Automation Engineer II

Matica Biotechnology is a viral vector and gene therapy Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) that leverages advanced technologies at its purpose-built cGMP facility in College Station, Texas.

With industry-leading expertise in process development, assay development, and cGMP manufacturing, Matica Bio serves as a trusted partner, seamlessly supporting its clients with streamlined operations throughout every stage of virus-based projects. Collaborating across five Matica sites worldwide, Matica Bio delivers excellence in the CDMO domain through innovations such as MatiMax™ proprietary cell lines, in-line process monitoring, and single-use technologies.

The true value of a CDMO is determined by the quality of its people. Matica Bio consists of a dedicated team of experts. We’re a CDMO powered by people. Come join our dedicated team and Make it Happen With Matica Bio!

Position Opportunity:

The Automation Engineer II is responsible for the implementation, configuration, integration, troubleshooting, and lifecycle support of process control, automation, and laboratory/OT systems across Manufacturing, Quality Control, Analytical, and Process Development areas. This role provides independent hands-on technical support, executes assigned system improvements and automation projects, and ensures the reliability, efficiency, and compliance of critical systems in a regulated biopharmaceutical manufacturing environment.

The Automation Engineer II collaborates with Manufacturing, Quality, Process Development, IT, and external vendors to resolve technical issues and support commissioning, qualification, and validation. Success requires demonstrated technical proficiency, independent judgment on established systems, strong documentation and communication, and appropriate escalation of complex issues. As competency develops, the engineer may begin coordinating defined project activities under supervisor or senior-engineer guidance.

How you will make an impact:

• Provide day-to-day independent technical support for configuration, integration, maintenance, and troubleshooting of automated process equipment including PLC, DCS, SCADA, HMI, analytical equipment/instruments, and laboratory automation systems. Collaborate with end-users and vendors to resolve issues.
• Investigate automation and process-control issues, conduct root cause analysis, recommend corrective actions, and work with cross-functional teams and vendors to minimize disruptions.
• Independently execute assigned automation projects, system enhancements, and technical workstreams, including configuration, testing, documentation, vendor coordination, and commissioning/qualification/validation support (IQ/OQ/PQ). As technical competency develops, may coordinate activities, and lead defined portions of projects under supervisor or senior engineering guidance. Participate in projects to optimize automation processes, improve system performance, and implement new technologies that enhance efficiency and data integrity.
• Deliver training, coaching, or guidance to peers and end-users on proper use of automated systems; work closely with cross-functional teams including Manufacturing, Quality, and Process Development.
• Perform configuration, user access management, data backup/restore, and routine monitoring of computerized systems to ensure reliability and compliance.
• Support commissioning, qualification, validation, and change control activities for automation and analytical systems, in alignment with GxP requirements and company procedures.
• Maintain systems in compliance with GxP, 21 CFR Part 11, and ALCOA+ data integrity requirements, including access management, audit trails, backups, change control, and validated configurations ensuring accurate and complete documentation of activities, deviations, and changes.
• Support OT/IT integration, including Windows system administration, Active Directory, industrial networking, secure connectivity, and coordination with IT.
• Contribute to continuous improvement, client program and tech transfer support, system standardization, and training or technical guidance for end-users and less experienced engineers.
• Utilize Building Management System (BMS), Building Automation System (BAS) and Environmental Management System (EMS) system for controlling utilities at building.
• Other duties as assigned.

As a future Matican you bring:

Education

• Bachelor's degree in engineering (Automation, Electrical, Mechanical, Chemical, Computer Engineering, or related discipline), Computer Science, or related technical field preferred.
• An associate degree in a relevant technical discipline combined with relevant professional experience and demonstrated technical competency will also be considered.

Licenses or Certifications

• Vendor automation certifications (Emerson DeltaV, Rockwell, Siemens), networking or cybersecurity credentials (CompTIA, CCNA, ISA/IEC 62443), Microsoft infrastructure credentials, or GMP/CSV training are desirable but not required.

Experience

• 3–6 years of relevant experience in automation, process control, instrumentation, or OT systems in biopharmaceutical, pharmaceutical, medical device, or other regulated manufacturing environments; equivalent demonstrated capability may be considered.
• Hands-on experience configuring, supporting, and troubleshooting PLC, DCS, SCADA, or HMI platforms (e.g., DeltaV, Rockwell/Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or equivalent).
• Working knowledge of GxP, ALCOA+ data integrity, and relevant ISA, ISPE, and GAMP 5 practices.
• Experience executing assigned system upgrades, integrations, commissioning, qualification/validation (IQ/OQ/PQ), documentation, and change control activities.
• Practical OT/IT experience with Windows, user administration, Active Directory, backups, patching, basic networking, and coordination with IT for secure connectivity.
• Experience with manufacturing or laboratory equipment, such as bioreactors, TFF, chromatography, fill/finish, or analytical instruments, preferred.
• Ability to troubleshoot routine to moderately complex problems independently, document root causes and corrective actions, and escalate issues appropriately.
• Good understanding of and ability to manage and use Building Management System (BMS), Building Automation System (BAS) and Environmental Management System (EMS) system.
• Experience collaborating with Manufacturing, Quality, IT, Process Development, and vendors and managing competing technical priorities.

Knowledge

• Ability to follow SOPs, deviation processes, and change control procedures.
• FDA 21 CFR Parts 210/211 and Part 11; electronic records and ALCOA+ data integrity principles.
• ISA frameworks, ISO standards, ISPE guidance, and GAMP 5.
• Computerized system validation and risk-based qualification/testing documentation.
• Quality processes including change control, deviations, CAPAs, and investigations.
• Automation architecture, OT connectivity and cybersecurity fundamentals; VMware or Hyper-V familiarity preferred.

Leadership & Soft Skills

• Independent hands-on problem solving, sound technical judgment, and appropriate escalation.
• Ability to manage assigned workstreams, priorities, and deliverables while collaborating effectively across functions.
• Strong technical documentation and communication skills; ability to guide end-users and less experienced engineers.
• Shows initiative and commitment to development; may progressively assume project coordination and technical leadership of defined activities with supervisor or senior-engineer guidance.

Competencies we look for:

Commitment to Excellence, Problem Solving/Decision Making/Analytical Thinking, Communication Skills, Teamwork/Cooperation/Supportiveness, Flexibility/Adaptability, Initiative/Taking Ownership, Focus on Safety, Ethical/Trustworthiness, Work Ethic/Reliability, Thoroughness, Customer Service

We Value:

Matica’s Values are at the forefront of everything we do, our culture, and the decisions we make.

• Start with Safety & Quality
• Choose the Path of Openness, Honesty, and Integrity
• Nurture Our Differences to Enable Our Collective Success
• Learn Continuously to Ensure Our Value and Relevance
• Commit to Delivering Life Altering Therapies