Overview
Automation Engineer Lead (Wilson, NC, US, 27893)
We are Reckitt
Home to the world's best loved and trusted hygiene, health, and nutrition brands. Our purpose defines why we exist: to protect, heal and nurture in the relentless pursuit of a cleaner, healthier world. We are a global team united by this purpose.Join us in our fight to make access to the highest quality hygiene, wellness, and nourishment a right and not a privilege.
Supply
Our supply chain is the backbone of our business. It's how we get our trusted products to people all over the world, safely and efficiently. And it's our talented and passionate teams that make this happen.If you're looking for a career in supply chain, there's no better place to be than Reckitt. We offer a variety of exciting opportunities in all areas of the supply chain, from planning and procurement to manufacturing and logistics. You could join our Global Supply Planning team to develop and implement our global supply strategy, or work with our Procurement Centre of Excellence team to negotiate and manage our supplier relationships.Our Manufacturing Excellence team help us improve the efficiency, quality and safety of our manufacturing operations, and our Logistics Excellence team develop new and innovative ways to distribute our products to customers.
About the role
We’re seeking a seasoned Senior Automation Engineer to lead the design, implementation, and lifecycle management of advanced control systems in a pharmaceutical manufacturing environment. This role combines hands-on expertise in PLC, SCADA, HMI, and DCS technologies with strategic leadership across capital projects, compliance, and continuous improvement. If you're passionate about driving innovation, ensuring regulatory excellence, and integrating cutting-edge automation—from robotics to IoT—this is your opportunity to make a lasting impact.
Your responsibilities
- Lead the design, installation, and lifecycle management of advanced automation systems—including PLC, SCADA, HMI, and DCS—for pharmaceutical manufacturing and utility equipment.
- Act as the subject matter expert across production, utilities, and facility systems, ensuring seamless integration with MES, historians, and other data platforms.
- Drive the selection and implementation of robotics, sensors, and industrial automation technologies to enhance operational efficiency and data integrity.
- Manage capital projects involving electrical and automation upgrades, overseeing commissioning, testing, and vendor coordination to ensure timely delivery and budget compliance.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with engineering, maintenance, and production teams to implement process improvements and support tech transfers and new equipment commissioning.
- Ensure all automation systems meet regulatory requirements, including 21 CFR Part 11, FDA, EU Annex 11, GxP, GMP, ISO, and EHS standards.
- Author and review GAMP 5-compliant documentation such as URS, FRS, DDS, and IQ/OQ/PQ protocols.
- Support audits, investigations, and validation efforts to uphold product and process quality.
- Diagnose and resolve complex electrical and automation system failures, applying predictive maintenance strategies using IoT and data analytics.
- Continuously identify and implement new technologies to improve manufacturing capabilities, streamline workflows, and enhance equipment reliability.
- Lead risk management efforts by identifying potential issues, developing mitigation strategies, and facilitating workshops to track and resolve risks across the automation portfolio.
- Maintain strong relationships with vendors and suppliers to source innovative solutions and ensure consistent delivery standards.
This role is not currently sponsoring visas or considering international movement at this time.
The experience we're looking for
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering, or a related field.
- 5+ years of experience in industrial automation, electrical engineering, or controls engineering.
- Deep knowledge of PLC programming (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Schneider, etc.) and SCADA systems (e.g. Wonderware, Ignition, Factory Talk, PCS7) and industrial networking (Ethernet/IP, Modbus, PROFIBUS etc.)
- Demonstrated ISA-95 and S88 understanding and execution
- Experience with GAMP 5, 21 CFR Part 11, and data integrity principles.
- Experience with robotics, motion control, and IoT integration is a plus.
- Familiarity with power distribution, motor controls, and variable frequency drives (VFDs).
- Proficiency in AutoCAD Electrical or EPLAN for schematic design.
- Excellent project management and leadership skills.
- Strong understanding of safety standards, regulatory compliance, and electrical codes.
- Strong knowledge of regulatory standards (e.g., GMP, FDA, ISO 9001/13485).
- Exceptionally Strong background in managing budgets, resources, and timelines for large-scale initiatives.
- Experience in high-volume manufacturing, food & beverage, automotive, pharmaceuticals, or energy sectors.
- Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma experience.
- Knowledge of cybersecurity for industrial automation systems.
The skills for success
Supply Chain Management, Business Partnership, Collaboration and partnership building, Relationship Management, Business accumen, Productivity management, Improve business processes, Advanced Analytics, Data Analytics, Supply Chain Planning, Logistics Management.
What we offer
With inclusion at the heart of everything we do, working alongside our four global Employee Resource Groups, we support our people at every step of their career journey, helping them to succeed in their own individual way.We invest in the wellbeing of our people through parental benefits, an Employee Assistance Program to promote mental health, and life insurance for all employees globally. We have a range of other benefits in line with the local market. Through our global share plans we offer the opportunity to save and share in Reckitt's potential future successes. For eligible roles, we also offer short-term incentives to recognise, appreciate and reward your work for delivering outstanding results. You will be rewarded in line with Reckitt's pay for performance philosophy.
Salary Range
USD $110,000.00 – $164,000.00
Hiring Range: 110,000 – 135,000
Pay Transparency
The base salary range for this role will vary based on experience in job and industry, training and education, skills relevant to the position, and other factors permitted by law. In addition to the base salary, the position is eligible for an annual discretionary bonus, which is subject to change each year.Reckitt offers eligible employees competitive benefits including medical, prescription, dental, vision, and life and disability insurance; paid time off for vacation, sick and Company recognized holidays; a 401(k) plan; 16-week paid parental leave or 26 weeks for the birthing parent; adoption and fertility support; tuition reimbursement; discounts; and much more. Our compensation and benefits packages aim to give our talent the reward, protection, and peace of mind they deserve.If reasonable accommodation is needed to complete your application, please contact NAtalentacquisition@reckitt.com. Reckitt is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals.
Equality
We recognise that in real life, great people don't always 'tick all the boxes'. That's why we hire for potential as well as experience. Even if you don't meet every point on the job description, if this role and our company feels like a good fit for you, we still want to hear from you.All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, disability or medical condition; colour, ethnicity, race, citizenship, and national origin; religion, faith; pregnancy, family status and caring responsibilities; sexual orientation; sex, gender identity, gender expression, and transgender identity; protected veteran status; size or any other basis protected by appropriate law.
