Automation Engineer

Aphex Group; Waterford; On-site; EUR 55,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Aphex Group is seeking an Automation Engineer to support day-to-day automation across operations and projects. You’ll guide process and facilities teams, ensuring regulatory alignment and GMP compliance, with a focus on PLC/SCADA systems.

The role emphasizes collaboration across Fill Finish, Packaging, Projects, and Facilities, driving continuous improvement and rigorous validation practices within a manufacturing environment.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years in pharmaceutical automation, control systems, or project engineering.
• Experience with PLC systems (Siemens, Elau advantageous).
• Experience with SCADA systems (iFix, Wonderware, Utility MS, EMS).
• GAMP lifecycle validation experience and regulatory alignment.

Responsibilities

• Automation Support - provide day-to-day automation support to operations.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration - act as automation contact for Fill Finish, Packaging, Projects, Maintenance, Facilities.
• Continuous Improvement - identify and implement improvements to PLC and SCADA systems and workflows.
• Technical Guidance - support Process, Maintenance, and Facilities Engineers on automation issues.
• Compliance & System Integrity - maintain automation systems in a compliant state with validation standards.
• Change Control & Validation - generate, review, and execute automation change controls and validation protocols.

Skills

Automation engineering

GAMP lifecycle

PLC & SCADA

Cross-functional collaboration

Job description

Automation Engineer

Purpose

The Automation Engineer will work closely with the Automation Team to deliver high‐quality automation support across operations and project implementation. The role provides technical guidance to Process, Maintenance, and Facilities Engineering teams and acts as the primary automation contact for manufacturing areas including Fill Finish, Packaging, Projects, Maintenance, and Facilities. This position is assigned to the day shift.

Responsibilities

• Automation Support - Provide day‐to‐day automation support to operational teams, ensuring systems remain compliant, reliable, and aligned with regulatory expectations.
• Cross‐Functional Collaboration - Serve as the automation point of contact for Fill Finish, Packaging, Projects, Maintenance, and Facilities.
• Continuous Improvement - Identify, evaluate, and implement opportunities to enhance PLC and SCADA systems, applications, and automation workflows.
• Technical Guidance - Provide expert support and direction to Process, Maintenance, and Facilities Engineers on automation‐related issues.
• Compliance & System Integrity - Ensure automation systems are maintained in a compliant state, including adherence to GAMP lifecycle validation requirements.
• Change Control & Validation - Generate, review, and execute automation change controls and validation protocols.

Required Skills

• Strong technical knowledge with operational and/or project engineering experience across all phases of the GAMP lifecycle.
• Proficiency in control system change control, validation protocol development, and execution.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work effectively within cross‐functional teams.
• Strong team‐player mindset with the ability to collaborate across engineering and operations.

Experience Requirements

• 3-5 years of experience in a pharmaceutical automation, control systems, or project engineering role.
• Experience with PLC systems (Siemens, Elau advantageous).
• Experience with SCADA systems (iFix, Wonderware, Utility MS, EMS).
• Experience with vision systems such as Antares or Systech; packaging serialisation experience is a distinct advantage.
• Experience with packaging operations or sterile vial filling is beneficial but not essential.