Automation System Specialist

Orion Corporation; Oulu; Hybrid; EUR 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Fermion Oy is seeking an Automation Systems Specialist to strengthen its automation and digitalisation capabilities across its production sites. The role focuses on development and maintenance of production-critical software, automation and OT systems in a dynamic manufacturing environment.

You will work with Production, Automation and IT teams to enhance existing systems and design future solutions, making a significant impact on Fermion’s digitalisation journey and harmonised manufacturing

Qualifications

• Relevant technical degree (BSc, MSc or equivalent) in Engineering or related field.
• Experience with automation, software or production systems in an industrial environment.
• Fluent written and spoken Finnish and English.

Responsibilities

• Act as the key user for MES across Fermion after onboarding.
• Be responsible for system functionality, maintenance and compliance.
• Develop and harmonise OT-related systems across Fermion sites in Oulu, Hanko and Espoo.
• Participate in cybersecurity, virtualization and IT/OT maintenance practices.
• Develop recipe management and reporting systems with Production and Automation teams.
• Contribute to digitalisation projects and technology renewal in manufacturing operations.

Skills

Automation systems

Software development

Production systems

Project management

Documentation

Finnish language

English language

Education

Engineering degree (BSc/MSc)

Job description

We are looking for a proactive and solution-oriented Automation Systems Specialist to strengthen Fermion’s automation and digitalisation capabilities. This is a permanent position, and the preferred location can be Oulu, Hanko or a hybrid remote working arrangement, depending on the successful candidate’s location.

Your role

Fermion’s manufacturing sites rely extensively on automation, recipe management and reporting systems that play a critical role in pharmaceutical API manufacturing. As digitalisation continues and investment activity grows, we are looking for a specialist to develop and maintain production‑critical software, automation and OT systems across Fermion.

In this role, you will work closely with Production, Automation, IT and external partners. You will have the opportunity to contribute to both the enhancement of existing systems and the design of future solutions. The position offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact on Fermion’s production systems, digitalisation initiatives and the harmonisation of manufacturing operations across the company.

Responsibilities

• Following an onboarding period, act as the key user for the recipe and batch record systems (MES) across Fermion.
• Be responsible for system functionality, maintenance, development and compliance.
• Develop and harmonise OT‑related systems across Fermion sites in Oulu, Hanko and Espoo.
• Participate in the development of cybersecurity, virtualisation and maintenance practices within IT/OT environments.
• Develop recipe management and reporting systems in collaboration with Production and Automation teams.
• Contribute to digitalisation projects and technology renewal initiatives within manufacturing operations.
• Ensure long‑term system performance, availability and reliability.
• Define and coordinate system changes together with suppliers, partners and internal stakeholders.
• Participate in computerised system validation activities and the continuous development of a GMP‑compliant operating environment.

What you can expect from us

We offer you the opportunity to work in an expert role with a significant impact on the future of Fermion’s production systems and digitalisation. You will take on a responsible and versatile position in a growing environment where investment and development projects continue at a strong pace. Our working culture is open, supportive and collaborative. You will work with a broad network of experts and partners while continuously developing your own expertise in modern manufacturing and automation systems.

At Orion, your work creates true impact and well‑being for our customers, patients and society at large. Our culture of friendliness, respect, mutual appreciation and diversity creates a safe working environment where you can strive for excellence. We offer a wealth of career paths and development opportunities that support the development of innovative solutions and improving the quality of life.

• A relevant technical degree (BSc, MSc or equivalent in Engineering or a related field)
• Experience working with automation, software or production systems in an industrial environment
• Strong project management and communication skills
• The ability to develop and maintain system documentation in a structured and high‑quality manner
• Fluent written and spoken Finnish and English

Considered an advantage

• Experience with Honeywell systems, particularly Experion PKS
• Pascal programming skills
• Experience with IT/OT networks
• Understanding of Computerised System Validation
• Database and software development skills
• Experience in the pharmaceutical, chemical or food industries

Approved medical examination which also includes drug testing is required prior to the employment. We will also carry out a security clearance prior to the employment for the selected person.

Your new team

Fermion Oy is a subsidiary of Orion and develops and produces all active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) for Orion's in‑house developed innovative medicines and for some of Orion's branded, generic and animal health products. Fermion also develops and produces a series of generic APIs for various indications and is active as CDMO, contract development and manufacturing organization, to serve other pharmaceutical companies. The company has produced APIs in Hanko, Finland since 1973, and the plant currently has personnel of 180. The company's Oulu plant commenced operations back in 1964 and currently employs more than 100 professionals. Fermion’s head office is in Espoo where R&D, S&M and part of QM personnel are located. Altogether approximately 400 professionals work for Fermion.

About Us

Orion Pharma is a globally operating Nordic pharmaceutical company – a builder of well‑being for over a hundred years.

We’re home to more than 4,000 Orionees around the world, and we’re proud to be known as a responsible employer and a great place to work. At Orion Pharma, people are truly valued and trusted, encouraged to grow, and supported by a culture where every voice is heard. We appreciate each other, strive for excellence, and build the future.

Together we develop, manufacture, and market human and veterinary pharmaceuticals and active pharmaceutical ingredients. Our extensive portfolio includes proprietary and generic medicines as well as consumer health products. The core therapy areas of our pharmaceutical R&D are oncology and pain. Proprietary products developed by Orion Pharma are used to treat cancer, neurological diseases, respiratory diseases, and more.

We offer careers with a clear purpose: empowering people to live their lives to the fullest.