Senior Rockwell PLC / Automation Engineer

Job Summary

Horizon Controls Group is seeking experienced
Senior Rockwell PLC / Automation Engineers to support the design, development,
and delivery of advanced manufacturing automation systems within a highly
regulated pharmaceutical environment.

This position is focused on engineers with
strong design -level automation expertise, rather than execution -only
experience. The successful candidate will play a key role in architecting and
developing automation solutions for complex manufacturing systems, working
within Lilly’s proprietary automation environment rather than traditional
off -the -shelf SCADA platforms such as Ignition, PlantPAx, or DeltaV.

The role requires a highly technical and
adaptable automation professional capable of working closely with global
engineering, process, manufacturing, CQV, and digital teams to deliver
scalable, compliant, and high -performing automation solutions supporting
next -generation pharmaceutical manufacturing.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of Rockwell PLC -based automation
  solutions for pharmaceutical manufacturing systems and equipment.
  
• Develop and modify PLC logic, control strategies, functional
  specifications, and automation architectures within Lilly’s proprietary
  automation framework.
  
• Support automation system lifecycle activities, including design
  reviews, testing, commissioning support, troubleshooting, and operational
  readiness.
  
• Collaborate with process engineers, manufacturing teams, CQV, MES,
  and digital engineering functions to ensure automation solutions align
  with operational and compliance requirements.
  
• Work within a non -standard Lilly automation architecture, requiring
  flexibility and the ability to quickly understand custom -built
  manufacturing control systems.
  
• Participate in automation design workshops, risk assessments, and
  technical reviews to ensure robust and scalable system designs.
  
• Support integration activities between PLC systems, MES platforms,
  historians, databases, and enterprise systems.
  
• Develop and review technical documentation including URS, FDS, SDS,
  IO lists, network architecture diagrams, test documentation, and change
  controls.
  
• Ensure compliance with GMP, GAMP5, data integrity, and
  cybersecurity standards throughout the automation lifecycle.
  
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior engineers and
  project teams.
  
• Support FAT, SAT, commissioning, IQ/OQ activities, and startup
  support where required.
  
• Troubleshoot complex automation and controls issues within live
  manufacturing environments.
  

Requirements

Required Experience & Qualifications

• Degree in Automation, Electrical, Electronic, Mechatronic,
  Software, or related Engineering discipline.
  
• Strong experience as a PLC / Automation Engineer within
  pharmaceutical, biotech, or regulated manufacturing industries.
  
• Advanced hands -on expertise with Rockwell PLC platforms including ControlLogix, CompactLogix, Studio 5000, FactoryTalk, and
  related technologies.
  
• Proven design -level experience developing automation
  architectures, PLC code, and control strategies — not solely commissioning
  or execution support.
  
• Comfortable working within custom or proprietary automation
  architectures rather than relying exclusively on standard SCADA
  platforms such as Ignition, PlantPAx, or DeltaV.
  
• Strong understanding of industrial automation networks, field
  instrumentation, and system integration principles.
  
• Experience supporting manufacturing process equipment and automated
  production systems.
  
• Familiarity with GMP environments, GAMP5, ISA -88, ISA -95, and
  pharmaceutical validation requirements.
  
• Experience with automation testing, commissioning, and
  qualification activities.
  
• Strong problem -solving and analytical skills in complex operational
  environments.
  

Preferred Experience

• Experience within API, biologics, or advanced pharmaceutical
  manufacturing environments.
  
• Exposure to MES integration, digital manufacturing, or Industry 4.0
  initiatives.
  
• Knowledge of serialization, batch systems, or data historians.
  
• Experience working on large -scale greenfield pharmaceutical
  projects.
  
• Familiarity with cybersecurity and OT network standards.
  

Key Competencies

• Automation system design and architecture expertise
  
• Strong technical leadership and ownership mindset
  
• Excellent collaboration and communication skills
  
• Adaptability within custom engineering environments
  
• High attention to quality, compliance, and detail
  
• Strong troubleshooting and root cause analysis capabilities