Automation Engineer

Recruitment by Aphex; Waterford; On-site; EUR 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Recruitment by Aphex is seeking an Automation Engineer (Day Shift) in Waterford, Ireland, to support manufacturing operations and project implementations. You will work with the Automation Team and provide technical guidance to Process, Maintenance, and Facilities Engineering, ensuring compliance and reliable automation systems across Fill Finish, Packaging, and related areas.

Key duties include day-to-day automation support, cross-functional collaboration, PLC/SCADA optimization, validation

Qualifications

• 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 serialization experience is a distinct advantage.
• Experience with packaging operations or sterile vial filling is beneficial but not essential.

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.

Skills

GAMP lifecycle

PLC & SCADA

Cross-functional collab

Validation protocols

Communication

Tools

Siemens PLC

iFix

Wonderware

Antares

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.