Principal Instrumentation & Controls Engineer

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About this role

Company Description

AbbVie's mission is to discover and deliver innovative medicines and solutions that solve serious health issues today and address the medical challenges of tomorrow. We strive to have a remarkable impact on people's lives across several key therapeutic areas – immunology, oncology, neuroscience, and eye care – and products and services in our Allergan Aesthetics portfolio. For more information about AbbVie, please visit us at www.abbvie.com. Follow @abbvie on XFacebookInstagramYouTubeLinkedIn and Tik Tok.

Job Description

The Principal I&C Engineer leads design, implementation, and qualification of automation and controls IO layer for GMP facilities and labs, bridging process, IT/OT, and quality to deliver compliant, reliable operations. They develop I&C design packages, configure DCS/PLC systems IO (often FoxBoro, DeltaV), and support FAT/SFAT/SAT through turnover in line with CSV expectations. This role provides technical leadership, ensures compliance with applicable codes and standards, supports project execution and running facility. The Engineer will design, develop, and deliver innovative solutions enabling the advancement of AbbVie’s Clinical and Commercial Drug Substance manufacturing processes.

Responsibilities

  • Support a Safe working environment by aligning with all pertinent environmental health, safety & maintenance program practices, rules, and regulations.
  • Provide technical leadership for Day-to-day operational shift support for Upstream and Downstream Drug Substance manufacturing.
  • Experience in change control, nonconformance, corrective & preventative actions, and Commissioning & Qualification activities.
  • Experience in various instrumentation with the following product platforms: Rockwell PLC Platform, Emerson DeltaV
  • Day-to-day Operational Support: 24 x 7 Onsite/On Call: Rotational Support
  • Troubleshooting support to Mfg.
  • Lead FEED and detailed design for I&C scope; define I/O allocations, network topologies, and panel architectures aligned to process and facility constraints.
  • Produce complete I&C design packages (enclosure details, panel layout/BOM, terminal block details, power distribution/grounding, I/O wiring, network integration details).
  • Specify/oversee fabrication of control panels and field integration and manage vendor E&I scope.
  • Configure, review and test DCS/PLC I/O layer and relevant applications; often DeltaV with ISA 88 batch (CM/EM classes, recipes, graphics), including SFAT/FAT.
  • Troubleshoot instrumentation and control system issues, optimizing control strategies for safety, reliability and efficiency.
  • Plan and execute SAT and support OQ/commissioning: loop checks, calibration coordination, punch-list closure, turnover documentation.
  • Execute in a GxP manner with full traceability and change control (e.g., VCAT/audit trail), in alignment with CSV practices and 21 CFR Part 11 expectations.
  • Being responsible for driving continuous improvement in partnership with Plant Engineering, Maintenance, Manufacturing, Process engineering and OPex to drive operational efficiencies.
  • Responsible for collaborating within the AbbVie network to learn, implement and share Continuous improvement opportunities within the Drug Product manufacturing AbbVie Global network.
  • Demonstrated understanding of project life cycles is preferred- Candidate should be familiar with engineering processes from initial conceptualization through project turnover to operations. Responsible for developing & maintaining Engineering Specifications, documents, drawings, and - Standard Operational Procedures (SOP) including Administrative SOPs and Job Aids.
  • As a System SME, be accountable and responsible to provide the necessary support during the internal and external regulatory audits.

Qualifications

  • A Bachelors Degree in Engineering, science, or closely related discipline is desired, or equivalent technical experience plus demonstrated competence, with a desired 8+ years of significant engineering and/or operational experience. A post-graduate education/degree is desired, and may contribute towards the desired years of experience.Has demonstrated competency within a discipline.
  • Has a career history marked by a consistent series of technical contributions and accomplishments. Significant contribution to product or process development or improvement through creative application of technical effort will equally be recognized.
  • Possesses a strong technical knowledge and application of concepts, practices, and procedures. Works on problems of complex scope where analysis of situations or data involves multiple competing factors. Exercises judgment and advises management as to the appropriate actions.
  • Interacts well with diverse groups within engineering and maintains strong working relationships with internal and external collaborators.
  • Listens to and understands others' points of view and articulates tactfully and respectfully one's own perspective orally, in writing, and in presentations.
  • Works well with other engineers in a collaborative, fast-paced goal-driven environment.
  • Possesses interpersonal skills to negotiate and reconcile differences.
  • Has a technical background in health care, medical devices, pharmaceutical, biologics, or similar industries (preferred).
  • Has demonstrated competency with financial systems and in fiscal control.

Additional Information

Applicable only to applicants applying to a position in any location with pay disclosure requirements under state or local law: ​

  • The compensation range described below is the range of possible base pay compensation that the Company believes in good faith it will pay for this role at the time of this postingbased on the job grade for this position. Individual compensation paid within this range will depend on many factors including geographic location, and we may ultimately paymore or less than the posted range. This range may be modified in the future. ​

  • We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick), medical/dental/vision insurance and 401(k) to eligible employees.​

  • This job is eligible to participate in our short-term incentive programs. ​

Note: No amount of pay is considered to be wages or compensation until such amount is earned, vested, and determinable. The amount and availability of any bonus, commission,incentive, benefits, or any other form of compensation and benefits that are allocable to a particular employee remains in the Company's sole and absolute discretion unless and untilpaid and may be modified at the Company’s sole and absolute discretion, consistent with applicable law. 

AbbVie is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to operating with integrity, driving innovation, transforming lives and serving our community.  Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled. 

US & Puerto Rico only - to learn more, visit https://www.abbvie.com/join-us/equal-employment-opportunity-employer.html

US & Puerto Rico applicants seeking a reasonable accommodation, click here to learn more:

https://www.abbvie.com/join-us/reasonable-accommodations.html

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the salary disclosed for the Principal Instrumentation & Controls Engineer position at abbvie?
The salary for this Principal Instrumentation & Controls Engineer role at abbvie is not publicly listed. Click "Apply Now" to learn more about the compensation package on their official careers page.
Where is the Principal Instrumentation & Controls Engineer position at abbvie located?
This Principal Instrumentation & Controls Engineer role at abbvie is based in MA, Worcester, Worcester, MA, United States, us. The position is listed as on-site or hybrid. Check the full job description or apply directly to confirm the work arrangement.
Is the Principal Instrumentation & Controls Engineer role at abbvie full-time or part-time?
This is listed as a Full time position. It is posted as a Principal Instrumentation & Controls Engineer role at abbvie.
How do I apply for the Principal Instrumentation & Controls Engineer position at abbvie?
Click the "Apply Now" button on this page. You will be redirected to abbvie's official application portal hosted on smartrecruiters where you can submit your application directly.
When was the Principal Instrumentation & Controls Engineer job at abbvie posted?
This Principal Instrumentation & Controls Engineer position at abbvie was posted on May 4, 2026. Apply as soon as possible — early applications are often reviewed first.
Principal Instrumentation & Controls Engineer
abbvie
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