Sr Engineer I, Automation (Syncade MES)
Biogen · Research Triangle Park, NC
- Level
- Senior
- Team
- Controls
- Base pay
- $93k–$121k
- Degree
- Required
- Experience asked
- 8+ years
- Industry
- Pharma & life sciences
- Posted
- 23 days ago
The role in 30 seconds
A senior controls role at Biogen (pharma & life sciences) in Research Triangle Park, NC.
- They ask for
- 8+ years · degree required
- Tools it names
- Root cause, FDA / GMP, Validation (IQ/OQ/PQ), Automation, MES
- Base pay
- $93k–$121k
- Day to day
- some off-shift / weekend coverage
Read from the posting. The full description is below.
From the plant jobs report · week of October 19, 2026
Controls Engineer roles in North Carolina: typical posted base $108k–$154k. This one lists $93k–$121k.
Median of the low and high ends of 7 live postings that list pay, out of 35 controls engineer openings in North Carolina, read from manufacturers' own careers sites.
North Carolina plant jobs report →Pay by team and state →What moves pay →
How this role compares
Against 34 other live controls postings in North Carolina.
- Base pay
- About 22% below similar roles
- Experience asked
- More than usual (8+ vs 5+)
Typical $112k–$162k, from 6 postings that list pay.
Similar roles usually ask 5+ years.
Skills these teams ask for most
- ✓ Automation 83%
- PLC 69%
- Robotics 40%
- ✓ Validation (IQ/OQ/PQ) 34%
- AutoCAD 23%
- ✓ MES 23%
✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.
Stands out: this posting asks for FDA / GMP, which few similar roles mention. If you have it, lead with it.
At a glance
Pulled from the posting text. If it's not listed here, the posting didn't say.
How to get in at this plant
Five moves over a week or two. The first one takes ten minutes.
- 1
Pick 2–3 people on the Controls team at Biogen
Engineers who joined in the last year or two reply the most. Use the team search on this page to find them.
- 2
Send a short, curious note
One real question about their work. No favors yet. Each person gets a different note, written for this role.
- 3
Turn a reply into a short call
Questions worth asking about this team:
- What does a normal week look like on your team?
- How does off-shift and weekend coverage work?
- How did you land the job? What stood out in your interviews?
- 4
Apply with someone vouching for you
If the call went well, ask whether they’d pass your résumé to the hiring manager. Send your résumé link, apply that day, and let them know.
- 5
Bring proof to the interview
One page of before-and-after numbers from projects you led: scrap, OEE, cycle time, cost. Plant managers hire on results.
This plant: Biogen in Research Triangle Park
3 other open roles at this site.
- Sr. Manufacturing Technician – Manufacturing Maintenance · Reliability · Technician
- Engineer III, Manufacturing Sciences - Cell Culture · Manufacturing · Senior
- Maintenance Technician II / III (Days) · Reliability · Technician
Full description from BiogenAs posted on their careers site.ShowHide
requirements
- ✓Execute and support change controls, including system updates, enhancements, and validation deliverables (IQ/OQ/PQ)
- ✓Drive continuous improvement efforts to enhance system usability, reliability, and operational efficiency
- ✓Support integration and data flow between Syncade and other automation and Enterprise systems, e.g. DeltaV, PI, and Infobatch, CMMS, Oracle, Veeva, LIMS
- ✓Provide technical support during manufacturing operations, including off-hours support as required
Who You Are
You are a meticulous professional with a strong foundation in automation / manufacturing systems engineering, particularly in biopharmaceutical settings. Your analytical mindset and problem-solving skills empower you to tackle complex challenges independently. You thrive in collaborative environments, easily engaging with diverse teams to achieve shared goals. Your
dedication to operational excellence and compliance ensures that systems run smoothly and efficiently.
Required Skills
- ✓Bachelor’s degree in Engineering
- ✓5–8+ years of automation engineering experience in a regulated environment (GMP preferred)
- ✓Minimum of 3 years of experience with Syncade/MES Infrastructure, workflows, eBR design, and manufacturing process support
- ✓Strong understanding of GxP compliance, data integrity, and change control processes
- ✓Proven ability to independently troubleshoot and resolve complex technical issues
Show full description ↓Show less ↑
About This Role
We are seeking an experienced technical contributor to join our Automation Systems Engineering team at the Biogen RTP Bio site. The Senior Automation Engineer I will support Syncade (MES) system administration within a GMP-regulated manufacturing environment. This role operates with a high degree of independence and is accountable for ensuring system reliability, supporting manufacturing execution, and driving continuous improvement initiatives. The Senior Automation Engineer I will be a subject matter expert for Syncade, capable of leading small-to-moderate complexity initiatives to influence cross-functional outcomes.
What You’ll Do
- •Act as system administrator/SME for Syncade (MES), including configuration, maintenance, troubleshooting, and lifecycle management
- •Own and support Syncade Application and the relevant infrastructure to enable electronic batch record (eBR) workflows, recipe configuration, and exception handling
- •Ensure system availability, performance, and data integrity to support GMP manufacturing operations
- •Lead root cause investigations and implement corrective/preventive actions for MES-related deviations
- •Manage user access, security roles, and audit trail reviews in compliance with GxP and cybersecurity
Preferred Skills
- +Experience with Emerson DeltaV (DCS) integration and support
- +Experience with AVEVA PI System for data collection and analytics
- +Familiarity with Infobatch for batch reporting
- +Participation in system upgrades, tech transfers, or manufacturing modernization initiatives
Job Level: Professional
Additional Information
Base salary offered is determined through an analytical approach utilizing a combination of factors including, but not limited to, relevant skills & experience, job location, and internal equity.
Regular employees are eligible to receive both short term and long-term incentives, including cash bonus and equity incentive opportunities, designed to reward recent achievements and recognize your future potential based on individual, business unit and company performance.
- +Medical, Dental, Vision, & Life insurances
- +Fitness & Wellness programs including a fitness reimbursement
- +Short- and Long-Term Disability insurance
- +A minimum of 15 days of paid vacation and an additional end-of-year shutdown time off (Dec 26-Dec 31)
- +Up to 12 company paid holidays + 3 paid days off for Personal Significance
- +80 hours of sick time per calendar year
- +Paid Maternity and Parental Leave benefit
- +401(k) program participation with company matched contributions
- +Employee stock purchase plan
- +Tuition reimbursement of up to $10,000 per calendar year
- +Employee Resource Groups participation
Why Biogen?
We are a global team with a commitment to excellence, and a pioneering spirit. As a mid-sized biotechnology company, we provide the stability and resources of a well-established business while fostering an environment where individual contributions make a significant impact. Our team encompasses some of the most talented and passionate achievers who have unparalleled opportunities for learning, growth, and expanding their skills. Above all, we work together to deliver life-changing medicines, with every role playing a vital part in our mission. Caring Deeply. Achieving Excellence. Changing Lives.
At Biogen, we are committed to building on our culture of inclusion and belonging that reflects the communities where we operate and the patients we serve. We know that diverse backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives make us a stronger and more innovative company, and we are focused on building teams where every employee feels empowered and inspired. Read on to learn more about our Biogen.
