Automation - OT Engineer

Automation – OT Engineer

Location: This position is based in our Walkersville, MD office. The typical work schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM EST.

What you will get:

The full-time base annual salary for this position is expected to range between $117,000 to $136,500. In addition, below you will find a comprehensive summary of the benefits package we offer:

• Performance-related bonus.

• Medical, dental and vision insurance.

• 401(k) matching plan.

• Life insurance, as well as short-term and long-term disability insurance.

• Employee assistance programs.

• Paid time off (PTO).

Compensation for this role will be determined by the candidate’s qualifications, skills, experience, and relevant knowledge.

What will you do:

The Automation Engineer (OT) is responsible for delivering technical leadership and hands-on support for site-based automation and Operational Technology (OT) systems. This is an Onsite position with the main site located in Walkersville, MD, with an expectation to support all of Walkersville's satellite offices. The role ensures the integrity, reliability, security, and compliance of OT infrastructure and industrial automation platforms across manufacturing, utilities, quality control, and laboratory environments.

Key systems supported include Environmental Monitoring Systems (EMS), Building Automation Systems (BAS), Process Control Systems (PCS), Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES/EBR), and Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS). The position supports system lifecycle management from design through validation, supports CAPEX/OPEX projects, and plays a role in ensuring data integrity, cybersecurity, and regulatory readiness in alignment with GMP, 21 CFR Part 11, and Annex 11 requirements.

• Support and maintain Automation/OT infrastructure including DCS, PCS, PLC, EMS, BAS, LIMS, MES/EBR, Recipe Management, and Batch Record systems.

• Program, configure, and support automation systems such as DCS and PLC platforms (e.g., DeltaV, Siemens, Allen Bradley).

• Troubleshoot and resolve complex Automation/OT issues related to hardware, control logic, system performance, and network communications.

• Administer OT networks and infrastructure, including virtualized servers, data storage, endpoint devices, IP/VLAN configurations, and network diagrams.

• Ensure Automation/OT system compliance with 21 CFR Part 11, Annex 11, GAMP, and internal quality standards.

• Support cybersecurity initiatives including system inventory, endpoint protection, remote access, network segmentation, and disaster recovery.

• Manage OT system administration tasks, including backups, patching, software updates, user management, and recovery procedures.

• Act as Subject Matter Expert (SME) for Automation/OT systems during audits, inspections, and regulatory engagements.

• Participate in quality investigations, including deviations, CAPAs, root cause analysis, and audit responses related to Automation/OT systems.

• Collaborate with engineering, IT, and vendors for installation planning, system upgrades, lifecycle management, and vendor assessments.

• Contribute to OT deliverables in CAPEX/OPEX projects, including system implementations, upgrades (e.g., EMS, PCS), and strategic site initiatives (e.g., Endo 2.0).

• Maintain accurate Automation/OT asset inventories and support disaster recovery testing and data integrity risk assessments.

• Assist in the development and review of documentation, including SOPs, system specifications, and work instructions related to OT.

• Deliver informal training and technical guidance to operators, maintenance, and engineering staff on Automation/OT systems and best practices.

• Provide on-call support and limited travel (up to 25%) to support operations across satellite sites.

What we are looking for:        

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, information systems, or related field preferred, with 5+ years of hands-on experience in OT or industrial automation in regulated manufacturing or lab settings.

• Proficient in control systems and automation platforms such as DeltaV, Rockwell FactoryTalk, Siemens, Allen Bradley, and MODA-ES.

• Skilled in SCADA, PLC, HMI, DCS, MES/EBR, EMS, BAS systems, and industrial communication protocols like Modbus, OPC, Ethernet/IP, and DeviceNet.

• Strong experience managing automation and controls projects across design, procurement, construction, validation, and operational phases.

• Familiar with regulatory and compliance standards such as 21 CFR Part 11, GAMP, GMP, Annex 11, IEC 62443, and NIST guidelines.

• Capable of developing URSs, technical specifications, control system drawings, and supporting CQV and continuous improvement efforts.

• Working knowledge of network infrastructure (VLANs, Cisco switching, firewalls, virtual environments) and relevant certifications (e.g., ISA/IEC 62443, Security+, vendor-specific).

• Excellent troubleshooting, documentation, and interpersonal skills; effective at cross-functional collaboration in fast-paced, regulated environments.

About Lonza

At Lonza, our people are our greatest strength. With 30+ sites across five continents, our globally connected teams work together every day to manufacture the medicines of tomorrow. Our core values of Collaboration, Accountability, Excellence, Passion and Integrity reflect who we are and how we work together. Everyone’s ideas, big or small, have the potential to improve millions of lives, and that’s the kind of work we want you to be part of.

Innovation thrives when people from all backgrounds bring their unique perspectives to the table. At Lonza, we offer equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you’re ready to help turn our customers’ breakthrough ideas into viable therapies, we look forward to welcoming you on board.

Ready to shape the future of life sciences?