Automation Engineer
Dublin | Pharmaceutical Manufacturing | Permanent
A leading global pharmaceutical manufacturer in Dublin is seeking an experienced Automation Engineer to join their Operations Technology team supporting highly automated GMP manufacturing systems.
This role will act as a Subject Matter Expert for site automation systems, ensuring they remain reliable, compliant, and continuously improved while supporting manufacturing operations and engineering projects.
You will work closely with manufacturing, maintenance, validation, quality and EHS teams to troubleshoot automation issues, drive system improvements and support new technology introductions across the site.
Automation System Ownership
- Provide technical ownership and administration of process automation systems in a GMP environment
- Troubleshoot and resolve PLC, SCADA and equipment control system issues
- Lead root cause investigations and incident analysis for automation-related events
- Maintain system lifecycle activities including backup, version control, monitoring and change management
- Support continuous improvement and system upgrades
Project & Engineering Support
- Support automation upgrades, new system implementations and technology introductions
- Contribute to engineering design, configuration changes and commissioning activities
- Manage small to medium automation projects, including design, installation, commissioning and qualification
- Develop automation specifications, procedures and engineering documentation
Compliance & Validation
- Support Computer Systems Validation (CSV) and lifecycle management of automation systems
- Ensure compliance with GMP, GAMP5, FDA 21 CFR Part 11 and EU Annex 11
- Participate in quality investigations, audits and documentation activities
Requirements
- 5+ years' experience supporting automation systems in a GMP regulated environment
- Strong experience with Siemens PLC/HMI and SCADA systems
- Experience supporting process control systems in pharmaceutical or biotech manufacturing
- Understanding of Computerised System Lifecycle, validation and change control
- Strong troubleshooting and root cause analysis skills
- Ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams across engineering and manufacturing
Desirable Experience
- Experience with PCS7, WinCC, IFix or InTouch SCADA systems
- Knowledge of batch systems (S88/S95)
- Experience with industrial networks (Profibus, ControlNet, DeviceNet)
- Familiarity with automation tools such as FactoryTalk AssetCentre, VersionDog, ThinManager or OSIsoft PI
What's on Offer
- Opportunity to join a highly automated pharmaceutical manufacturing site
- Work on cutting-edge process automation systems
- Exposure to major automation upgrades and technology projects
- Strong career progression within a global pharmaceutical organisation
