBR), and Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS). The position supports system lifecycle management from design through validation, supports CAPEX/OPEX projects, and plays a role in ensuring data integrity, cybersecurity, and regulatory readiness in alignment with GMP, 21 CFR Part 11, and Annex 11 requirements.
Key Responsibilities:
Support and maintain Automation/OT infrastructure including DCS, PCS, PLC, EMS, BAS, LIMS, MES/EBR, Recipe Management, and Batch Record systems.
Program, configure, and support automation systems such as DCS and PLC platforms (e.g., DeltaV, Siemens, Allen Bradley).
Troubleshoot and resolve complex Automation/OT issues related to hardware, control logic, system performance, and network communications.
Administer OT networks and infrastructure, including virtualized servers, data storage, endpoint devices, IP/VLAN configurations, and network diagrams.
Ensure Automation/OT system compliance with 21 CFR Part 11, Annex 11, GAMP, and internal quality standards.
Support cybersecurity initiatives including system inventory, endpoint protection, remote access, network segmentation, and disaster recovery.
Manage OT system administration tasks, including backups, patching, software updates, user management, and recovery procedures.
Act as Subject Matter Expert (SME) for Automation/OT systems during audits, inspections, and regulatory engagements.
Participate in quality investigations, including deviations, CAPAs, root cause analysis, and audit responses related to Automation/OT systems.
Collaborate with engineering, IT, and vendors for installation planning, system upgrades, lifecycle management, and vendor assessments.
Contribute to OT deliverables in CAPEX/OPEX projects, including system implementations, upgrades (e.g., EMS, PCS), and strategic site initiatives (e.g., Endo 2.0).
Maintain accurate Automation/OT asset inventories and support disaster recovery testing and data integrity risk assessments.
Assist in the development and review of documentation, including SOPs, system specifications, and work instructions related to OT.
Deliver informal training and technical guidance to operators, maintenance, and engineering staff on Automation/OT systems and best practices.
Provide on-call support and limited travel (up to 25%) to support operations across satellite sites.
Key Requirements:
Bachelor's degree in engineering, information systems, or related field preferred, with 5+ years of hands-on experience in OT or industrial automation in regulated manufacturing or lab settings.
Proficient in control systems and automation platforms such as DeltaV, Rockwell FactoryTalk, Siemens, Allen Bradley, and MODA-ES.
Skilled in SCADA, PLC, HMI, DCS, MES/EBR, EMS, BAS systems, and industrial communication protocols like Modbus, OPC, Ethernet/IP, and DeviceNet.
Strong experience managing automation and controls projects across design, procurement, construction, validation, and operational phases.
Familiar with regulatory and compliance standards such as 21 CFR Part 11, GAMP, GMP, Annex 11, IEC 62443, and NIST guidelines.
Capable of developing URSs, technical specifications, control system drawings, and supporting CQV and continuous improvement efforts.
Working knowledge of network infrastructure (VLANs, Cisco switching, firewalls, virtual environments) and relevant certifications (e.g., ISA/IEC 62443, Security+, vendor-specific).
Excellent troubleshooting, documentation, and interpersonal skills; effective at cross-functional collaboration in fast-paced, regulated environments.
We recognize that attracting, developing and retaining the best talent is key to our strategy and success as a company. As a result, we aim for flexibility in structuring competitive compensation offers to ensure that we are able to attract the best candidates. As required by law in this state, the quoted salary range for this on-site position is $112,000.00 – $190,000.00. We use broad salary ranges that reflect the competitive market for similar jobs, provide sufficient opportunity for growth as you gain experience and expand responsibilities; while also allowing for differentiation on performance based on the breadth of our ranges, most new hires will start at the company between the lower and the middle part of the applicable range. We tailor our offers within the range based on job-related factors, including organizational needs, internal equity, market data, geographic area and the selected candidate's experience, education, industry knowledge, location, technical and/or communication skills and other factors that may prove relevant during the selection process. This range is only inclusive of base salary, and base pay is just one component of Lonza's total compensation package for employees. Full-time employees are eligible to receive a performance-related bonus, as well as a comprehensive benefits package including medical and dental coverage, 401k plan, life insurance, short-term and long-term disability insurance, an employee assistance program, paid time off (PTO), and more.
Every day, Lonza's products and services have a positive impact on millions of people. For us, this is not only a great privilege, but also a great responsibility. How we achieve our business results is just as important as the achievements themselves. At Lonza, we respect and protect our people and our environment. Any success we achieve is no success at all if not achieved ethically.
People come to Lonza for the challenge and creativity of solving complex problems and developing new ideas in life sciences. In return, we offer the satisfaction that comes with improving lives all around the world. The satisfaction that comes with making a meaningful difference.
Lonza is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a qualified individual with disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
