About the role
Valspec—a global provider of system validation and lifecycle services—provides commissioning and qualification of computerized systems for clients in the Life Sciences industry. Established in 1999, Valspec’s mission is to provide a wide spectrum of services that help its clients meet their capital project and lifecycle maintenance goals.
Valspec’s projects are critical to the industry, and to the people who rely on its products. Many projects ensure that life-changing drugs are available to those who need them; others streamline production to meet demand at a lower cost, allowing for the discovery of new and innovative therapies.
Controls Engineer (Consultant) — Contract
Engagement: Valspec consultant placed onsite at a leading biotechnology manufacturing site in Southern California
Location: Southern California (onsite with flexibility for remote work for local candidates)
Type: Contract / consulting — initial term approximately 12 months, with a strong likelihood of extension
Start: ASAP
About the Engagement
Valspec is seeking an experienced Automation Engineer to support Rockwell SCADA/PLC projects at a leading biotechnology company in Southern California. This is a consulting engagement supporting active automation and commissioning efforts, requiring a candidate who can lead design and engineering activities while contributing to system integration and execution in a regulated environment.
Role Overview
The Automation Engineer will lead the design, engineering, and commissioning of Rockwell PLC/SCADA systems, partnering closely with cross-functional teams to deliver automation solutions aligned with project and regulatory requirements. This role includes hands-on involvement across the project lifecycle, from system design through commissioning and troubleshooting.
The position requires strong technical expertise in Rockwell platforms and the ability to work independently while coordinating with stakeholders across engineering, operations, and project teams.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the design and engineering of Rockwell SCADA/PLC systems, ensuring alignment with project specifications and standards
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define project scope, requirements, and automation strategies
- Develop and implement automation solutions, including hardware and software design, programming, testing, and commissioning
- Perform system integration and troubleshooting of PLCs, HMIs, and SCADA systems
- Execute commissioning activities, including job walks and onsite support in Southern California
- Ensure compliance with regulatory and safety requirements throughout the project lifecycle
- Provide technical guidance, troubleshooting support, and training to project teams and stakeholders
- Generate and maintain project documentation including design specifications, test protocols, commissioning plans, and SOPs
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation, or a related technical field
- 5+ years of experience as an Automation Engineer supporting Rockwell SCADA/PLC projects
- Strong experience in system design, engineering, and commissioning of automation systems
- Hands-on experience with Rockwell tools such as RSLogix, FactoryTalk View, and FactoryTalk SE
- Familiarity with communication protocols including OPC, Ethernet/IP, and Modbus
- Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced project environment
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience supporting automation systems in pharmaceutical or biotechnology manufacturing environments
- Knowledge of regulatory and safety requirements in GMP environments
- Experience working on-site during commissioning and field implementation activities
- Previous consulting or contract experience
What Makes a Strong Fit for This Engagement
Because this is an active automation and commissioning effort, the ideal candidate can step in quickly and lead engineering and execution activities with minimal ramp-up. Candidates with strong Rockwell PLC/SCADA experience, recent commissioning work, and the ability to support onsite activities in Southern California will stand out.
Compensation
Salary Range: $75 - $85 / hour. This range is an estimate of pay for project-based employment and varies based on experience, technical skillset, and project scope.
Apply
If you are an experienced Automation Engineer with strong Rockwell PLC/SCADA experience and are interested in supporting cutting-edge manufacturing projects, we encourage you to apply!
Why Join Valspec?
At Valspec, we offer more than just a job — we provide a career experience rooted in a standout culture, collaborative environment, and a strong sense of ownership. As an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) company, every team member has a stake in our success, fostering a shared commitment to excellence and innovation. We also offer a highly competitive benefits package, including:
- Premium medical coverage
- 401(k) with company match
- Tuition reimbursement
- Unique performance incentives
- And more — all designed to support your growth, well-being, and future.
Join a team where your contributions matter, your development is prioritized, and your success is shared.
When receiving e-mails from a Proconex or Valspec recruiter, you will only receive e-mails from addresses ending in @proconexdirect.com, @proconex.net or @valspec.net. Any other domains are impersonations and should be ignored.
Candidates must be legally eligible to work in the United States without company sponsorship. Also, we are not interested in working on a corp-to-corp basis with other companies at this time.
Any third-party unsolicited resume submission(s) will immediately become the property of Valspec. Valspec will not pay any fee to a submitting employment agency, person, or entity unless a signed agreement is established.
Valspec is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status or any other protected class. We are committed to providing a professional environment free of any discrimination or harassment, and we are proud to be a Drug-Free Workplace.
