Senior ABB Automation Engineer (MOD300 / 800xA)

Job Description
Job Summary

Horizon Controls Group is seeking an experienced Senior ABB Automation Engineer to support automation systems across a highly regulated pharmaceutical manufacturing environment. The successful candidate will provide technical leadership and hands-on expertise in ABB DCS platforms, with a strong focus on ABB MOD300 and ABB 800xA systems, supporting ongoing operations, upgrades, commissioning activities, troubleshooting, and capital projects.

This role will play a key part in ensuring reliable, compliant, and efficient operation of process automation systems supporting API and pharmaceutical manufacturing processes. The position requires close collaboration with Engineering, Operations, CQV, Maintenance, Quality, and external vendors to deliver automation solutions aligned with site and global standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide senior-level technical support for ABB automation systems,including MOD300 and 800xA DCS platforms, across manufacturing andutility systems.
• Lead and support automation activities for capital projects, systemupgrades, migrations, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Perform system configuration, logic development, troubleshooting,testing, and modification of ABB control systems.
• Support commissioning, start-up, FAT/SAT, IQ/OQ activities, andoperational handover of automation systems.
• Collaborate with process engineers, operations, maintenance, andCQV teams to ensure automation systems meet operational and compliancerequirements.
• Investigate and resolve automation-related deviations, incidents,and system performance issues in a timely manner.
• Support lifecycle management activities for ABB systems, includinghardware/software upgrades and obsolescence planning.
• Develop and maintain automation documentation including functionalspecifications, design documents, test protocols, SOPs, and changecontrols.
• Ensure all activities are performed in compliance with GMP, dataintegrity, and MSD quality standards.
• Participate in risk assessments, root cause investigations, andcontinuous improvement initiatives.
• Provide mentorship and technical guidance to junior automationengineers and project teams.
• Coordinate with vendors and contractors during project executionand system support activities.

Requirements

Required Experience & Qualifications

• Degree in Automation, Electrical, Electronic, Chemical, or ProcessEngineering (or related discipline).
• Significant experience in pharmaceutical, biotech, or regulatedmanufacturing environments.
• Strong hands-on expertise with ABB MOD300 and ABB 800xA systems is essential.
• Proven experience supporting DCS systems within API orpharmaceutical manufacturing facilities.
• Strong commissioning and qualification experience, including FAT,SAT, IQ, and OQ support.
• Experience working on brownfield and greenfield automationprojects.
• Good understanding of GMP, GAMP5, ISA-88, ISA-95, and dataintegrity requirements.
• Experience with process control, batch systems, fieldinstrumentation, and industrial networking.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving capabilities within livemanufacturing environments.
• Experience with change control, deviation management, andcompliance documentation.

Preferred Skills

• Experience within API manufacturing or bulk chemical processingenvironments.
• Exposure to MES, historian systems, or integration with SAP/LIMSsystems.
• Knowledge of cybersecurity and automation lifecycle management.
• Previous experience working on large-scale pharmaceutical capitalprojects.
• Familiarity with commissioning and CQV methodologies.

Key Competencies

• Strong technical leadership and decision-making
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills
• Ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams
• High attention to detail and compliance focus
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment

• Collaborative and innovation-driven environment
• Involvement in high-impact projects supporting life-savingmedicines
• Strong focus on employee development, safety, and operationalexcellence