Automation Engineer

R&D Partners; Waterford; On-site; EUR 76,000 - 96,000; Full time

Job summary

R&D Partners in Ireland is seeking an Automation Engineer to support day-to-day automation across operations and projects, partnering with Process, Maintenance and Facilities teams. The role covers Fill Finish, Packaging, and validation with a day shift.

You will work on PLC/SCADA improvements, ensure regulatory compliance, perform change controls, and guide other engineers. Rights to work in Ireland required; compensation starts at €55/hr depending on experience.

Qualifications

• Experience in pharmaceutical automation and GAMP lifecycle.
• Proven ability to work with Process, Maintenance and Facilities teams.
• Strong communication in cross-functional settings.

Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day automation support to operations and projects.
• Act as automation contact for Fill Finish, Packaging, Projects, and Facilities.
• Identify and implement PLC/SCADA improvements.
• Provide technical guidance on automation issues to engineers.
• Ensure compliance and system integrity per regulatory requirements.
• Generate and execute change controls and validation protocols.

Skills

GAMP lifecycle

Cross-functional collaboration

Change control

Validation protocols

Communication

Tools

Siemens PLC

Elau PLC

iFix

Wonderware

Antares Vision

Systech

Job description

Ready to engineer precision in the world of biopharmaceuticals? Join our client's cutting-edge team and play a vital role in developing the instrumentation that powers tomorrow's breakthroughs.

R&D Partners is seeking an Automation Engineer to 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.

Please note that to be considered for this role you must have the right to work in this location.

Compensation

• Pay rate starts from €55/hr, with final rate dependent on candidate experience and technical capability.

Key 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

• 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.

For more information, please contact Jack Keens.