Senior Automation Specialist Jobs in New Jersey
Senior Automation Specialist jobs in New Jersey are concentrated in the pharmaceutical, life sciences, and advanced manufacturing corridors anchored by the Princeton, Newark, and Parsippany metro areas, where employers like Johnson & Johnson, Merck, and Siemens have long-established engineering operations. The most in-demand specialties are process automation, PLC and SCADA programming, and pharmaceutical manufacturing systems validation. Hiring is active at the senior level across both large enterprise sites and contract engineering firms serving New Jersey's dense industrial base. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 3 of 7+ Senior Automation Specialist jobs
Job Description
Scope: The Genomics Automation Specialist serves as the technical owner for assigned laboratory automation systems at the Livingston site. This position is responsible for ensuring reliable, compliant, and efficient operation of automated laboratory platforms through preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, validation support, lifecycle management, and continuous improvement. The role partners closely with Automation Engineering while progressively assuming ownership of assigned systems, serving as the site automation subject matter expert, and supporting standardization of automation practices across Cooper Genomics.
Responsibilities
Job Summary: The Genomics Automation Specialist is responsible for the operation, maintenance, qualification, continuous improvement, and lifecycle management of assigned laboratory automation platforms. The role serves as the primary automation resource for designated systems and partners with laboratory operations, quality, engineering, IT, and external vendors to ensure validated, compliant, and reliable laboratory automation. Works collaboratively with Automation Engineering to support automation strategy while independently managing assigned laboratory automation systems. Acts as the designated technical owner and subject matter expert for assigned laboratory automation platforms throughout their operational lifecycle.
Essential Functions & Accountabilities:
- Perform routine inspections, preventive maintenance, calibration, and operational checks on laboratory automation systems and supporting instrumentation.
- Troubleshoot automation hardware, software, and process-related issues to rapidly restore system functionality and minimize operational downtime.
- Execute equipment setup, installation, qualification, and validation activities in support of new automation platforms, process improvements, and system upgrades.
- Assist with investigation, root cause analysis, corrective actions, and resolution of automation-related deviations, equipment failures, and performance issues.
- Support automated liquid handling systems, thermal control devices, robotic transport systems, and associated laboratory instrumentation.
- Perform basic automation software configuration, method execution support, system backups, and approved programming modifications under engineering guidance.
- Maintain equipment documentation, maintenance records, calibration records, validation documentation, and change control records in accordance with quality system requirements.
- Coordinate with laboratory operations, quality assurance, engineering, and external vendors to support equipment maintenance, repairs, upgrades, and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Assist in the development, revision, and execution of SOPs, work instructions, preventive maintenance procedures, and training materials related to laboratory automation systems.
- Monitor automation system performance and identify opportunities to improve reliability, throughput, compliance, and operational efficiency.
- Support spare parts inventory management, consumable tracking, and equipment lifecycle activities to ensure continued system availability.
- Adhere to all applicable safety, quality, regulatory, and data integrity requirements while working within a regulated laboratory environment.
- Remain current on advancements in laboratory automation technologies and participate in ongoing technical training and professional development activities.
- Provide day-to-day operational support for automated laboratory systems and serve as a primary resource for first-line automation troubleshooting and maintenance activities.
- Serve as the primary system owner for assigned laboratory automation platforms, ensuring equipment remains qualified, compliant, operational, and aligned with laboratory requirements.
- Lead technical investigations for automation-related deviations, recommend corrective actions, and coordinate implementation across cross-functional teams.
- Identify, develop, and implement continuous improvement initiatives that improve automation reliability, throughput, compliance, and user experience.
- Provide technical mentorship and knowledge transfer to laboratory personnel, new automation specialists, and cross-functional teams supporting automated laboratory systems.
- Participate in evaluation, implementation, and commissioning of new automation platforms while supporting standardization of automation practices across multiple laboratory sites.
Qualifications
Travel: <10%
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills with the ability to diagnose mechanical, electrical, software, and process-related issues.
- Working knowledge of automated laboratory systems, robotics, liquid handling platforms, instrumentation, or related automated equipment.
- Understanding of mechanical systems, motors, sensors, pneumatics, and basic electrical principles. Ability to perform preventive maintenance, equipment setup, calibration, and operational support activities.
- Ability to read and interpret technical documentation, equipment manuals, SOPs, work instructions, and engineering drawings.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail in a regulated environment. Ability to accurately document maintenance activities, investigations, equipment performance, and corrective actions.
- Effective verbal and written communication skills with the ability to collaborate across laboratory operations, quality, engineering, and vendor teams.
- Experience modifying automation methods, troubleshooting automation software, and supporting validated laboratory automation workflows.
- Knowledge of validation, change control, deviation management, and quality system requirements preferred. Commitment to safety, quality, compliance, and continuous improvement.
- Demonstrated ability to independently manage complex laboratory automation systems while serving as a technical resource for laboratory operations and engineering.
Work Environment:
- Occasional lifting of up to 35 kilograms may be required.
- Ability to work in uncomfortable positions, when required. For example, when repairing various manufacturing equipment.
Experience:
- Minimum 4 years of experience supporting laboratory automation systems, laboratory instrumentation, manufacturing automation systems, or related technical equipment.
- Experience working in a regulated environment (CLIA, CAP, FDA, GxP, Medical Device, Pharmaceutical, Biotechnology, or Life Sciences) preferred.
Education:
- Associate’s degree in Engineering Technology, Automation, Electronics, Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, Life Sciences, or a related technical discipline required.
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Life Sciences, Biotechnology, Automation, or related field preferred.
Job Description
Scope: The Genomics Automation Specialist serves as the technical owner for assigned laboratory automation systems at the Livingston site. This position is responsible for ensuring reliable, compliant, and efficient operation of automated laboratory platforms through preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, validation support, lifecycle management, and continuous improvement. The role partners closely with Automation Engineering while progressively assuming ownership of assigned systems, serving as the site automation subject matter expert, and supporting standardization of automation practices across Cooper Genomics.
Responsibilities
Job Summary: The Genomics Automation Specialist is responsible for the operation, maintenance, qualification, continuous improvement, and lifecycle management of assigned laboratory automation platforms. The role serves as the primary automation resource for designated systems and partners with laboratory operations, quality, engineering, IT, and external vendors to ensure validated, compliant, and reliable laboratory automation. Works collaboratively with Automation Engineering to support automation strategy while independently managing assigned laboratory automation systems. Acts as the designated technical owner and subject matter expert for assigned laboratory automation platforms throughout their operational lifecycle.
Essential Functions & Accountabilities:
- Perform routine inspections, preventive maintenance, calibration, and operational checks on laboratory automation systems and supporting instrumentation.
- Troubleshoot automation hardware, software, and process-related issues to rapidly restore system functionality and minimize operational downtime.
- Execute equipment setup, installation, qualification, and validation activities in support of new automation platforms, process improvements, and system upgrades.
- Assist with investigation, root cause analysis, corrective actions, and resolution of automation-related deviations, equipment failures, and performance issues.
- Support automated liquid handling systems, thermal control devices, robotic transport systems, and associated laboratory instrumentation.
- Perform basic automation software configuration, method execution support, system backups, and approved programming modifications under engineering guidance.
- Maintain equipment documentation, maintenance records, calibration records, validation documentation, and change control records in accordance with quality system requirements.
- Coordinate with laboratory operations, quality assurance, engineering, and external vendors to support equipment maintenance, repairs, upgrades, and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Assist in the development, revision, and execution of SOPs, work instructions, preventive maintenance procedures, and training materials related to laboratory automation systems.
- Monitor automation system performance and identify opportunities to improve reliability, throughput, compliance, and operational efficiency.
- Support spare parts inventory management, consumable tracking, and equipment lifecycle activities to ensure continued system availability.
- Adhere to all applicable safety, quality, regulatory, and data integrity requirements while working within a regulated laboratory environment.
- Remain current on advancements in laboratory automation technologies and participate in ongoing technical training and professional development activities.
- Provide day-to-day operational support for automated laboratory systems and serve as a primary resource for first-line automation troubleshooting and maintenance activities.
- Serve as the primary system owner for assigned laboratory automation platforms, ensuring equipment remains qualified, compliant, operational, and aligned with laboratory requirements.
- Lead technical investigations for automation-related deviations, recommend corrective actions, and coordinate implementation across cross-functional teams.
- Identify, develop, and implement continuous improvement initiatives that improve automation reliability, throughput, compliance, and user experience.
- Provide technical mentorship and knowledge transfer to laboratory personnel, new automation specialists, and cross-functional teams supporting automated laboratory systems.
- Participate in evaluation, implementation, and commissioning of new automation platforms while supporting standardization of automation practices across multiple laboratory sites.
Qualifications
Travel: <10%
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills with the ability to diagnose mechanical, electrical, software, and process-related issues.
- Working knowledge of automated laboratory systems, robotics, liquid handling platforms, instrumentation, or related automated equipment.
- Understanding of mechanical systems, motors, sensors, pneumatics, and basic electrical principles. Ability to perform preventive maintenance, equipment setup, calibration, and operational support activities.
- Ability to read and interpret technical documentation, equipment manuals, SOPs, work instructions, and engineering drawings.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail in a regulated environment. Ability to accurately document maintenance activities, investigations, equipment performance, and corrective actions.
- Effective verbal and written communication skills with the ability to collaborate across laboratory operations, quality, engineering, and vendor teams.
- Experience modifying automation methods, troubleshooting automation software, and supporting validated laboratory automation workflows.
- Knowledge of validation, change control, deviation management, and quality system requirements preferred. Commitment to safety, quality, compliance, and continuous improvement.
- Demonstrated ability to independently manage complex laboratory automation systems while serving as a technical resource for laboratory operations and engineering.
Work Environment:
- Occasional lifting of up to 35 kilograms may be required.
- Ability to work in uncomfortable positions, when required. For example, when repairing various manufacturing equipment.
Experience:
- Minimum 4 years of experience supporting laboratory automation systems, laboratory instrumentation, manufacturing automation systems, or related technical equipment.
- Experience working in a regulated environment (CLIA, CAP, FDA, GxP, Medical Device, Pharmaceutical, Biotechnology, or Life Sciences) preferred.
Education:
- Associate’s degree in Engineering Technology, Automation, Electronics, Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, Life Sciences, or a related technical discipline required.
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Life Sciences, Biotechnology, Automation, or related field preferred.
See All 7 Senior Automation Specialist Jobs in New Jersey
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Find JobsSenior Automation Specialist Jobs by City in New Jersey
Where New Jersey roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Senior Automation Specialist Job Market in New Jersey
A snapshot from current New Jersey openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Distribution & Wholesale
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals
What New Jersey Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in senior automation specialist jobs across New Jersey.
- Bachelor's degree in electrical, mechanical, or controls engineering from an accredited institution
- Five or more years of hands-on PLC programming experience with Allen-Bradley or Siemens platforms
- Demonstrated experience with SCADA systems, HMI design, and industrial network architecture
- Familiarity with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 and cGMP compliance requirements for pharmaceutical environments
- Proficiency in process instrumentation, loop tuning, and control system commissioning
- Experience leading automation projects from design through validation and site acceptance testing
Senior Automation Specialist Jobs in New Jersey: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a senior automation specialist in New Jersey?
Most senior automation specialists in New Jersey enter the field with a bachelor's degree in electrical, controls, or mechanical engineering, then build years of hands-on PLC, SCADA, or DCS experience before reaching a senior designation. New Jersey's dominant pharmaceutical and life sciences industries add a practical requirement: familiarity with FDA validation protocols and cGMP environments. New Jersey does not require a state-issued license for this role, but professional engineer credentials or industry certifications like ISA's Certified Automation Professional strengthen candidacy at senior levels.
Which companies hire senior automation specialists in New Jersey?
New Jersey senior automation specialist roles are posted by Colgate-Palmolive, CBRE, and Turtle and others right now, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. New Jersey's concentration of pharmaceutical headquarters, chemical manufacturers, and advanced manufacturing sites makes it one of the more consistently active states for this role.
Which New Jersey cities have the most senior automation specialist jobs?
Piscataway, Clark, and Livingston account for the most senior automation specialist openings in New Jersey. The distribution follows New Jersey's industrial geography: the Princeton and Parsippany corridors anchor pharmaceutical and life sciences hiring, while Newark and its surrounding Essex County communities support both manufacturing and infrastructure-adjacent automation roles tied to the Port Newark industrial complex and regional utilities.
Are there remote senior automation specialist jobs in New Jersey?
Yes, but they're rare. Automation work is largely hands-on, requiring on-site presence for system commissioning, troubleshooting, and validation activities. About 60% of senior automation specialist openings tied to New Jersey are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, and those tend to be concentrated in design, documentation, and project management phases of automation projects rather than implementation or maintenance.
How can I get hired as a senior automation specialist in New Jersey with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is through an automation technician or controls engineer associate role, then building toward senior status over several years. New Jersey pharmaceutical manufacturers like Johnson & Johnson and Merck, along with large contract engineering firms serving the state's industrial corridor, run co-op and new-graduate programs in controls and manufacturing engineering. Candidates who earn an ISA Certified Control Systems Technician credential or complete PLC programming coursework and build a project portfolio can compete for junior automation roles that ladder into senior positions.
Where can I find and apply to senior automation specialist jobs in New Jersey?
You can find and apply to senior automation specialist jobs in New Jersey on Migrate Mate, which lists current New Jersey openings. Search the listings, find roles that match your experience and target location, and apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 7 Senior Automation Specialist Jobs in New Jersey
Find roles in New Jersey that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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