Automation Engineer

Takeda Pharmaceutical Co.; Bray; On-site; EUR 58,000 - 79,000; Full time

Job summary

Takeda Pharmaceutical Co. is seeking an Automation Engineer to lead manufacturing control systems and OT initiatives. This role combines hands-on problem solving with strategic automation and digital transformation across global manufacturing sites.

You will ensure reliability, compliance with GMP and GDP, and contribute to Takeda's standards for automation, industry trends, and technology roadmaps. Based in Bray, Ireland with a broad scope across operations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Automation Engineering, Robotics, Computer Science, Electrical, Process, Mechanical, Chemical or related field.
• Minimum 5 years in GMP-regulated manufacturing environments.
• Experience with automation systems in pharma/biotech/medical devices or other regulated industries.
• Strong understanding of data integrity and GDP principles.
• Experience in global or matrix organizations.

Responsibilities

• Act as system administrator for automation and control systems.
• Monitor system performance for maximum availability and reliability.
• Manage user access, backups, disaster recovery, and security.
• Troubleshoot automation issues and coordinate with internal teams and vendors.
• Support routine maintenance, patching, and lifecycle management activities.
• Identify and implement improvements to optimize system performance.
• Support automation and digitalization projects across manufacturing operations.
• Develop and maintain project documentation (URS, FDS, network docs, SOPs).
• Develop commissioning/qualification protocols and execute tests.
• Support capital planning and technology investments.
• Ensure GMP compliance and maintain system documentation.

Skills

PLC knowledge

HMI/SCADA

Data management

Industrial networks

SQL scripting

OT architecture

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering/Automation

Tools

Siemens PLC

Omron PLC

Mitsubishi PLC

iFIX

Wonderware

OPC/Modbus/Ethernet/IP

Job description

The Opportunity

As an Automation Engineer, you will serve as a technical expert for manufacturing control systems, operational technology (OT), machine automation, and digitalization initiatives. You will work closely with local and global teams to ensure our automation infrastructure remains reliable, compliant, and aligned with industry best practices.

This is an excellent opportunity for a professional who enjoys combining hands-on technical problem solving with strategic automation and digital transformation projects.

Key Responsibilities

Automation Systems Support & Administration

• Act as system administrator for automation and control systems.
• Monitor system performance and ensure maximum availability and reliability.
• Manage user access, backups, disaster recovery, and system security.
• Troubleshoot automation issues and coordinate solutions with internal teams and external vendors.
• Support routine maintenance, patching, and lifecycle management activities.
• Identify and implement improvements to optimize system performance.

Project Delivery & Digital Transformation

• Support automation and digitalization projects across manufacturing operations.
• Participate in project teams and contribute technical expertise throughout project lifecycles.
• Develop and maintain project documentation, including: User Requirements Specifications (URS) Functional Design Specifications (FDS) Network Architecture Documents Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
• Develop commissioning and qualification protocols and execute testing activities.
• Support capital planning and technology investment initiatives.

Compliance & Continuous Improvement

• Ensure all activities comply with GMP regulations, site procedures, and corporate quality standards.
• Participate in investigations related to automation and control system deviations.
• Maintain complete and accurate system documentation.
• Support software lifecycle management and technology roadmaps.

Global Automation Strategy

• Support implementation of Takeda's Global Automation Strategy.
• Contribute to the standardization of automation systems, infrastructure, and engineering processes.
• Collaborate with global and site stakeholders to deploy harmonized automation solutions.
• Participate in cross-functional working groups to drive automation excellence.
• Stay informed on emerging industry trends, including cloud technologies, Industrial IoT, AI, and advanced analytics.

What You'll Bring

Education

• Bachelor's or Master's Degree in: Automation Engineering Robotics Computer Science Electrical Engineering Process Engineering Mechanical Engineering Chemical Engineering Or a related discipline

Experience

• Minimum 5 years' experience in a GMP-regulated manufacturing environment.
• Experience supporting automation systems within pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device, or other regulated industries.
• Strong understanding of data integrity principles and Good Documentation Practices (GDP).
• Experience working in complex global or matrix organizations.

Technical Skills

Experience with one or more of the following technologies:

• PLCs: Siemens, Omron, Mitsubishi
• HMI / SCADA platforms: iFIX, Wonderware
• Data management and historian platforms
• Industrial communication protocols: OPC Modbus Ethernet/IP Profinet Profibus
• SQL databases and scripting languages
• Operational Technology (OT) systems and architectures

Knowledge of:

• GAMP software development lifecycle
• ANSI/ISA-88, ISA-95, ISA-101, ISA-105, ISA-106 standards
• 21 CFR Part 11 and EU Annex 11
• Network technologies including: TCP/IP Routing & Switching IDS / IPS Active Directory Domain Integration Firewalls

Personal Attributes

We're looking for someone who:

• Thrives in collaborative, team-based environments.
• Builds strong working relationships across functions and geographies.
• Demonstrates strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Is passionate about innovation and continuous improvement.
• Communicates effectively with technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Shows initiative and ownership in delivering results.

Locations

Bray, Ireland

Base Salary Range:

€57,800.00 - €79,420.00

The estimated salary range reflects an anticipated range for this position. The actual base salary offered may depend on a variety of factors, including the qualifications of the individual applicant for the position, years of relevant experience, specific and unique skills, level of education attained, certifications or other professional licenses held, and the location in which the applicant lives and/or from which they will be performing the job.

For information about our benefits, please click here.

Worker Type

Employee

Worker Sub-Type

Regular

Time Type

Full time