Principal Engineer - Batch SME (FactoryTalk Batch)

Job Title: Principal Engineer - Batch SME (FactoryTalk Batch)
Place of Work: Northeast U.S. (MA, CT, NY, VT, NH, NJ)
Department: Operations
Industry: Life Science

OUR CLIENT:
Our client is a large national engineering and system integration firm delivering advanced automation and control solutions across Life Sciences, CPG, and other process industries. With decades of experience and a strong presence across North America, they partner with leading manufacturers to design, standardize, and deploy scalable automation solutions across complex, regulated environments. Life Sciences is a key growth area, where they support pharmaceutical clients in advancing digital manufacturing capabilities.

THE OPPORTUNITY:
We are seeking a Principal Engineer – Batch SME to serve as the technical and client-facing leader for batch automation initiatives across our client’s Life Sciences portfolio.

This is not a traditional project execution role. You will act as a thought leader and solution architect, partnering directly with major Life Science End Users to:

» Define batch strategies
» Architect scalable solutions
» Lead high-impact engagements
» Shape and grow a dedicated batch practice

This role is foundational — our client is building a practice around this individual.

WHAT YOU WILL DO:
Client Leadership & Advisory
» Act as a trusted advisor to pharmaceutical clients, defining the batch strategies and system architectures to deliver business outcomes
» Lead discovery conversations to challenge assumptions, shape requirements, and define the right solution approach
» Position our client as a Main Automation Partner (MAP) for strategic customers

Batch Architecture & SME Ownership
Own the design and architecture of ISA-88 compliant batch solutions using batch platform software, primarily Rockwell FactoryTalk Batch
Define:
» Equipment models
» Procedural models (phases, operations, unit procedures)
» Recipe structures and reusable frameworks
» Establish standards and best practices across projects and clients

Solution Architecture & Proposal Leadership
» Lead the technical scoping of major engagements, including:
» Breaking down processes into phases and operations
» Structuring batch implementations
» Supporting proposal development with clear solution definition
» Partner with commercial teams to translate technical architecture into executable project scope

Practice Development
» Serve as the SME for batch capability within the region
» Mentor and guide a growing team (20–30 engineers over time as a resource and thought leader)
» Provide technical oversight across multiple projects and clients
» Help define internal standards, reusable assets, and delivery methodologies

Project Execution (Selective)
» Stay engaged in key projects as a technical authority, particularly during:
» Design phases
» Critical decision points
» Complex troubleshooting scenarios
» Startup and commissioning
You will be a part of projects from the very first line of code. The ability to not only lead, but do, is essential to success in this role.

WHAT YOU BRING
Batch & Automation Expertise
» 8–10+ years of experience in process automation, with strong focus in Life Sciences (required)
» Deep, hands-on expertise with FactoryTalk Batch (required)
» Proven experience designing and implementing ISA-88 batch architectures (not just exposure)

Strong background in:
» Recipe design and development
» Equipment phase programming (ControlLogix)
» Integration with SCADA / HMI systems

Platform & Technical Depth
Experience with:
» Rockwell Automation stack (ControlLogix, FT Batch, FT View, etc.)
» SCADA systems (Ignition or similar)
» Control system architectures and network design
» Exposure to other batch platforms (e.g., DeltaV) is valuable, but Rockwell expertise is essential

GxP & Documentation Excellence (Non-Negotiable)
» Strong experience in GxP-regulated environments

Demonstrated ability to:
» Author design specifications from scratch (not just execute protocols)
» Develop functional and detailed design documents in regulated environments

Deep understanding of:
» cGMP
» GAMP 5
» 21 CFR Part 11

Client-Facing Leadership

Proven ability to:
» Lead technical discussions with clients
» Challenge requirements and propose better solutions
» Operate as a consultative partner, not just an implementer
» Comfortable operating in ambiguous environments where you define the solution, not receive it

Execution & Delivery
» Experience supporting:
» System design, configuration, and testing
» Startup and commissioning in live manufacturing environments
» Strong troubleshooting capability in high-pressure startup scenarios

WHAT SETS THIS ROLE APART
» You will shape a practice, not just join a team
» You will work directly with major pharmaceutical clients on high-visibility initiatives

You will operate at the intersection of:
» Technical depth
» Client leadership
» Commercial impact

This role is ideal for someone who is:
» A true Batch SME
» Ready to step into a visible, influential leadership role
» Motivated to build something — not just execute

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
» Competitive base salary aligned to market for senior batch SMEs
» Performance-based bonuses, including company, project and “Above & Beyond” incentives
» The “Above & Beyond” bonus is for salaried employees that work over 40 hours on active projects and training, paid at straight time at the equivalent hourly rate.

Comprehensive benefits including:
» 401(k) with immediate vesting
» Medical, dental, and vision
» Generous PTO and paid holidays
» Ongoing training and professional development

IMPORTANT
WORK AUTHORIZATION
Our client welcomes applications from qualified candidates with U.S. work authorization, including those currently on H-1B visas eligible for transfer.

For candidates aligned with long-term business needs, there is also a clear pathway toward employment-based permanent residency (I-140 sponsorship).
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