Controls Engineer III - Manufacturing Automation & OT Engineering
Spokane, Washington Direct Hire Sep 10, 2026
Job Summary Homeland Talent Solutions is partnering with a leading pharmaceutical manufacturing organization in Spokane, WA to identify an experienced Controls Engineer III – Manufacturing Automation & OT. This senior-level individual contributor will provide technical support for Operational Technology (OT), automated manufacturing equipment, and controls systems within a highly regulated environment.
The Controls Engineer III will lead and support the design, installation, modification, and upgrades of critical manufacturing and facility systems while serving as a technical resource for complex troubleshooting, capital projects, process improvements, and compliance initiatives. The Controls Engineer III will leverage strong PLC/HMI and industrial automation expertise to independently lead projects and collaborate cross-functionally to support reliable, efficient manufacturing operations.
Responsibilities
Provide technical engineering support for OT, controls, and automated manufacturing systems
Lead and support controls and automation projects involving manufacturing equipment, facilities, utilities, compliance upgrades, process improvements, and cost-reduction initiatives
Support the design, acquisition, installation, modification, and upgrade of critical controls systems and manufacturing equipment
Lead and participate in capital and expense projects involving controls, automation, production equipment, and facility systems
Provide technical guidance and training to Maintenance Controls Technicians on controls troubleshooting, diagnostics, and repairs
Partner with Manufacturing teams on process development, optimization, recipe creation and maintenance, and related capital projects
Troubleshoot complex controls and automation issues and support manufacturing investigations and deviation resolution
Develop technical specifications and RFQs for engineering firms, contractors, equipment manufacturers, and other external partners
Develop and maintain engineering documentation in compliance with regulatory requirements, SOPs, engineering standards, and quality systems
Ensure controls engineering activities meet cGMP, GAMP 5, data integrity, engineering, and quality requirements
Coordinate multidisciplinary project teams, including project scheduling, budgeting, communication, documentation, and execution
Collaborate with Manufacturing, Maintenance, Quality, Validation, Engineering, contractors, equipment manufacturers, and other stakeholders
Navigate complex and ambiguous technical challenges while influencing outcomes and leading cross-functional teams without direct authority
Requirements
Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related engineering or technical discipline
7+ years of experience in Operational Technology (OT) controls systems engineering
Strong experience with industrial automation, PLCs, HMIs, and manufacturing equipment controls
Proven ability to independently troubleshoot and resolve complex controls and equipment issues
Experience leading or contributing to multidisciplinary engineering and capital projects
Strong technical documentation, communication, problem-solving, and cross-functional collaboration skills
Ability to effectively partner with internal teams, contractors, vendors, and other stakeholders in a manufacturing environment
Experience in pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical, medical device, or other highly regulated manufacturing environments, preferred
Experience with Allen-Bradley PLCs, PanelView HMIs, servo drives, RSLogix, and Rockwell/FactoryTalk Studio, preferred
Experience with Wonderware InTouch, InSQL Historian, ArchestrA IDE, DA Servers, GE Proficy, Fix32, iFIX, or Proficy Historian, preferred
Knowledge of TCP/IP networking and industrial OT networks, preferred
Experience with Microsoft SQL Server, preferred
Working knowledge of GAMP 5 and data-integrity requirements, preferred
Rockwell Logix Programmer certification preferred
Experience supporting controls systems in GMP manufacturing environments strongly preferred
Experience with automated pharmaceutical manufacturing, aseptic/sterile manufacturing, or fill-finish operations highly desirable
Benefits This position offers a competitive annual salary of $102,100–$136,100, along with comprehensive benefits beginning on the first day of employment, including medical, dental, and vision coverage; FSA and HSA options; life and AD&D insurance; short- and long-term disability coverage; and an Employee Assistance Program. Employees also have access to professional development and advancement opportunities, along with annual compensation reviews.
Summary This position offers an experienced Controls Engineer the opportunity to join a growing pharmaceutical manufacturing operation during a period of significant investment and expansion. You’ll gain broad exposure to manufacturing automation, OT controls, capital projects, process improvement, and compliance, while playing a key role in improving equipment reliability and overall manufacturing performance. Apply today!
EEO Notice Homeland LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Homeland LLC provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. Homeland LLC complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. Reasonable accommodation is available for qualified individuals with disabilities, upon request. #LI-AK1