At least 10 years
This role is STARs-friendly: Skilled Through Alternative Routes.
35% STARs in role.
Senior Automation Engineer – Cold Room / Refrigeration
Job Description
This Senior Automation Engineer role focuses on leading the commissioning and startup of advanced cold room and refrigeration systems that support injectable pharmaceutical storage in a large-scale cold chain expansion project. You will serve as the technical subject matter expert for CO2-based cold room systems, ensuring they are designed, installed, and operated in compliance with stringent GMP requirements. In this position, you will collaborate closely with vendors and internal engineering, quality, and automation teams to deliver highly reliable, automated cold chain solutions.
Responsibilities
- Lead the commissioning and startup of CO2-based cold room systems for injectable pharmaceutical storage.
- Act as the technical subject matter expert for industrial refrigeration and cold room design and operation.
- Partner with external vendors to install refrigeration systems and bring them safely and efficiently online.
- Review and interpret system documentation, manuals, and installation specifications to ensure correct implementation.
- Perform detailed system assessments to verify operational readiness and performance of cold room and refrigeration equipment.
- Support the preparation and maintenance of compliance and validation documentation in a GMP-regulated environment.
- Collaborate with engineering, quality, automation, and robotics teams to integrate cold room systems with automated equipment, including ASRS and AGV systems.
- Provide expertise in cold chain system performance, optimization, and continuous improvement of automated processes.
- Contribute to commissioning, qualification, validation, and testing activities for refrigeration, automation, and software systems.
- Ensure alignment of cold chain and automation solutions with Industry 4.0, IIoT, and digital manufacturing strategies.
- Communicate project status, risks, and technical issues clearly to stakeholders and cross-functional partners.
- Travel to project sites as needed to oversee installation, commissioning, troubleshooting, and optimization activities.
Essential Skills
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline.
- 10+ years of experience in industrial refrigeration and cold room design.
- 5+ years of experience specifically in CO2 cold room design and operation.
- Strong proficiency in automation and PLC programming for industrial and cold storage applications.
- Hands-on experience with cold storage, cold room systems, and refrigeration equipment, including CO2-based systems.
- Knowledge of refrigerants and their application in industrial refrigeration systems.
- Experience with automated equipment and automation technologies in an industrial setting.
- Strong knowledge of cGMP and validation processes in regulated environments.
- Experience working in environments governed by GMP, OSHA, and EPA regulations.
- Demonstrated experience in commissioning, qualification, validation, and testing of equipment and software systems.
- Strong project management skills, including planning, coordination, and execution of technical projects.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Experience with robotics, including Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (ASRS) and Automated Guided Vehicles (AGV), strongly preferred.
- Familiarity with Industry 4.0 concepts, Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), and digital manufacturing technologies.
- Proficiency in deploying and adopting automated processes, technologies, and systems in industrial environments.
- Experience working under FDA-regulated conditions, including GMP-compliant operations.
- Background in software system testing and validation within automation or manufacturing contexts.
- Ability and willingness to travel occasionally, including to project and client sites, as required.
Work Environment
This role operates in a hybrid work model, with approximately 50% of the time onsite and 50% remote. The initial onboarding period typically requires 1–2 weeks onsite to become familiar with systems, processes, and teams. The position involves around 30% travel, with hotel, mileage, and related expenses covered, to support commissioning, startup, and optimization activities at various sites. You should be located within roughly three hours of Columbus, OH to support regular onsite work. The environment includes GMP-regulated pharmaceutical facilities, cold rooms, and automated warehouses that utilize advanced refrigeration systems, robotics (ASRS and AGV), and modern automation and control technologies aligned with Industry 4.0 and IIoT. Dress expectations generally follow professional or site-appropriate attire, including compliance with safety and personal protective equipment requirements when working in cold rooms, mechanical spaces, and regulated production areas.
Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract position based out of Columbus, OH.
Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $57.69 - $69.71/hr.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job
classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be
subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits
available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
This is a hybrid position in Columbus,OH.
Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Jun 24, 2026.
About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.
Posting ID: JP-006084935
