Automation Engineer

Recruitment by Aphex; Waterford; On-site; EUR 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Recruitment by Aphex is seeking an Automation Engineer for the day shift to support operations and project delivery. You will provide technical guidance to Process, Maintenance, and Facilities teams and act as the automation contact for Fill Finish, Packaging, Projects, Maintenance and Facilities.

The role emphasizes maintaining compliant PLC/SCADA systems, executing change controls and validation protocols, and driving continuous improvement across the GAMP lifecycle.

Qualifications

• Experience across GAMP lifecycle and regulatory expectations.
• Proven ability to develop and execute validation protocols.
• Strong communication and cross‑functional collaboration skills.
• Experience with PLC/SCADA systems and packaging/sterile filling is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Provide day‑to‑day automation support to operating teams to keep systems compliant and reliable.
• Serve as automation point of contact for Fill Finish, Packaging, Projects, Maintenance and Facilities.
• Identify and implement opportunities to improve PLC and SCADA systems and automation workflows.
• Provide technical guidance to Process, Maintenance and Facilities Engineers on automation issues.
• Ensure automation systems remain compliant and aligned with GAMP lifecycle validation requirements.
• Generate, review, and execute automation change controls and validation protocols.

Skills

GAMP lifecycle

Change control

Validation protocols

Communication skills

Cross-functional collaboration

Tools

Siemens PLC

Elau PLC

iFix

Wonderware

Utility SCADA

EMS

Antares Vision

Systech

Job description

Automation Engineer - Day Shift

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.