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Pharma Automation & Controls Engineer - Project Farma

PerkinElmer · Raleigh, NC

Apply on PerkinElmer ↗
Level
Engineer
Team
Controls
Base pay
$60k–$180k
Degree
Required
Experience asked
16+ years
Industry
Pharma & life sciences
Posted
30+ days ago

The role in 30 seconds

An engineer-level controls role at PerkinElmer (pharma & life sciences) in Raleigh, NC. Develop, modify, and test MES (eBR, RbE, eLogbooks, Equipment Tracking, Weigh & Dispense), LIMS, Serialization and CMMS application functionality.

They ask for
16+ years · degree required
Tools it names
Root cause, FDA / GMP, Validation (IQ/OQ/PQ), PLC, Automation, MES
Base pay
$60k–$180k
Day to day
some off-shift / weekend coverage

Read from the posting. The full description is below.

From the plant jobs report · week of November 9, 2026

Controls Engineer roles in North Carolina: typical posted base $106k–$145k. This one lists $60k–$180k.

Median of the low and high ends of 20 live postings that list pay, out of 48 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 47 other live controls postings in North Carolina.

Base pay
In line with similar roles

Typical $106k–$145k, from 19 postings that list pay.

Experience asked
More than usual (16+ vs 5+)

Similar roles usually ask 5+ years.

Skills these teams ask for most

  • ✓ Automation 79%
  • ✓ PLC 69%
  • Robotics 38%
  • AutoCAD 31%
  • ✓ Validation (IQ/OQ/PQ) 29%
  • Team leadership 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.

It asks for 16+ years. If you're close, apply anyway: requirements are a wish list. Talk to someone doing this work there first.

At a glance

Off-shift / weekend coverage

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. 1

    Pick 2–3 people on the Controls team at PerkinElmer

    Engineers who joined in the last year or two reply the most. Use the team search on this page to find them.

  2. 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. 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. 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. 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: PerkinElmer in Raleigh

1 other open role at this site.

Full description from PerkinElmerAs posted on their careers site.Show

Requirements

Specifications), FRS (Functional

Requirements

Specifications), DS / DDS (Design Specifications), Functional & Control Narratives, Recipe Design Documentation (ISA-88 compliant), Automation Standards & Engineering Guidelines

  • ✓Work cross functionally to translate process

requirements

into robust digital system design documents.

Experience Required

  • ✓Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Automation, Electrical, Chemical, Mechanical, or related).
  • ✓Minimum 2-16+ years in automation engineering within GMP life sciences (biotech, pharma, ATMP).
  • ✓Expert-level experience with various MES platforms, Data Repositories, Serialization and integration to manufacturing applications (ERP, LIMS, CMMS, etc).
  • ✓Proven ability to author, interpret, and own URS/FRS/DS documentation.
  • ✓Experience designing system applications and data flows across the full spectrum of manufacturing applications.
  • ✓Strong understanding of ISA-88 batch control, ISA-95 manufacturing hierarchy, and GAMP 5.
  • ✓Hands-on experience supporting biologics and sterile/aseptic manufacturing environments.
  • ✓Understanding multisite standards for global manufacturers
Show full description ↓

Project Farma is growing our Digital Tranformation & Automation (DT&A) practice, and will consider candidates' ranging from 2 - 16+ years' relevant experience. The successful candidate will reside in one of Project Farma's primary markets and be willing to travel domestically, to meet client project requests.

  • •Market locations include but are not limited to: Boston, Philadelphia, DMV, Northern New Jersey, Chicago, Indianapolis, Columbus, St Louis, Kansas City, Raleigh-Durham, Houston, Dallas, Boulder, Portland, San Francisco, San Diego, and Los Angeles.

The Digital Transformation & Automation (DT&A) Engineer provides subject matter expertise in the design, implementation, and lifecycle management of digital systems across biologics, pharmaceutical, and novel therapy manufacturing facilities. This is a fully billable role, requiring experience with various MES platforms, Data Repositories, Serialization and integration to manufacturing applications (ERP, LIMS, CMMS, etc) and the ability to author, interpret, and lead documentation such as URS, FRS, Functional Narratives, and detailed system architecture designs.

In addition to technical experience, the DT&A Engineer acts as client liaison during delivery of Project Farma service engagements. They are strategically responsible for client satisfaction through project delivery while maintaining and growing client relationships. Key

Automation Design & Architecture

  • •Develop system architectures and data flows for biologics, pharmaceutical, and advanced therapy manufacturing (DCS, PLC/SCADA, MES, historians, network layers).
  • •Develop product recipe strategies across the full application layer of ERP, MES and DCS Batch.
  • •Detailed knowledge of Master data and how to define and control Master Data.
  • •Create ISA-88/ISA-95-aligned architecture diagrams, inc Application and Data Flow diagrams.
  • •Ensure architecture supports scalability, cybersecurity, data integrity, and multi-product flexibility.

URS / FRS / Design Documentation

  • •Lead the creation, review, and approval of: URS (User

Digital System Implementation

  • •Configure, program, and deploy Digital System within the manufacturing environment.
  • •Develop, modify, and test MES (eBR, RbE, eLogbooks, Equipment Tracking, Weigh & Dispense), LIMS, Serialization and CMMS application functionality.
  • •Support integration of OEM skids: bioreactors, chromatography systems, filtration skids, CIP/SIP, and fill finish equipment.

Commissioning, Validation & GMP Compliance

  • •Detailed knowledge of FAT, SAT, IQ/OQ, and PQ protocols in alignment with GAMP 5 and 21 CFR Part 11.
  • •2/2
  • •Ensure all changes meet data integrity requirements, change control processes, and validation lifecycle rules.
  • •Lead deviation investigations, CAPAs, and risk assessments related to Digital systems.

Manufacturing & Operations Support

  • •Serve as SME for troubleshooting, system optimization, batch failure analysis, and performance enhancements.
  • •Support 24/7 operations through structured root cause analysis and resolution of Digital System issues.
  • •Develop long-term lifecycle plans for upgrades, patches, and system expansions.

Cross Functional Leadership

  • •Collaborate with IT/OT, process engineering, MSAT, quality, and capital project teams to deliver integrated system 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.

Other Preferred

  • +Strong communicator and influencer across 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.
  • +Demonstrated leadership and mentorship abilities.

Applicants must be authorized to work 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.

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