Automation Engineer

JOB SUMMARY

The OT Automation Engineer role is part of the site Engineering staff.  This role uses engineering principles and process knowledge to fulfill two critical roles.  Provide 24/7 support of manufacturing process equipment operation and maintenance as well as provides technical leadership to improve and enhance process automation functions.

The role has a focus on infrastructure and supporting technology around the plant’s complex automation systems, Security, and Data Integrity.  Responsibilities include support of VMware, Windows Server, Microsoft Active Directory, and LAN WAN support-based activities, and resolving issues of same systems.  Also responsible for providing focus on the analysis, deployment, and implementation of technical solutions to support the business and Data Integrity (DI) Compliance. Providing the technical skills required for the installation, operation, and optimization of digital network communication equipment. Responsible for installing and maintaining network communication between equipment, and software necessary for terminals, workstations, personal computers, and mainframe computers to effectively communicate over a computer network.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS Supervises: N/A

ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Maintain and monitor alignment to DI and IT policies.
• Maintain compliance for software and hardware licensing.
• Provide technical resolution and support services for network, VMware, Windows Server, storage environments and security.
• Maintain Active Directory and related network systems.
• Maintain network and server backup/restore processes.
• Install and maintain network, server, storage and security equipment.
• Maintain system monitoring tools for proactive monitoring and alerting of core responsibilities.
• Identify, isolate, and correct network equipment problems.
• Research and recommend useful technologies.
• Respond to emergency situations.
• Raise issues as appropriate with corporate IT and local IT support.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Coordinate and participate in LAN/WAN/Windows Server planning activities.
• Coordinate projects with IT, vendors, and customers as required.
• Perform configuration and define parameters for installation and testing of LAN/WAN, routers, switches, and other related server and networking equipment.
• Perform configuration, maintenance and testing support for VMware and Windows Servers
• Use computers, monitoring and testing equipment to determine responsible system performance.
• Take corrective action to improve responsible system performance.
• Work closely with MSE Engineering to add manufacturing devices to the manufacturing network.
• Coordinate with DI and QA to develop proper procedures to moving equipment data to permanent GxP/DI compliant storage and archival locations.
• Develop processes to network, secure, manage and support manufacturing equipment on the manufacturing network.
• Prepare equipment procurement specifications.
• Prepare standards and guidelines for network implementation.
• Make decisions, based on the professional judgment, experience, and the ethical guidelines of good business practices.
• Assist in special projects as necessary.

KEY CHARACTERISTICS

• The individual selected for this role must be a logical problem solver, works responsively servicing the users on site.
• The ideal candidate will have both good social skills and technical expertise with the ability to make logical decisions after assessing technical situations.
• Good verbal and written communication skills
• The individual must have strong problem determination skills for solving problems that are unique or experienced for the first time.
• The individual must be very well organized.
• A balance of flexible customer focused responsiveness and proactivity is required.

EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or related field
• 2 to 3 years as support specialist of infrastructure including desktop, server, and networking equipment in an enterprise or manufacturing environment.
• Understand of PERA (the Purdue Model) within a manufacturing environment.
• Experience in VMWare virtualization platforms required.
• Windows Server 2008 through 2022 required.
• Cisco and Arista switch experience preferred.
• Firewall experience (software and hardware implementations) preferred.
• SQL Server Database Management experience preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in creating IT plans to meet business growth models.
• Understanding of core manufacturing OT integrations such as historians, HMIs, OPC UA are preferred.
• Familiarity of platforms such as OSI Pi, DeltaV, Cytiva UNICORN, and Labwatch is a plus.
• Familiarity of GxP principles is a plus.
• Experience in leading the deployment and/or maintenance of a manufacturing IT/OT infrastructure system.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Ability to function in a small team environment, providing a responsive service to internal customers and balance multiple priorities simultaneously.
• A flexible work schedule is required.
• This role will be based in St. Louis.
• This is not all inclusive, other duties may be performed as assigned.

Benefits:

We offer competitive remuneration, annual incentive plan bonus scheme, healthcare, company pension, and a range of employee benefits! Thermo Fisher Scientific offers employment with an innovative, forward-thinking organization, and outstanding career and development prospects. We offer an exciting company culture that stands for integrity, intensity, involvement, and innovation.

Our Mission is to enable our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer. Watch as our colleagues explain 5 reasons to work with us . As one global team of 100,000 colleagues, we share a common set of values - Integrity, Intensity, Innovation and Involvement - working together to accelerate research, solve complex scientific challenges, drive technological innovation and support patients in need. #StartYourStory at Thermo Fisher Scientific, where diverse experiences, backgrounds and perspectives are valued.

EEO/Reasonable Accommodation:

Thermo Fisher Scientific is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform crucial job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request an accommodation.

At Thermo Fisher Scientific, each one of our 70,000 extraordinary minds has a unique story to tell. Join us and contribute to our singular mission—enabling our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer.

Apply today!

Thermo Fisher Scientific is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status.