Automation Engineer-onsite Williamsport, PA

About the role

Automation Engineer

Williamsport, PA | Onsite Manufacturing

[Arxada is a global leader in innovative solutions that protect our world. Our groundbreaking technologies, in-depth regulatory know-how, manufacturing and process development help our customers to safeguard nutrition, health and infrastructure efficiently through chemistry and biotechnology that enhance sustainability. We offer a broad portfolio of ingredients and services for multiple end-markets that include Human Health & Nutrition, Home & Personal Care, Professional Hygiene, Paints & Coatings and Wood Protection.

With customers in more than 100 countries, the company achieved sales of CHF 2 billion in 2024. Headquartered in Basel (Switzerland), Arxada employs 3,200 associates across 24 production sites and 14 R&D centers, all committed to our customers' success.]

About the Role

As an Automation Engineer, you will play a critical role in designing, deploying, and sustaining advanced automation and robotic systems that enable safe, compliant, and efficient manufacturing operations at Arxada's Williamsport site. This role leads automation initiatives from concept through commissioning and long-term reliability support, partnering closely with Production, Maintenance, Engineering, and Quality teams.

You will be empowered to decide and drive automation improvements, strengthen equipment reliability, and embed best practices that support cGMP and ISO requirements. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced automation professional who thrives in a hands-on manufacturing environment and is motivated to go beyond standard solutions.

Essential Job Functions

• Design, implement, and improve automated manufacturing systems including PLCs, HMIs, robotics, and safety interlocks.
• Define and maintain automation and control system architectures to maximize uptime, safety, and maintainability.
• Develop, test, and deploy control logic, HMI interfaces, and automation scripts using structured testing and validation methods (FAT/SAT).
• Lead commissioning and start-up activities, coordinating cross-functional teams to ensure smooth system handover and operator readiness.
• Provide hands-on troubleshooting, root-cause analysis, and corrective actions to restore equipment and minimize downtime.
• Establish and execute preventive and predictive maintenance strategies for automation assets, supporting long-term reliability.
• Create and maintain technical documentation including schematics, SOPs, code documentation, and change records to support audits and data integrity.
• Train and coach operations and maintenance teams to improve first-time-fix rates and build automation capability on site.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Chemical, or related Engineering discipline.
• 5-10 years of experience working with industrial automation or control systems in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong experience with PLCs (e.g., Rockwell CompactLogix / MicroLogix), HMI development, and robotic systems.
• Demonstrated capability in commissioning, troubleshooting, and lifecycle support of automated systems.
• Working knowledge of cGMP, ISO, and manufacturing safety requirements.
• Strong collaboration, communication, and organizational skills in cross-functional environments.

(To be included in US Postings Only)

Pay and benefits

The expected salary range for this role is 100-115k annually but specific employee compensation may vary depending on factors including experience, education, training, licensure, certification, location and other job-related, non-discriminatory factors permitted by law.

This role is also eligible to earn a short-term incentive bonus and the following benefits: 401(k) plan, medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, paid time off, paid holidays and paid sick leave.

Arxada has world class offering in two distinct areas

Microbial Control Solutions (MCS) focuses on threats posed by microorganisms to people and planet through five distinct business lines including Professional Hygiene, Home & Personal Care, Wood Protection, Paints & Coatings and Material Protection.

Nutrition, Care & Environmental (NCE), meanwhile, provides materials used to manufacture composites for electronics, aerospace and other markets, as well as vitamins and nutritional ingredients, chemicals and performance intermediates, and raw materials for a wide range of high-performance applications.

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