For 75 years, Charles River employees have worked together to assist in the discovery, development and safe manufacture of new drug therapies. When you join our family, you will have a significant impact on the health and well-being of people across the globe. Whether your background is in life sciences, finance, IT, sales or another area, your skills will play an important role in the work we perform. In return, we’ll help you build a career that you can feel passionate about.
Job Summary
We are seeking a Controls Engineer for our Safety Assessment site located in Reno, Nevada.
This role is responsible for the start-up and commissioning of new PLC-based systems, maintenance of the Siemens Building Automation System (BAS) and stand-alone Process Logic Controllers (PLC’s). This position will oversee controls projects, troubleshoot systems, and be the lead point of contact for controls systems used throughout the facility.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Responsible for the site’s Siemens Building Automation System (BAS), including changes, upgrades, programming, installations, and overall proper operation
- Generate and review reports from the Siemens Building Automation (BAS) to maintain proper system health and ensure data capture to maintain GLP compliance
- Analyze plant automation/control systems; design and implement improvements control sequences for the Building Automation System that improves plant efficency
- Work with Engineering and Facilities personnel to design and implement
- Oversee the programing of various PLC platforms for systems that include mechanical equipment, waste management, cold storage, etc. that are not controlled by the Building Automation System.
- Ensure that project timelines and budgets are maintained.
- Ensure clear communication among all groups involved in successful delivery of projects.
- Partner cross-functionally and work with various departments regarding the implementation and maintenance of automated equipment, systems and controllers.
- Work cross-functionally with Charles River Information Technology teams to support the operations and maintenance of the Building Automations System and other network systems as required.
Job Qualifications
QUALIFICATIONS:
• Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or Computer Science preferred.• Experience: 3 + years designing and implementing installations or improvements to HVAC building automated systems• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted as a satisfactory substitute for the specific education and experience listed above.• Certification/Licensure: Siemens Building Automation System certifications regarding programming and operation highly preferred.• Other: Ability to work in areas accessible only by ladder. Basic knowledge of GLP regulations preferred.• Experience in programming one or more of the following automation platforms: Siemens (preferred), JCI, Tridium, Honeywell, Allerton, Automated Logic Controls.
The pay range for this position is $110,000-117,000. Please note that salaries vary within the range based on factors including, but not limited to, experience, skills, education, certifications, and location.
About Safety AssessmentCharles River is committed to helping our partners expedite their preclinical drug development with exceptional safety assessment services, state-of-the-art facilities and expert regulatory guidance. From individual specialty toxicology and IND enabling studies to tailored packages and total laboratory support, our deeply experienced team can design and execute programs that anticipate challenges and avoid roadblocks for a smooth, efficient journey to market. Each year approximately 300 investigational new drug (IND) programs are conducted in our Safety Assessment facilities.
About Charles RiverCharles River is an early-stage contract research organization (CRO). We have built upon our foundation of laboratory animal medicine and science to develop a diverse portfolio of discovery and safety assessment services, both Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) and non-GLP, to support clients from target identification through preclinical development. Charles River also provides a suite of products and services to support our clients’ clinical laboratory testing needs and manufacturing activities. Utilizing this broad portfolio of products and services enables our clients to create a more flexible drug development model, which reduces their costs, enhances their productivity and effectiveness to increase speed to market.
With over 20,000 employees within 110 facilities in over 20 countries around the globe, we are strategically positioned to coordinate worldwide resources and apply multidisciplinary perspectives in resolving our client’s unique challenges. Our client base includes global pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology companies, government agencies and hospitals and academic institutions around the world.
At Charles River, we are passionate about our role in improving the quality of people’s lives. Our mission, our excellent science and our strong sense of purpose guide us in all that we do, and we approach each day with the knowledge that our work helps to improve the health and well-being of many across the globe. We have proudly worked on 80% of the drugs approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the past five years.
We’re committed to providing benefits that elevate your quality of life. Based on your position these may include: bonus/incentives based on performance, 401K, paid time off, stock purchase program, Health and wellness coverage, employee and family wellbeing support programs, and work life balance flexibility.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Charles River Laboratories is an Equal Opportunity Employer – all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.
It is unlawful in some states (including 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.
If you are interested in applying to Charles River Laboratories and need special assistance or an accommodation due to a disability to complete any forms or to otherwise participate in the resume submission process, please contact a member of our Human Resources team by sending an e-mail message to crrecruitment_US@crl.com. This contact is for accommodation requests for individuals with disabilities only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.
For more information, please visit www.criver.com.
Helping you find your moment
You take great care and effort when you apply for a job with us. Rest assured that we’ll be just as diligent in finding the role that’s right for you. Here’s how our hiring process works:
Job Search
Learn about CRL, our culture, and why we do the work we do while also searching for roles that match your interests and expertise.
Application
Create a profile and apply to as many roles as you have an interest.
Note: Depending on the role, you may be required to include a resume in your application.
Assessment and application review
Complete assessments, if requested, to determine whether the role is likely to be a good fit for you – and vice versa. The recruiter will review your resume and qualifications against the requirements of the role and will determine next steps.
Note: At any point in the process, you can log into your profile to review the status of your application.
Interview
Engage in our inclusive interview process by meeting with a diverse group of interviewers who will provide information on the company, culture, and your role while also asking you questions to assess your skills, interests, and expertise. This is also a great time for you to ask questions.
Note: Charles River leverages technical and behavioral-based interview questions based on our DNA (Care, Lead, Own, and Collaborate). Please familiarize yourself with the DNA and be prepared to relate your experiences to them.
Job offer and onboarding
Receive a competitive offer either by phone or email from a Charles River recruiter or hiring manager. The offer will include your title, salary, location, and other relevant information.
Note: Upon acceptance, you will work with your recruiter to confirm a start date and will receive paperwork to electronically complete prior to your start. For US-based roles, upon your acceptance, you will be required to take a pre-employment drug screen and pass a criminal background check.
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Moment by moment
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About Charles River
Charles River is an early-stage Contract Research Organization (CRO). Here, we are passionate about our role in improving the quality of people’s lives. With 100 sites around the globe, we are strategically positioned to coordinate worldwide resources and apply multidisciplinary perspectives in resolving our clients’ unique challenges. Our client base includes global pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology companies, government agencies, hospitals, and academic institutions around the world.

Supporting your well-being
Your dedication and passion make a life-saving difference in lives around the world. We’re committed to providing you with benefits that elevate your quality of life.

About Charles River
Charles River is an early-stage Contract Research Organization (CRO). Here, we are passionate about our role in improving the quality of people’s lives. With 100 sites around the globe, we are strategically positioned to coordinate worldwide resources and apply multidisciplinary perspectives in resolving our clients’ unique challenges. Our client base includes global pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology companies, government agencies, hospitals, and academic institutions around the world.