Automation Engineer

Tandem Project Management Ltd.; Waterford; On-site; EUR 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Tandem Project Management Ltd. is assisting a Waterford biopharma client in recruiting an Automation Engineer.

The role focuses on delivering high-quality automation support across operations and project implementations, acting as the primary automation contact for manufacturing areas including Fill Finish, Packaging, and Facilities. The candidate will guide process, maintenance and facilities engineers on automation matters, ensure regulatory compliance, and drive improvements in PLC/SCADA

Qualifications

• 3–5 years in pharmaceutical automation or project engineering.
• Experience with PLC/SCADA systems and validation.
• Knowledge of GAMP lifecycle and change controls.
• Packaging/sterile filling exposure is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day automation support to operations and projects.
• Act as automation contact for Fill Finish, Packaging, Projects, Maintenance and Facilities.
• Identify opportunities to enhance PLC and SCADA workflows.
• Guide Process, Maintenance and Facilities engineers on automation issues.
• Ensure compliant automation systems and perform validation activities.
• Generate, review and execute change controls and validation protocols.

Skills

PLC systems

SCADA systems

GAMP lifecycle

Validation protocol

Change control

Education

Relevant qualification

Tools

Siemens PLC

Elau PLC

iFix

Wonderware

Utility MS

EMS

Antares

Systech

Job description

Summary:

Our client, a biopharma company based in Waterford is seeking an Automation Engineer who 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.

Responsibilities:

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

Qualifications & Experience:

• Relevant qualification.
• 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.
• 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.