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