Automation Engineer

Sanofi Group; Munster; Sur place; EUR 55 000 - 73 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

Sanofi Waterford seeks an Automation Engineer to support and advance site automation across PFS, LYO, Filling and Packaging, ensuring reliable, compliant systems aligned with the Digital Lighthouse strategy.

You will work with PLCs, SCADA, MES, Historian, and IIoT platforms in a GMP environment to reduce downtime and enable paperless manufacturing while delivering capital projects and validation activities.

Qualifications

• Degree in Electrical/Automation/Mechatronics or related field.
• Hands-on automation experience in GMP/pharma environment.
• Strong PLC/SCADA/IIoT knowledge and validated systems.

Responsabilités

• Provide automation support for PFS, LYO, Filling and Packaging.
• Lead and contribute to capital projects from concept to commissioning.
• Ensure CSV/GxP compliance and GMP readiness for audits.
• Develop dashboards and analytics using PI/Ignition/IIoT.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to meet timelines.

Connaissances

Siemens S7

TIA Portal

Wonderware AVEVA

iFix GE

Zenon Copa-Data

OSIsoft PI Historian

Ignition

Windows Server

OT/IT network

CSV & GAMP5

GMP compliance

MES (PAS-X)

Formation

Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Automation/Mechatronics

Outils

Werum PAS-X

Rockwell PharmaSuite

Description du poste

Waterford

Full time

R

Job Title: Automation Engineer

+ Location: Waterford, Ireland

+ Contract Type: 18-Month Fixed-Term Contract

+ Shift Pattern: Standard Days

About the role

As an Automation Engineer within the Waterford Automation & Manufacturing Systems team, you will play a critical role in supporting and advancing the site's automated manufacturing capabilities across PFS, LYO, Filling, and Packaging operations. You will be responsible for both the operational support of existing automation infrastructure and the delivery of capital improvement projects - ensuring systems are reliable, compliant, and continuously evolving in line with Sanofi's Digital Lighthouse ambitions.

You will work across a broad technology stack including PLCs, SCADA, MES, Historian, and IIoT platforms, operating within a GMP-regulated environment where patient safety and product quality are paramount.

About Sanofi

We're an R&D‑driven, AI-powered biopharma company committed to improving people's lives and delivering compelling growth. Our deep understanding of the immune system - and innovative pipeline - enables us to invent medicines and vaccines that treat and protect millions of people around the world. Together, we chase the miracles of science to improve people's lives.

Main responsibilities

Operational Support & System Maintenance

• + Provide day-to-day automation support for manufacturing equipment and systems across PFS, LYO, Filling, and Packaging operations
• + Troubleshoot and resolve automation-related issues on Siemens S7/TIA Portal, Wonderware, iFix, and Zenon SCADA platforms to minimise production downtime
• + Maintain and administer OSIsoft PI Historian and Ignition platforms, ensuring data integrity and availability for operational and quality reporting
• + Manage and support Windows Server environments (including virtualised/VM infrastructure) underpinning site automation systems
• + Maintain site OT network infrastructure, ensuring cybersecurity controls and network segmentation are upheld in line with site standards

Capital Projects & Continuous Improvement

• + Lead and contribute to automation capital projects from concept through to commissioning and handover, including URS development, design review, FAT/SAT, and qualification activities
• + Identify and implement automation improvements that drive efficiency, reduce waste, and support the site's Digital Lighthouse and Industry 4.0 roadmap
• + Collaborate with Engineering, Operations, Quality, and global Automation teams to deliver projects on time, within budget, and to specification
• + Support the integration of MES (Manufacturing Execution Systems) with automation layers to enhance data flow, traceability, and paperless manufacturing

Computer System Validation (CSV) & GxP Compliance

• + Author and execute validation documentation (URS, FS, DS, IQ, OQ, PQ, Validation Strategy) in accordance with Sanofi's Computerised Systems Validation GOP and GAMP 5 guidelines
• + Ensure all automation systems are maintained in a validated state and are inspection-ready for regulatory audits (FDA, EMA, HPRA)
• + Manage change control, deviation investigations, and CAPAs related to automation systems in compliance with site GMP procedures
• + Support the site's Business Quality Representative (BQR) process for GxP digital solutions

Data & Digital

• + Leverage OSIsoft PI and Ignition platforms to develop dashboards, reports, and analytics that support operational decision-making and continuous improvement
• + Contribute to IIoT and Industry 4.0 initiatives, supporting the site's Digital Lighthouse strategy through data connectivity, real-time monitoring, and smart manufacturing capabilities
• + Participate in the evaluation and implementation of new digital technologies aligned with Sanofi's global automation standards

About you

Essential Requirements

• + Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in Electrical Engineering, Control Systems Engineering, Automation, Mechatronics, or a related discipline
• + Significant hands‑on automation engineering experience in a GMP‑regulated pharmaceutical or life sciences manufacturing environment
• + Demonstrated experience with Siemens S7 / TIA Portal PLC programming and commissioning
• + Proficiency with one or more SCADA platforms: Wonderware (AVEVA), iFix (GE), or Zenon (Copa‑Data)
• + Experience with OSIsoft PI Historian and/or Ignition (Inductive Automation) platforms
• + Working knowledge of Windows Server administration and virtualised (VM) environments in an OT context
• + Understanding of OT/IT network architecture , including industrial networking protocols (Ethernet/IP, Profinet, Modbus TCP)
• + Solid understanding of Computer System Validation (CSV) principles and GAMP 5 methodology
• + Familiarity with GMP regulations and pharmaceutical manufacturing standards (FDA 21 CFR Part 11, EU Annex 11)

Desirable Requirements

• + Experience with MES platforms (e.g., Werum PAS‑X, Rockwell PharmaSuite, or equivalent)
• + Exposure to fill/finish, lyophilisation (LYO), or packaging equipment automation
• + Experience with IIoT platforms and Industry 4.0 / smart manufacturing initiatives
• + Knowledge of machine vision systems or robotics integration
• + Project management experience in a capital projects environment

Why choose us?

• + Transform lives worldwide by delivering life‑changing treatments anywhere, anytime.
• + Grow, thrive, and make an impact in a workplace that empowers you to bring your best self every day, with pride.
• + Help deliver 30+ new product launches by 2030, ensuring patients get treatments faster than ever.
• + Develop new skills, explore cross‑functional roles, and work in an environment that values growth and discovery.

#LI-EUR

Pursue progress, discover extraordinary

Better is out there. Better medications, better outcomes, better science. But progress doesn't happen without people - people from different backgrounds, in different locations, doing different roles, all united by one thing: a desire to make miracles happen. So, let's be those people.

At Sanofi, we provide equal opportunities to all regardless of race, colour, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, ability or gender identity.

Watch our ALL IN video ( and check out our Diversity Equity and Inclusion actions at sanofi.com ( !

The salary range for this position is :54 800,00 - 73 067

Final compensation will be determined based on demonstrated experience, skills, location, and other relevant factors. Employees may be eligible to participate in Company employee benefit programs.

We are an R&D driven, AI-powered biopharma company committed to improving people's lives and creating compelling growth. Our team is guided by one purpose: we chase the miracles of science to improve people's lives.

We want to build a healthier, more resilient world, and turn the impossible into the possible by discovering, developing, and delivering medicines and vaccines for millions of people around the world.

Discover more about us visiting or via our movie We are Sanofi ( a career that makes a difference.

Reinvention is in our DNA. It's what drove our evolution from a small French enterprise to one of the world's leading biopharma companies. Whether it's using AI to shorten drug‑discovery times or building trust in healthcare, you could be helping our teams make life better for patients, partners, and communities.

This is where you grow your career. We open the door for you to explore new opportunities, push your limits, and connect with people who are driven by a shared purpose: we chase the miracles of science to improve people's lives.