Automation Engineer

Michael Page; Luzern; On-site; CHF 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Michael Page Switzerland seeks an automation specialist for a 12-month contract with extension possibilities in a prestigious pharmaceutical company in Luzern. You will lead cross-functional automation initiatives in a GMP environment, focusing on DeltaV, PAS-X, Ignition, and related systems to optimize manufacturing processes.

The role requires a Life Science degree and at least 5 years in automation controls, with a strong background in validation, ISA S95/S88, and commissioning activities

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Life Science or equivalent with 5+ years in automation controls.
• Thorough knowledge of validation/SDLC requirements and automation change control procedures (GAMP 5).
• Effective oral & written English (C1).
• Experience with DeltaV Batch design, implementation and testing, ISA S95/S88.
• Experience with DeltaV control strategy/Recipe for process equipment (e.g., Cytiva AktaRDY, AktaRDY XL).
• 3+ years in Automation/Engineering for Biologics, Pharma, Medical Devices, or related industries.
• Experience with DCS (DeltaV), MES (PAS-X), Historian (PI).
• I/O networking knowledge (Ethernet/IP, OPC, Profinet, Modbus).
• MES exposure (PAS-X, Syncade, Ignition MES) advantageous.
• Commissioning and qualification/test protocol development in Kneat eVal.

Responsibilities

• Inspire Diversity and Inclusion through cross-functional collaboration.
• Serve as SME for control strategies in GMP manufacturing.
• Implement technologies and software to streamline processes.
• Provide automation support for DCS, MES, SCADA, and OEM systems.
• Support continuous improvement projects with automation reviews of specs and life-cycle docs.
• Troubleshoot automation issues to improve manufacturing performance and compliance.
• Transfer Process Technologies from early-stage facilities to GMP status.
• Lead automation investigations into deviations and CAPA implementations.
• Coordinate with external vendors for spare parts and service visits.
• Assist qualification of new systems; write/review test documents.
• Collaborate with Operations, Quality, Validation to resolve issues.
• Support Digital Transformation initiatives in data connectivity and process control.
• Limited off-shift work may be required.

Skills

Cross-cultural collaboration

Excellent communication (English)

Problem solving

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Life Science

Tools

DeltaV

PAS-X

Ignition

PI Historian

Sartorius Resolute BioSMB

Cytiva AktaRDY

Job description

• Prestigious pharmaceutical company
• Temporary 12 month contract with option to extend

About Our Client

The organisation operates in the Life Science industry in Luzern.

Job Description

• Inspire Diversity and Inclusion - building effective working relationships within a cross-functional team across different cultures and backgrounds.
• Serve as a Subject Matter Expert for the implementation of control strategies for new equipment to enhance manufacturing processes in a Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) environment.
• Implement innovative technologies, software, control strategies, and instruments to streamline processes and reduce the effort involved in manufacturing and administrative processes.
• Provide key automation support for various manufacturing systems such as DCS (DeltaV), MES(PAS-X), SCADA (Ignition), and OEM systems.
• Support and/or Direct Continuous Improvement projects with automation review of equipment specifications, P&IDs, and System Life Cycle documentation.
• Responsible for troubleshooting challenging equipment/automation issues to improve manufacturing performance (e.g. yield improvements, etc.), changes to support new products, and maintaining the automation systems in compliance with cGMP.
• Transfer of Process Technologies from early-stage pipeline facilities and drive to GMP Operational Status, and support line of sight to commercial supply.
• Lead automation related investigations into deviations and implement corrective actions.
• Working with external companies, organizing spare parts and service visits.
• Supporting the qualification of new systems. Write, review, and/or execute test documents.
• Collaborates within the Operations, Quality, Validation and Technical organizations to resolve complex problems.
• Participate and actively support Digital Transformation initiatives involving system integrations, data connectivity, data analysis/modelling, validation methods and value-based optimization of manufacturing via process control system.
• Limited off shift work may be required to meet project, operations, and qualification needs.

The Successful Applicant

• Bachelor's degree in Life Science discipline or equivalent practical experience of at least 5 years of experience in automation controls.
• Thorough knowledge of computer validation/SDLC requirements and automation change control procedures. (e.g., GAMP 5)
• Effective oral / written communication skills in English (C1).
• Proven experience with DeltaV Batch design, implementation and test, including the ISA S95 and S88.
• Proven experience in DeltaV control strategy/Recipe implementation and administration for process equipment like Cytiva AktaRDY, AktaRDY XL, Sartorius Resolute BioSMB 80/350.
• At least 3 years of experience in Automation or Engineering function for Biologics, Food, Medical Devices, or pharmaceutical industries.
• Proven experience with development and implementation of industrial controls such as DCS (Delta V), MES (PAS-X), Historian (PI).
• I/O Networking experience (i.e. Ethernet/IP, OPC, Profinet, and ModBus protocols) is advantageous.
• Basic knowledge and/or working with an MES system (PAS-X, Syncade, Ignition MES) is advantageous.
• Commissioning and qualification, test protocol development and execution in Kneat eVal.