Senior Automation Engineer

PQE Group; Barcelona; On-site; EUR 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

PQE Group is seeking a Senior Automation Engineer based in Barcelona with a two-year initial assignment in Sant Cugat del Vallès. You will lead automation systems within GMP contexts, aligning OT with IT infrastructures and driving CQ&V processes across projects.

The role involves design, configuration, and validation of Siemens automation solutions and SCADA architectures, with opportunities to work on international projects from the Barcelona office.

Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years in industrial automation engineering.
• Proven GMP-regulated environment experience.
• Hands-on Siemens S7-1500 PLCs and Siemens Unified HMI.
• Experience with AVEVA SCADA; Zenon SCADA is a plus.
• Knowledge of GMP, GAMP 5, data integrity and CSV.
• Experience with URS, FS, DS and C&Q.

Responsibilities

• Act as the System Lead for assigned automation systems and equipment.
• Lead design and development of automation architectures for manufacturing processes.
• Define and review URS, FS and DS.
• Develop and review PLC and HMI applications using Siemens tools.
• Configure and maintain SCADA applications with reliable OT/IT integration.
• Coordinate Commissioning & Qualification activities and related documentation.
• Review automation software and validation protocols per GMP/GAMP 5.
• Support audits, deviations investigations, and troubleshooting.

Skills

Industrial automation

GMP experience

IT/OT integration

Vendor & system integrator liaison

Tools

Siemens S7-1500 PLCs

Siemens Unified HMI

AVEVA SCADA

Zenon SCADA

Job description

Are you ready to join a world leader in the exciting and dynamic fields of the Pharmaceutical and Medical Device industries? PQE Group has been at the forefront of these industries since 1998, with 40 subsidiaries and more than 2000 employees in Europe, Asia and the Americas.

We are seeking a Senior Automation Engineer with extensive experience in industrial automation within GMP-regulated environments, preferably in the pharmaceutical industry. The ideal candidate will have a strong technical background in Siemens automation technologies, SCADA systems, and the integration of Operational Technology (OT) with the underlying Information Technology (IT) infrastructure.

The candidate will act as the System Lead for the equipment and systems under their responsibility, providing technical expertise and support throughout the entire project lifecycle, from design and specification through implementation, commissioning, qualification, validation, and ongoing maintenance.

Although the position is based in Barcelona, the successful candidate will be assigned to a project in Sant Cugat del Vallès for the initial two-year assignment. Upon completion of this project, the candidate will be assigned to other projects based at our Barcelona office.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Act as the System Lead for assigned automation systems and manufacturing equipment, providing technical support throughout the entire project lifecycle, from design and specification to implementation, commissioning, qualification, and maintenance.
• Lead the design and development of industrial automation architectures for manufacturing processes and equipment.
• Define and review system specifications, including User Requirements Specifications (URS), Functional Specifications (FS), and Design Specifications (DS).
• Develop, configure, and review PLC and HMI applications, primarily using Siemens S7-1500 PLCs and Siemens Unified HMI.
• Configure, develop, and maintain SCADA applications, ensuring reliable communication and integration between automation systems and connected equipment.
• Support the integration of Operational Technology (OT) systems with the underlying Information Technology (IT) infrastructure, considering network architecture, system interfaces, connectivity, and data exchange.
• Lead and coordinate Commissioning and Qualification (C&Q) activities, including testing, troubleshooting, and the preparation and review of supporting documentation.
• Review and approve automation software, technical documentation, and validation protocols in accordance with applicable GMP requirements and GAMP 5 principles.
• Ensure compliance with data integrity, functional safety, system reliability, and applicable quality standards throughout the project lifecycle.
• Coordinate equipment vendors and system integrators, reviewing technical deliverables and ensuring alignment with project specifications.
• Provide technical support during audits, inspections, deviation investigations, and troubleshooting activities.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement, optimization, and lifecycle management of automation systems.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years of experience in industrial automation engineering.
• Proven experience in GMP-regulated environments, supporting projects throughout the entire lifecycle.
• Hands-on experience with Siemens S7-1500 PLCs and Siemens Unified HMI.
• Experience with AVEVA SCADA; knowledge of Zenon SCADA is a strong plus.
• Good understanding of IT/OT integration and underlying IT infrastructure.
• Knowledge of GMP, GAMP 5, data integrity, and computerised system validation.
• Experience with URS, FS, DS documentation and Commissioning & Qualification (C&Q).
• Ability to independently manage technical activities and coordinate vendors and system integrators.
• Experience with pharmaceutical manufacturing equipment, such as filling lines, inspection machines, and packaging systems, is a plus.

Working at PQE Group

As a member of the PQE team, you will be part of a challenging, multicultural company that values collaboration and innovation. PQE Group gives you the opportunity to work on international projects, improve your skills and interact with colleagues from all corners of the world.If you are looking for a rewarding and exciting career, PQE Group is the perfect place for you.