Principal Engineer, IT Automation (Manufacturing Systems)

Lead/Support the continuous operation of AbbVie Bioresearch Center's IT and Automation systems, and in establishing a stable and future-ready digital foundation in accordance with the company's Advanced North Star capabilities.

Responsibilities & Essential Functions include:

• Acts as the lead technical expert for Automation Applications, Process Control and Information Systems.

• Maintains system availability, prepares metrics to evaluate systems performance, and works with stakeholders and users to ensure that service objectives are met.

• Develops and maintains an implementation/support strategy that integrates process knowledge, equipment design, and quality standards with information technology to reduce downtime, elevate the level of regulatory compliance, and introduce efficiency gains through effective use of available technologies.

• Develop and revise project plans and budgets, work with stakeholders to understand complex problems and focus on bringing issues to resolution, escalating as necessary to meet timelines.

• Work closely within the Global organization in the evaluation and implementation of application updates and continuous improvements.

• Monitors, ensures compliance, and conforms to all regulatory and company mandates.

• Provides guidance, technical advice, planning and project management both within the group and with outside consultants and vendors.

• Assists departmental objectives by developing strategic roadmaps for Automation Applications and Process Control systems in conjunction with Digital Systems and business management resources.

• Supports in establishing a stable and future-ready digital foundation:

o Dashboard development to visualize and analyze data to gain insights

o Data integration across critical platforms for business intelligence

o Rollout of Industry 4.0 initiatives
• Provides training for onsite Users / Engineers in Automation technologies and applications.

• Provides after hours (on call) support as needed on a regular rotation.

• Position Requirements:
  
  • Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related discipline, along with a minimum ten years of progressive work experience required.
  
  • Working knowledge of Distributed Control Systems such as Foxboro I/A, Rockwell PlantPAx, Emerson DeltaV, etc. required.
  
  • Experience administering and/or configuring data historian systems such as OSISoft PI required.
  
  • Solid understanding of manufacturing processes and working knowledge of Manufacturing Execution Systems such as POMSnet, Emerson Syncade, Werum PAS-X, etc. required.
  
  • Experience in the adoption and application of ISA-88 and 95; and connecting enterprise systems to shop-floor systems/processes required.
  
  • Experience with commissioning and qualification, and computerized systems validation required.
  
  • Experience with coding in VB, C#, or other standard programming languages preferred.
  
  • Experience with PLCs (such as Allen-Bradley ControlLogix), programming in ladder logic and instructional texts, and HMI screen development and management preferred.
  
  • Experience designing and implementing Windows Server Operating Systems and related components including Active Directory, NTFS Setup and Security, User Administration, TCP/IP with DHCP, WINS and DNS preferred.
  
  • Experience with Business Intelligence and Data Visualization applications preferred.
  
  • Exposure to Industry 4.0 technology pillars such as augmented reality, big data, iIOT, and vertical & horizontal integration of systems preferred.
  
  • Experience and/or desire in people management preferred.
  
  Other Skills, Attributes and Abilities:
  
  • Ability to lead project initiatives.
  
  • Ability and aspiration to lead a team of engineers.
  
  • Excellent communication and analytical skills.
  
  • Ability to assist customers in a pleasant, non-technical manner for problem resolution.
  
  • Proven ability to recognize symptoms, analyze system data, and take corrective actions when problems arise.
  
  Physical & Safety Requirements:
  
  • This position requires good visual acuity, with a large portion of the time using a PC or other screens.