Okay, I've searched for Senior Automation & Controls Engineer roles in Thousand Oaks, CA within the biotechnology industry, fully onsite, requiring 5+ years experience with Rockwell Automation FactoryTalk and ControlLogix PLCs. I have found 42 positions for you.

Sure. Here's the analysis:

Job Analysis:

The Senior Automation & Controls Engineer role is fundamentally about driving the development, deployment, and maintenance of robust automation solutions that directly impact the efficiency and compliance of biotech drug manufacturing processes. Beyond programming and troubleshooting PLCs and SCADA systems (specifically Rockwell Automation FactoryTalk and ControlLogix), the role requires deep familiarity with highly regulated GMP environments, where every system change must be meticulously documented and validated. The engineer will integrate complex equipment such as lyophilizers, autoclaves, and batch processing systems while ensuring safety and adherence to standards like GAMP and 21 CFR Part 11. Success here means not only technical expertise but also proactive leadership in root cause analysis, cross-team collaboration during new product introductions, and swift resolution of automation issues to avoid costly production downtime. The job demands a strategic blend of sharp technical skills, regulatory knowledge, and the ability to navigate and influence multi-disciplinary teams within a fast-paced, compliance-heavy environment. Being fully onsite also highlights the importance of real-time problem-solving and hands-on engagement with plant systems.

Company Analysis:

Omiz Staffing Solutions positions itself as a specialist recruitment partner focused on high-demand sectors including pharmaceuticals and biotech, making this role part of their strategic pipeline connecting talent with innovation-driven organizations. While Omiz is a staffing agency rather than the biotech company itself, their focus on personalized, efficient talent matching illustrates a culture of precision and responsiveness, mirroring the client's need for reliability and regulatory rigor. The candidate will be interfacing with a pioneering biotech firm through Omiz, so success depends on recognizing the agency's role as a facilitator of long-term industry partnerships. This means the candidate should embody flexibility, professionalism, and an eagerness to thrive in a contract role that demands onsite presence and close alignment with client goals. The staffing firm's emphasis on lasting partnerships and market insight suggests the candidate should also appreciate the broader ecosystem of life sciences innovation and be prepared for a dynamic environment where continuous learning and adaptation are valued.

Absolutely. Here are some mock interview questions that could come up:

• Behavioral: Tell me about a time when you led a root cause investigation for a complex automation failure in a regulated environment. How did you approach it and what was the outcome?
• Behavioral: Describe an experience where you had to collaborate across different engineering teams to implement a new automated process. How did you manage communication and expectations?
• Behavioral: Can you share an example of dealing with challenging change control procedures in a GMP setting? How did you ensure compliance without compromising project timelines?
• Behavioral: How have you handled a situation where you identified a safety or compliance risk in an automation system? What steps did you take?
• Technical: Walk me through your experience programming Rockwell Automation FactoryTalk and ControlLogix PLCs. What are key best practices you follow?
• Technical: How do you develop and maintain GMP-compliant engineering documentation, like SOPs and validation documents (URS, IQ, OQ, VSR)?
• Technical: Explain your familiarity with batch processing standards such as S88 and S95 and how you've applied them to automation projects.
• Technical: What troubleshooting methodologies do you use when addressing SCADA or process control equipment failures, especially within a biotech manufacturing context?
• Situational: Imagine a critical autoclave control system fails during a batch cycle. How would you prioritize your actions and communicate the issue?
• Situational: You’re asked to support the introduction of a new filling system that integrates with existing BMS and clean utilities. How do you approach the automation design and validation?
• Situational: If a regulatory auditor challenges your validation documentation during an inspection, how would you respond and ensure compliance?
• Company Fit/Motivation: Why are you interested in working on automation projects within the biotechnology industry specifically?
• Company Fit/Motivation: How do you see your experience aligning with the mission to serve patients and improve lives through science and innovation?
• Company Fit/Motivation: What excites you about working fully onsite in a high-impact role at the Thousand Oaks location?
• Questions to Ask Interviewer: Can you describe the key automation challenges your team currently faces and how this role will address them?
• Questions to Ask Interviewer: How does Omiz Staffing Solutions support contractors in integrating successfully with client teams and long-term projects?
• Questions to Ask Interviewer: What opportunities are there for professional growth or skill development during the contract term?