Automation Engineer

Sanofi; Waterford; On-site; EUR 55,000 - 73,000; Full time

Job summary

Sanofi in Waterford, Ireland, seeks an Automation Engineer to support and advance automated manufacturing across multiple operations. You will manage operational support, capital projects, and validation in a GMP environment, working with PLCs, SCADA, MES, and IIoT platforms.

You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure data integrity, cybersecurity, and continuous improvement, while aligning with Sanofi's Digital Lighthouse strategy and Industry 4.0 initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Control/Automation or related field.
• Hands-on automation engineering experience in GMP-regulated pharma/life sciences.
• Siemens S7 / TIA Portal programming and commissioning.
• Proficiency with SCADA platforms: Wonderware, iFix, or Zenon.
• Experience with OSIsoft PI Historian and/or Ignition platforms.
• Windows Server administration in an OT context.
• Understanding of OT/IT network architecture and industrial protocols.
• Familiarity with CSV and GAMP5 methodology.
• Knowledge of GMP (FDA 21 CFR Part 11, EU Annex 11).

Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day automation support for manufacturing equipment and systems across multiple lines.
• Troubleshoot and resolve automation issues on PLC/SCADA platforms to minimise downtime.
• Maintain PI Historian and Ignition data integrity for reporting.
• Manage Windows Server environments underpinning site automation.
• Keep OT network security and segmentation aligned with site standards.
• Lead capital automation projects from concept to commissioning and handover.
• Identify automation improvements to boost efficiency and reduce waste.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Operations, Quality, and global teams on projects.
• Assist MES integration with automation layers for data flow and traceability.
• Prepare and execute CSV documentation and regulatory validation activities.
• Ensure systems remain validated and inspection-ready for audits.
• Handle change control, deviations, and CAPAs for automation.

Skills

Electrical Engineering

Control Systems

Automation

Siemens S7 / TIA Portal

OT/IT networking

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field

Tools

Wonderware (AVEVA)

iFix

Zenon

OSIsoft PI Historian

Ignition (Inductive Automation)

Job description

Job Title: Automation Engineer Location: Waterford, Ireland Contract Type: 18-Month Fixed-Term Contract Shift Pattern: Standard Days

About the role As an Automation Engineer within the Waterford Automation & Manufacturing Systems team, you will play a critical role in supporting and advancing the site's automated manufacturing capabilities across PFS, LYO, Filling, and Packaging operations. You will be responsible for both the operational support of existing automation infrastructure and the delivery of capital improvement projects — ensuring systems are reliable, compliant, and continuously evolving in line with Sanofi's Digital Lighthouse ambitions. You will work across a broad technology stack including PLCs, SCADA, MES, Historian, and IIoT platforms, operating within a GMP-regulated environment where patient safety and product quality are paramount. Ready to get started? Join a global network that powers how Sanofi delivers — seamlessly, purposefully, and at scale. In Manufacturing & Supply, you’ll help reimagine how life-changing treatments reach people everywhere, faster.

About Sanofi: We’re an R&D-driven, AI-powered biopharma company committed to improving people’s lives and delivering compelling growth. Our deep understanding of the immune system – and innovative pipeline – enables us to invent medicines and vaccines that treat and protect millions of people around the world. Together, we chase the miracles of science to improve people’s lives.

Main responsibilities

• Operational Support & System Maintenance Provide day-to-day automation support for manufacturing equipment and systems across PFS, LYO, Filling, and Packaging operations
• Troubleshoot and resolve automation-related issues on Siemens S7/TIA Portal, Wonderware, iFix, and Zenon SCADA platforms to minimise production downtime
• Maintain and administer OSIsoft PI Historian and Ignition platforms, ensuring data integrity and availability for operational and quality reporting
• Manage and support Windows Server environments (including virtualised/VM infrastructure) underpinning site automation systems
• Maintain site OT network infrastructure, ensuring cybersecurity controls and network segmentation are upheld in line with site standards
• Capital Projects & Continuous Improvement Lead and contribute to automation capital projects from concept through to commissioning and handover, including URS development, design review, FAT/SAT, and qualification activities
• Identify and implement automation improvements that drive efficiency, reduce waste, and support the site's Digital Lighthouse and Industry 4.0 roadmap
• Collaborate with Engineering, Operations, Quality, and global Automation teams to deliver projects on time, within budget, and to specification
• Support the integration of MES (Manufacturing Execution Systems) with automation layers to enhance data flow, traceability, and paperless manufacturing
• Computer System Validation (CSV) & GxP Compliance Author and execute validation documentation (URS, FS, DS, IQ, OQ, PQ, Validation Strategy) in accordance with Sanofi's Computerised Systems Validation GOP and GAMP5 guidelines
• Ensure all automation systems are maintained in a validated state and are inspection‑ready for regulatory audits (FDA, EMA, HPRA)
• Manage change control, deviation investigations, and CAPAs related to automation systems in compliance with site GMP procedures
• Support the site's Business Quality Representative (BQR) process for GxP digital solutions
• Data & Digital Leverage OSIsoft PI and Ignition platforms to develop dashboards, reports, and analytics that support operational decision‑making and continuous improvement
• Contribute to IIoT and Industry4.0 initiatives, supporting the site's Digital Lighthouse strategy through data connectivity, real‑time monitoring, and smart manufacturing capabilities
• Participate in the evaluation and implementation of new digital technologies aligned with Sanofi's global automation standards

About you

Essential Requirements

• Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in Electrical Engineering, Control Systems Engineering, Automation, Mechatronics, or a related discipline
• Significant hands‑on automation engineering experience in a GMP-regulated pharmaceutical or life sciences manufacturing environment
• Demonstrated experience with Siemens S7 / TIA Portal PLC programming and commissioning
• Proficiency with one or more SCADA platforms: Wonderware (AVEVA), iFix (GE), or Zenon (Copa‑Data)
• Experience with OSIsoft PI Historian and/or Ignition (Inductive Automation) platforms
• Working knowledge of Windows Server administration and virtualised (VM) environments in an OT context
• Understanding of OT/IT network architecture, including industrial networking protocols (Ethernet/IP, Profinet, Modbus TCP)
• Solid understanding of Computer System Validation (CSV) principles and GAMP5 methodology
• Familiarity with GMP regulations and pharmaceutical manufacturing standards (FDA21CFR Part 11, EU Annex11)

Desirable Requirements

• Experience with MES platforms (e.g., Werum PAS‑X, Rockwell PharmaSuite, or equivalent)
• Exposure to fill/finish, lyophilisation (LYO), or packaging equipment automation
• Experience with IIoT platforms and Industry4.0 / smart manufacturing initiatives
• Knowledge of machine vision systems or robotics integration
• Project management experience in a capital projects environment

Why choose us?

Transform lives worldwide by delivering life‑changing treatments anywhere, anytime. Grow, thrive, and make an impact in a workplace that empowers you to bring your best self every day, with pride. Help deliver 30+ new product launches by 2030, ensuring patients get treatments faster than ever. Develop new skills, explore cross‑functional roles, and work in an environment that values growth and discovery. #LI‑EUR Pursue progress, discover extraordinary Better is out there. Better medications, better outcomes, better science. But progress doesn’t happen without people – people from different backgrounds, in different locations, doing different roles, all united by one thing: a desire to make miracles happen. So, let’s be those people. At Sanofi, we provide equal opportunities to all regardless of race, colour, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, ability or gender identity. Watch our ALL IN video and check out our Diversity Equity and Inclusion actions at sanofi.com!

The salary range for this position is :€54800,00 - €73067 Final compensation will be determined based on demonstrated experience, skills, location, and other relevant factors. Employees may be eligible to participate in Company employee benefit programs. We are an R&D driven, AI-powered biopharma company committed to improving people’s lives and creating compelling growth. Our team is guided by one purpose: we chase the miracles of science to improve people’s lives. We want to build a healthier, more resilient world, and turn the impossible into the possible by discovering, developing, and delivering medicines and vaccines for millions of people around the world. Discover more about us visiting www.sanofi.com or via our movie We are Sanofi Start a career that makes a difference. Reinvention is in our DNA. It’s what drove our evolution from a small French enterprise to one of the world’s leading biopharma companies. Whether it’s using AI to shorten drug‑discovery times or building trust in healthcare, you could be helping our teams make life better for patients, partners, and communities. This is where you grow your career. We open the door for you to explore new opportunities, push your limits, and connect with people who are driven by a shared purpose: we chase the miracles of science to improve people’s lives.