Automation Engineer

Interested in a career that matters?

At Novonesis, we believe solutions rooted in biology can help solve some of the world's biggest challenges. Our manufacturing organization plays a vital role in delivering safe, reliable, and innovative biological solutions to customers around the world.

We are looking for an Automation Engineer to join our Automation team and support project execution and production operations across our manufacturing network.

The Role & Your Impact

As our Automation Engineer, you will work under the direction of the Automation Manager for the Americas and act as the automation specialist on assigned projects. You will be responsible for ensuring automation solutions are designed, implemented, and executed in alignment with Novonesis global standards and guidelines, while working closely with production, engineering, IT/OT, and other project disciplines.

This role spans the full project lifecycle from concept and detailed design through coding, testing, startup, and commissioning and also provides high-level support to production environments for selected automation platforms.

In this role, you will make an impact by:

Designing and implementing computer-based process control systems supporting production units, utilities, environmental operations, and supply chain change management

Aligning automation solutions with Novonesis global standards, guidelines, and architectural principles

Coordinating daily automation project activities across all project phases

Ensuring alignment between automation design and other project disciplines

Designing automation solutions from concept through detailed design, coding, simulation, testing, and commissioning

Programming simulations and conducting design reviews with user teams

Providing startup and commissioning support for assigned projects

Delivering high-level automation support to projects and production for selected platforms

Maintaining and supporting the FRA (PI) system in accordance with Novonesis standards

Troubleshooting ABB 800xA / SattLine and related automation issues in collaboration with production teams

Supporting alignment of technical interfaces across automation platforms, IT, and OT environments

Implementing OT software and hardware solutions in critical infrastructure environments

Supporting OT cybersecurity initiatives, including Managed Antivirus, SIEM, NSM, threat monitoring (e.g., Nozomi), patch management, password management, and managed file transfer solutions

Contributing to global automation standardization efforts and knowledge sharing

What You'll Need to Be Successful

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Automation Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.

An Associate degree (AAS) with a minimum of 3 years of relevant experience will also be considered

Experience with process automation solutions and systems

Familiarity with ABB 800xA and/or SattLine (preferred)

Understanding of OT systems, protocols, architectures, and technologies, including DCS, PLC, SCADA

Experience developing functional descriptions and technical documentation

Understanding of object-oriented programming concepts

Knowledge of industrial communication protocols such as RS232/485, OPC, Ethernet, and fieldbus technologies including Profibus, Profinet, Modbus, and Ethernet/IP

Ability to work effectively with cross-functional stakeholders in project and production environments

Willingness and ability to move within processing areas, including climbing stairs and ladders

Willingness to travel to other Novonesis sites as needed

Additional Skills & Interests We Value

Experience with ISA-88 batch systems

Experience supporting live production environments and troubleshooting complex automation issues

Interest in automation standardization, global collaboration, and continuous improvement

Strong communication skills and a proactive, solution-oriented mindset

Ability to balance hands-on technical execution with adherence to standards, quality, and documentation

A result-oriented, collaborative approach to project delivery

What We Offer

A technically challenging role with exposure to complex automation projects

Opportunities to work across disciplines and contribute to global automation standards

Collaboration with skilled colleagues across manufacturing, engineering, IT/OT, and project teams

Learning, development, and career growth opportunities within a global organization

Ways of Working

This role is primarily onsite and closely connected to manufacturing and project environments.

The role includes:

Hands-on work in processing and production areas

Participation in project execution, startup, and commissioning activities

Collaboration across sites and disciplines

Travel to other Novonesis sites as required

Physical activity including walking, climbing stairs and ladders, and working near industrial equipment

Compensation & Benefits

Expected salary range: $80,000 - $120,000

Benefits you will enjoy:

401(k) with up to a 9% company contribution

Minimum of 3 weeks of vacation plus 12 holidays and 2 weeks of Wellness Time

Health, Dental, Vision & Life insurance

Healthcare savings account option with generous employer contribution

Employee assistance program

Parental leave

Tuition reimbursement

All benefits begin on your first day

Relevant Information

Application deadline: May 29, 2026

Location: Franklinton, North Carolina

Our purpose guides the way

In Novonesis, we know that solutions rooted in biology can help solve humanity's biggest challenges. Since we began more than a century ago, this has been our guide. It's how we've gotten so far. And it's how we'll impact the future. Now, more than ever, the world needs change. And with biosolutions, the possibilities for transformation are endless. If our purpose resonates with you, we encourage you to apply.

Opportunities for everyone

We are committed to an inclusive recruitment process and equal opportunity for all applicants. Therefore we ask you to apply without a cover letter or photo and instead include a few sentences in your CV explaining your motivation for applying.

We make all employment decisions based on business needs and welcome candidates with a wide range of backgrounds, including ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, or veteran status.

Explore other openings

If this position isn't the right fit, you may still find other opportunities with us. You're welcome to explore open roles or create a job agent to stay connected with future opportunities at novonesis.com/Career