Senior Automation Engineer

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

Job summary

PQE Group in Barcelona is seeking a Senior Automation Engineer to act as System Lead for automation systems in a GMP manufacturing setting. You will lead design, development, commissioning and lifecycle management of PLC, SCADA/HMI, and process control systems.

The role requires 8+ years in industrial automation, fluency in Spanish and strong English, and will initially be assigned to a project in Sant Cugat del Vallès for two years before relocation to Barcelona projects.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Automation, Electrical, Control, Computer Engineering, or related field.
• Minimum 8 years of experience in industrial automation, preferably GMP-regulated.
• Strong experience with PLC, SCADA/HMI, databases, and industrial control systems.
• Proven experience in automation design, programming, commissioning, qualification, and validation.
• Good knowledge of GMP, GAMP 5, data integrity, and CSV principles.
• Experience managing vendors and system integrators, with leadership.
• Fluent Spanish and good command of English.

Responsibilities

• Act as System Lead for automation systems and equipment across design, commissioning, qualification, and lifecycle management.
• Lead design and development of PLC, SCADA/HMI, databases, and process control systems for manufacturing.
• Define and reviewURS, FS, DS and related engineering deliverables.
• Lead and support C&Q activities including FAT, SAT, commissioning, and qualification.
• Review automation software, PLC/SCADA code, validation protocols and documentation per GMP/GAMP 5.
• Coordinate and oversee vendors, system integrators, and automation contractors.
• Support audits, inspections, deviations, troubleshooting, Root Cause Analysis, and improvements.
• Ensure systems comply with GMP, data integrity, cybersecurity, and applicable standards.

Skills

PLC/SCADA

Industrial controls

Automation design

GMP/CSV knowledge

Vendor management

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Automation/Electrical Engineering

Tools

GAMP 5

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 highly experienced Senior Automation Engineer to act as System Lead for the automation equipment and systems under their responsibility within a GMP-regulated manufacturing environment. The successful candidate will provide technical leadership throughout the entire lifecycle of automation and control systems, from design and development through commissioning, qualification, operation, maintenance, and continuous improvement.

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 System Lead for assigned automation systems and equipment, overseeing their design, implementation, commissioning, qualification, and lifecycle management.
• Lead the design and development of PLC, SCADA/HMI, database, and process control systems for manufacturing environments.
• Define and review technical specifications and documentation, including URS, FS, DS, and related engineering deliverables.
• Lead and support Commissioning & Qualification (C&Q) activities, including FAT, SAT, commissioning, and qualification.
• Review automation software, PLC/SCADA code, validation protocols, and technical documentation in line with GMP and GAMP 5 requirements.
• Coordinate and provide technical oversight to vendors, system integrators, and automation contractors.
• Support audits, inspections, deviations, troubleshooting, Root Cause Analysis, and continuous improvement activities.
• Ensure automation systems comply with GMP, data integrity, functional safety, cybersecurity, and applicable engineering standards throughout their lifecycle.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Automation, Electrical, Control, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Minimum 8 years of relevant experience in industrial automation, preferably within a pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or other GMP-regulated environment.
• Strong experience with PLC, SCADA/HMI, databases, and industrial control systems.
• Proven experience in automation design, programming, commissioning, qualification, and validation.
• Good knowledge of GMP, GAMP 5, data integrity, and computerized system validation (CSV) principles.
• Experience managing vendors and system integrators, with strong technical leadership and problem-solving skills.
• Fluent Spanish and good command of English.

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. take the first step towards an amazing future with us.