Kyowa Kirin is a fast-growing global specialty pharmaceutical company that applies state-of-the-art biotechnologies to discover and deliver novel medicines in four disease areas: bone and mineral; intractable hematologic; hematology oncology; and rare disease. A Japan-based company, our goal is to make people smile by delivering breakthroughs where no adequate treatments currently exist, working from drug discovery to product development and commercialization. In North America, we are headquartered in Princeton, NJ, with offices in California, Massachusetts, and Ontario.
Summary of Job:
The Automation Engineer III is responsible for designing, commissioning, and operating key automated systems within the KKNA Manufacturing Facility.
As an individual contributor, you will embody a compassionate, people-centric approach in your interactions with colleagues, enhancing team dynamics while fostering an inclusive and collaborative environment. Your work will reflect the organization’s values and integrity in every action. By leveraging emotional intelligence and situational awareness, you will engage with diverse perspectives, manage relationships, and make empathetic decisions that address the needs of both individuals and the team. Results-oriented and adaptable, you will contribute to measurable outcomes that align with business objectives. Additionally, you will partner with your colleagues to navigate change and uncertainty, helping them build resilience and clarity to thrive in a rapidly evolving biotech environment with a patient-focused mindset.
Essential Functions:
Technical Skills, Knowledge, and Experience
- Supervise design, implementation and commissioning of automated manufacturing systems, through FAT/SAT, verification testing and operational support
- Take ownership of critical process and utility systems and maintain a “cradle-to-grave” accountability for the systems assigned, from design through operations acceptance.
- Perform troubleshooting of I/O networks, processor configuration and batch recipe programs.
- Create, review, and approve documentation such as operational procedures, maintenance plans, engineering drawings, user requirements and system specifications.
- Participate in the facility’s Operational Readiness (OR) planning and execution.
- Collaborate with manufacturing, manufacturing sciences, and process engineers to evaluate new product introductions.
- Assist with preparation of maintenance and qualification plans.
- Manage technical and engineering changes (change control).
- Support internal and external audits.
Job Requirements:
Education
- Bachelor’s degree qualified in Chemical, Electrical, or biotechnology engineering or related field.
Experience
- Minimum 3 years’ experience as an automation engineer in Pharma, Biopharma, and/or Life Science industries in a capital project or manufacturing/operations role.
- Experience in the configuration of Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC), Human Machine Interface (HMI), and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems.
- Knowledge and experience with the assessment of, and compliance with, Data Integrity (DI) requirements.
- Knowledge and understanding of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and quality compliance issues related to both clinical and commercial manufacturing.
- Experience making system configuration changes under an engineering change control process.
- Experience with MES system design and implementation is a plus.
- Experience with starting up and operating a biopharma manufacturing facility is a plus.
Technical Skills
- Experience in programming Rockwell PLC
- Experience in programming SCADA (e.g. Ignition, FactoryTalk, Wonderware)
- Proficient in MS Office Suite.
Non-Technical Skills
Demonstrate empathetic communication by actively listening and considering others’ perspectives to foster productive and engaging interactions while managing relationships with kindness and care. Embrace personal growth through continuous learning and knowledge sharing, maintaining a growth mindset. Foster inclusive collaboration by respecting diverse perspectives and creating a welcoming work environment. Contribute positively by acknowledging achievements and promoting a healthy work-life balance. Collaborate with respect, integrity, and humility, prioritizing collective success over individual gain. Be resourceful and proactive in challenging the status quo, driving innovation, and developing creative solutions. Maintain a results-oriented approach by setting clear goals, tracking progress, and ensuring that your actions consistently lead to measurable outcomes that advance organizational objectives. Respond promptly, take accountability, and manage tasks efficiently. Adapt to change with clarity, patience, and understanding, guiding the team through evolving challenges. Exhibit strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a solid work ethic while demonstrating cultural sensitivity and the ability to build alignment in a global environment. Maintain an enterprise-wide, holistic mindset, working beyond siloed thinking to drive cohesive, integrated solutions
Physical Demands:
Initially working on a construction site and ultimately in a biotech manufacturing site in Sanford, NC.
Work is 100% on-site. This is not a hybrid or remote role.
Working Conditions: Requires up to 10% domestic and limited international travel
KKNA and all of its employees have an obligation to act in accordance with the law and with integrity in all our operations and interactions
It is the policy of Kyowa Kirin North America, Inc. to provide equal employment opportunity to all qualified persons without regard to race, religion, creed, color, pregnancy, sex, age, national origin, disability, genetic trait or predisposition, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation or affection preference or citizenship status or any other category protected by law.
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Recruitment & Staffing Agencies
Kyowa Kirin does not accept agency resumes unless contacted directly by internal Kyowa Kirin Talent Acquisition. Please do not forward resumes to Kyowa Kirin employees or any other company location; Kyowa Kirin is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.
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Top Skills
What We Do
Kyowa Kirin is a global specialty pharmaceutical company that applies state-of-the-art biotechnologies to discover and deliver novel medicines. We work on some of the hardest to treat diseases where need is high, and potential for life-changing impact is possible.
The North America organization includes three offices in New Jersey and California that focus on drug discovery, product development, and commercialization. Together, we work as a collaborative team to understand clinical needs and advance innovations that have a profound impact on patient lives.
Our growth in North America relies on entrepreneurial team players who are willing to share their expertise and ideas in an environment that prioritizes innovation, diversity, integrity and “wa.” Each person plays a significant role in shaping the work we do and the results we deliver.
