Senior Automation Engineer

K-Recruiting GmbH; Schweiz; On-site; CHF 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

K-Recruiting GmbH seeks a Senior Automation Engineer to lead control strategy implementation in a GMP environment. You will work across DCS (DeltaV), MES (PAS-X), SCADA (Ignition), and OEM systems, driving CI projects and qualification activities.

Strong experience in Biologics/pharma automation, validation, and data-driven optimization is essential. Based in Werthenstein, Switzerland, the role requires collaboration with Operations, Quality, Validation and Technical teams, with occasional

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Life Science or equivalent with at least 5 years in automation controls.
• Thorough knowledge of validation/SDLC requirements (GAMP 5).
• Fluent in English (written and spoken).
• Experience with DeltaV Batch design/implementation and ISA S95/S88.
• Automation experience in Biologics/Pharma/Medical devices sectors.
• Experience with DCS (DeltaV), MES (PAS-X), and Historian (PI).
• I/O networking (Ethernet/IP, OPC, Profinet, Modbus) advantageous.
• Commissioning and qualification using Kneat eVal.

Responsibilities

• Serve as SME for control strategies in GMP manufacturing.
• Implement innovative automation technologies and instruments.
• Provide automation support for DCS, MES, SCADA and OEM systems.
• Support CI projects and lifecycle documentation reviews.
• Troubleshoot automation issues to improve yield and performance.
• Transfer process tech from early-stage facilities to GMP status.
• Lead investigations into deviations and implement corrective actions.
• Coordinate with external vendors for spare parts and service visits.
• Support qualification of new systems; write/review test documents.
• Collaborate with Operations, Quality, Validation and Tech teams.
• Support Digital Transformation initiatives and data connectivity.

Skills

English communication

Problem solving

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Life Science or equivalent

Tools

DeltaV

DeltaV Batch design

PAS-X

Ignition MES

Kneat eVal

Sartorius BioSMB

ISA S95/S88

cGMP validation

OPC/Profinet/Modbus

Job description

Senior Automation Engineer (M/F/D)

Tasks:

• 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.

Qualification:

• 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.

Requirements:

Start: 01.12.2026

Duration: 12 months

Capacity: 5 days per week

Location: Werthenstein, Switzerland