Automation Support Engineer (3rd Shift)

Piper Companies is seeking an Automation Support Engineer (3rd Shift) to provide onsite support for advanced automation systems in a high-compliance manufacturing environment located in Durham, NC. The Automation Support Engineer (3rd Shift) will lead real-time troubleshooting and ensure operational continuity for critical production equipment, including filling, formulation, autoclaves, and inspection systems. The Automation Support Engineer (3rd Shift) requires you to work onsite in Durham, NC from 6pm to 6am and is a long term contract opportunity.

Responsibilities of the Automation Support Engineer (3rd Shift):

• Lead real-time troubleshooting for filling (Optima), formulation, autoclaves, and inspection equipment.
• Use Rockwell Automation tools (PLC/HMI) to interpret alarms, trends, and system states; determine containment vs. escalation.
• Coordinate with maintenance and operations teams; produce clear and accurate handover reports.
• Support qualification and commissioning handoff for new production lines (e.g., EPFF9 nearing completion).
• Track recurring issues and propose continuous improvement initiatives, including quick wins and durable fixes.

Requirements of the Automation Support Engineer (3rd Shift):

• Strong automation background: PLC, HMI, Rockwell Automation (Allen-Bradley), alarm/fault analysis.
• 2–3+ years of experience in manufacturing or process environments (high compliance preferred).
• Engineer mindset: root cause thinking, structured triage, and a floor-first bias.
• Comfortable working a 2-2-3 night rotation schedule for 12–24 months.

Nice-to-Have:

• Experience with filling, formulation, and inspection equipment (parenteral operations ideal).
• Familiarity with Optima high-speed filling and packaging systems.
• Exposure to SCADA/MES/historian systems, CAPA participation, and aseptic behaviors.

Compensation for the Automation Support Engineer (3rd Shift):

• $80,000 - $120,000 depending on experience
• Full Comprehensive Benefits: Health, Vision, Dental, PTO, Paid Holiday and Sick Leave if Required by Law

Keywords:

Automation Support Engineer, PLC, HMI, Rockwell Automation, Allen-Bradley, Optima, troubleshooting, manufacturing, process environment, alarm analysis, root cause, continuous improvement, SCADA, MES, historian, aseptic, commissioning, Durham NC, pharmaceutical automation, high compliance, 3rd shift

This job opens for applications on 01/15/2026. Applications for this job will be accepted for at least 30 days from the posting date.

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