DeltaV Application Programmer
Job Description
We are seeking an experienced DeltaV Application Programmer to design, configure, program, and maintain Emerson DeltaV Distributed Control System (DCS) applications within our clients GMP-regulated pharmaceutical manufacturing facility. The ideal candidate combines strong DeltaV batch/continuous software configuration skills with hands-on knowledge of DeltaV hardware architecture and industrial networking and is comfortable working within a validated (CSV), GMP-compliant environment where documentation, change control, and data integrity are critical. This role supports process automation for API, drug product, biologics, and/or fill-finish operations, ensuring systems remain compliant, reliable, and audit-ready
Key Responsibilities • Design, develop, test, and deploy DeltaV control strategies, including continuous control modules, phase logic, S88-based batch recipes, and sequential function charts (SFCs), for GMP manufacturing processes. • Configure and maintain DeltaV Operator Interface (Control Studio, Process History View, and Dynamo graphics/HMI displays) to support safe, compliant, and efficient plant operations. • Build and maintain DeltaV database configurations, including module templates, alarms, historian tags, and I/O assignments, in accordance with site data integrity standards (ALCOA+). • Configure and troubleshoot DeltaV hardware including MD/SD/SQ series controllers, CHARMI/O cards and terminals, workstations, and redundant controller pairs installed in classified and non-classified manufacturing areas. • Support and maintain DeltaV network architecture, including the Control Network(fiber/copper), Application Station connectivity, redundant network switches, and integration with plant-wide Ethernet/IT and MES/ERP networks. • Perform system health checks, diagnostics, and troubleshooting of hardware faults, network communication failures, and controller/I-O card issues, minimizing unplanned downtime in production areas. • Execute DeltaV software and firmware upgrades, patches, and system backups under formal change control, in coordination with IT/OT cybersecurity and Quality/Validation requirements. • Develop and maintain functional specifications, control narratives, I/O lists, and system documentation to support GMP documentation requirements (URS, FS, DS, traceability matrices). • Author and execute IQ/OQ/PQ protocols and support Computer System Validation (CSV)activities for new or modified DeltaV applications, per site validation policies and 21 CFR Part 11 / Annex 11 requirements. • Support Electronic Batch Record (EBR) configuration and integration between DeltaV and MES/Historian systems (e.g., Syncade, PAS-X, DeltaV Batch Historian). • Participate in Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT), Site Acceptance Testing (SAT),commissioning, and startup activities for new or modified control systems, including automation for new drug product/API introductions. • Collaborate with process engineering, QA, validation, and automation teams to implement new control strategies and modifications via Management of Change (MOC) and deviation/CAPA processes. • Provide troubleshooting support and root cause analysis for control system malfunctions, including investigation support for deviations impacting batch disposition, and on-call/after-hours support as needed. • Maintain system configurations in accordance with data integrity, audit trail, and electronic signature requirements; support internal audits and regulatory inspections (FDA, EMA, etc.) as a system SME. • Ensure compliance with cybersecurity standards (e.g., IEC 62443) for DCS network and workstation configurations within a validated environment.
Required Qualifications • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Instrumentation & Control, Chemical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field, or equivalent hands-on experience. • 10+years of hands-on experience programming and configuring Emerson DeltaV DCSsystems, preferably within a GMP-regulated pharmaceutical, biotech, or lifesciences manufacturing environment. • Strong working knowledge of DeltaV software tools: Control Studio, Recipe Studio, Diagnostics, Explorer, and Batch Historian, including S88-based batch/phaselogic development. • Solid understanding of DeltaV hardware components: controllers (MD, SD, SZ, SQseries), CHARM I/O, Smart Switches, Application/Professional Plus Stations, and redundant power supplies. • Practical knowledge of DeltaV networking architecture, including Control Network topology, VLAN segmentation, redundant network design, and integration points with plant IT/MES networks. • Familiarity with industrial communication protocols (e.g., Modbus, HART, Foundation Fieldbus, Profibus, OPC/OPC-UA). • Working knowledge of GMP requirements, 21 CFR Part 11 (electronic records/signatures),and Computer System Validation (CSV) practices, including IQ/OQ/PQ documentation. • Understanding of P&IDs, control narratives, cause & effect diagrams, and instrumentation loop drawings. • Experience working within a formal change control (MOC) and quality management system(QMS) environment. • Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills for diagnosing hardware, software, and network-level issues without compromising product quality or batch integrity. • Excellent written and verbal communication skills for authoring GMP documentation and collaborating cross-functionally with Quality, Validation, and Manufacturing teams. Preferred Qualifications • Experience in DeltaV integration with MES platforms (e.g., Werum PAS-X, Syncade, POMSnet)for Electronic Batch Records. • Experience with virtualized DeltaV environments and DeltaV system redundancy design. • Familiarity with cybersecurity hardening practices for DCS environments (patching, whitelisting, network segmentation) within a validated 21 CFR Part 11 system. • Experience supporting FDA/EMA regulatory inspections or internal quality audits as an automation system SME. • Working knowledge of AMS Device Manager or other asset management software. • Familiarity with GAMP 5 risk-based approach to CSV.