Project Engineer- Automation at Lonza Inc. in Greenwood, South Carolina

Job Description:

Project Engineer - Automation  

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 Project Automation Engineer is responsible for development, support, configuration, replication, modifications of automation systems while applying the following platforms: Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems, drives and servo systems, Open Platform Communication (OPC) software, process historians, and Distributed Control Systems (DCS). Utilizes Lonza global standard software development process methodology; Builds test plans vital to verify software fitness for use; Carries out commissioning and supports validation of automation systems; Develops accurate time estimates for control software development tasks; Participates in team-based continuous improvement initiatives.

The Automation Engineer must have excellent communication skills, must be able to participate or lead global collaborative projects, while applying advanced software engineering competencies (FS/DS, PLC or SCADA or Motion control development, software life cycle methodology)

Key Responsibilities:

• Designs automation systems, or crafts modifications to existing automation systems based on process diagrams, user requirements, functional requirements, Piping & Instrumentation Diagrams (P&ID), machine mechanical drawings.


• Collaborates optimally with global automation engineering team on development projects, standards development, selection and implementation of new technologies and automation systems.


• Supports, configures and replicates (including new releases and patching) PLC systems, SCADA, drive configuration, servo systems, and vision systems.


• Maintains software and hardware global configuration information, user documentation, software backups, control software revision notes, knowledge base data records, generates FS/DS documentation and supports cGMP validation process.


• Regularly communicates with Automation Engineering Manager on project progress and potential issues.


• Based on a rotating schedule provides after-hours support for plant operations. Optimally collaborates with plant personnel, provides technical mentorship to electronics is key responsibilities here.

Key Requirements:

• A Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, or a related field is required, with an emphasis on automation. Equivalent experience will also be considered.


• Master of Science degree preferred.


• Automation Engineering experience.

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.