Automation Engineer (MES / Syncade)

Coopers Group AG; Oberwallis; On-site; CHF 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Coopers Group is seeking an Automation Engineer to lead MES/Syncade initiatives on-site in Valais, Switzerland. This contractor role focuses on delivering MES packages, configuring eBRs, and supporting GMP-compliant processes across design, testing, validation, and production support.

You will collaborate across engineering, validation, quality, and operations, ensuring timely, compliant delivery while driving continuous improvements in automation and digitalization within a biopharma setting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Automation Engineering, Process Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology, Pharmaceutical Engineering, or related technical discipline
• Hands-on experience with Emerson Syncade MES
• Experience developing, configuring, and troubleshooting Electronic Batch Records (eBR)
• Solid understanding of GMP-regulated manufacturing environments
• Experience with MES implementation and manufacturing operations support
• Strong knowledge of P&ID interpretation and CIP/SIP process mapping
• Excellent written and verbal communication in English

Responsibilities

• Support the delivery of MES and automation work packages throughout the project lifecycle
• Participate in process design, configuration, testing, commissioning, qualification, and production support activities
• Collaborate with engineering, automation, validation, quality, and operations teams to ensure project execution
• Ensure project deliverables meet quality, compliance, and timeline expectations
• Design, configure, test, deploy, and maintain Electronic Batch Records (eBR) using Emerson Syncade
• Perform troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and system enhancements under change control procedures
• Support User Acceptance Testing (UAT), commissioning, qualification, and go-live activities
• Provide ongoing production support and continuous system improvements
• Review and interpret P&IDs and analyze CIP/SIP processes
• Communicate effectively with process engineers and equipment owners to implement manufacturing requirements
• Prepare, review, and maintain GMP-compliant documentation (eBRs, FS, SOPs, Validation Docs, Test Scripts, Work Instructions)

Job description

Key Facts

• Position: Automation Engineer (MES / Syncade)
• Location: Valais, Switzerland
• Work Model: On-site
• Contract Type: Contractor
• Duration: 12 months with potential extension
• Workload: Full-time (41 hours per week)
• Industry: Biopharmaceutical Manufacturing
• Language: Fluent English required

Your Responsibilities

MES & Automation Project Delivery

• Support the delivery of MES and automation work packages throughout the project lifecycle
• Participate in process design, configuration, testing, commissioning, qualification, and production support activities
• Collaborate with engineering, automation, validation, quality, and operations teams to ensure successful project execution
• Ensure project deliverables meet quality, compliance, and timeline expectations

Emerson Syncade & Electronic Batch Records (eBR)

• Design, configure, test, deploy, and maintain Electronic Batch Records (eBR) using Emerson Syncade
• Perform troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and system enhancements under change control procedures
• Support User Acceptance Testing (UAT), commissioning, qualification, and go-live activities
• Provide ongoing production support and continuous system improvements

Process Analysis & Engineering Support

• Review and interpret Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs)
• Analyze and document complex Cleaning-in-Place (CIP) and Sterilization-in-Place (SIP) process flows
• Collaborate with process engineers and equipment owners to ensure accurate implementation of manufacturing requirements
• Support process optimization and manufacturing system enhancements

Documentation & Compliance

• Prepare, review, and maintain GMP-compliant documentation, including:
  • Electronic Batch Records (eBRs)
  • Functional Specifications
  • Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
  • Validation Documentation
  • Test Scripts
  • Work Instructions
• Ensure compliance with quality standards, regulatory requirements, and data integrity principles

Continuous Improvement

• Identify opportunities to enhance manufacturing efficiency and system performance
• Contribute to automation and digital transformation initiatives
• Support operational excellence while maintaining strict compliance and quality standards

Your Profile

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Automation Engineering, Process Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology, Pharmaceutical Engineering, or a related technical discipline
• Hands-on experience with Emerson Syncade MES
• Experience developing, configuring, and troubleshooting Electronic Batch Records (eBR)
• Solid understanding of GMP-regulated manufacturing environments
• Experience with MES implementation and manufacturing operations support
• Strong knowledge of P&ID interpretation and CIP/SIP process mapping
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Emerson DeltaV
• Knowledge of DCS, PCS, or other industrial automation platforms
• Experience with validation and qualification activities (IQ/OQ/PQ)
• Background within biopharmaceutical, pharmaceutical, or life sciences manufacturing
• Additional European language skills are considered an advantage

What You Bring

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Structured and organized way of working
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic project environment
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
• High attention to detail and commitment to quality and compliance
• Self-motivated mindset with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively