Automation Engineer

Takeda; Wicklow; On-site; EUR 58,000 - 79,000; Full time

Job summary

Takeda in Bray, Ireland is seeking an Automation Engineer to drive manufacturing control systems and digital transformation projects. You will act as a technical expert for OT, automation, and GMP-compliant infrastructure, collaborating with local and global teams.

Key areas include system administration, performance monitoring, security, and lifecycle management, with involvement in project lifecycles and documentation standards.

Qualifications

• 5+ years' experience in a GMP-regulated manufacturing environment.
• Experience in pharmaceutical, biotech, medical device, or other regulated industries.
• Strong understanding of data integrity principles and GDP.
• Experience working in complex global or matrix organizations.

Responsibilities

• Act as system administrator for automation and control systems.
• Monitor system performance to ensure maximum availability and reliability.
• Manage user access, backups, disaster recovery, and system security.
• Troubleshoot automation issues and coordinate with internal teams and vendors.
• Support routine maintenance, patching, and lifecycle management.

Skills

PLCs

HMI/SCADA

Data management

Industrial protocols

SQL & scripting

OT systems

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Automation Engineering

Tools

Siemens PLC

Omron PLC

Mitsubishi PLC

Job description

Job Description

The Opportunity

As an Automation Engineer, you will serve as a technical expert for manufacturing control systems, operational technology (OT), machine automation, and digitalization initiatives. You will work closely with local and global teams to ensure our automation infrastructure remains reliable, compliant, and aligned with industry best practices.

This is an excellent opportunity for a professional who enjoys combining hands‑on technical problem solving with strategic automation and digital transformation projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as system administrator for automation and control systems.


• Monitor system performance and ensure maximum availability and reliability.


• Manage user access, backups, disaster recovery, and system security.


• Troubleshoot automation issues and coordinate solutions with internal teams and external vendors.


• Support routine maintenance, patching, and lifecycle management activities.


• Identify and implement improvements to optimize system performance.

Project Delivery & Digital Transformation

• Support automation and digitalization projects across manufacturing operations.


• Participate in project teams and contribute technical expertise throughout project lifecycles.


• Develop and maintain project documentation, including User Requirements Specifications (URS) Functional Design Specifications (FDS) Network Architecture Documents Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)


• Develop commissioning and qualification protocols and execute testing activities.


• Support capital planning and technology investment initiatives.

Compliance & Continuous Improvement

• Ensure all activities comply with GMP regulations, site procedures, and corporate quality standards.


• Participate in investigations related to automation and control system deviations.


• Maintain complete and accurate system documentation.


• Support software lifecycle management and technology roadmaps.

Global Automation Strategy

• Support implementation of Takeda's Global Automation Strategy.


• Contribute to the standardization of automation systems, infrastructure, and engineering processes.


• Collaborate with global and site stakeholders to deploy harmonized automation solutions.


• Participate in cross-functional working groups to drive automation excellence.


• Stay informed on emerging industry trends, including cloud technologies, Industrial IoT, AI, and advanced analytics.

What You'll Bring

Education

• Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Automation Engineering Robotics Computer Science Electrical Engineering Process Engineering Mechanical Engineering Chemical Engineering Or a related discipline

Experience

• Minimum 5 years' experience in a GMP-regulated manufacturing environment.


• Experience supporting automation systems within pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device, or other regulated industries.


• Strong understanding of data integrity principles and Good Documentation Practices (GDP).


• Experience working in complex global or matrix organizations.

Technical Skills

• PLCs Siemens, Omron, Mitsubishi


• HMI / SCADA platforms iFIX, Wonderware


• Data management and historian platforms


• Industrial communication protocols OPC Modbus Ethernet/IP Profinet Profibus


• SQL databases and scripting languages


• Operational Technology (OT) systems and architectures

Knowledge of

• GAMP software development lifecycle


• ANSI/ISA-88, ISA-95, ISA-101, ISA-105, ISA-106 standards


• 21 CFR Part 11 and EU Annex 11


• Network technologies including TCP/IP Routing & Switching IDS / IPS Active Directory Domain Integration Firewalls

Personal Attributes

• Thrives in collaborative, team-based environments.


• Builds strong working relationships across functions and geographies.


• Demonstrates strong analytical and problem-solving skills.


• Is passionate about innovation and continuous improvement.


• Communicates effectively with technical and non-technical stakeholders.


• Shows initiative and ownership in delivering results.

Locations

Bray, Ireland

Base Salary Range

€57,800.00 - €79,420.00

The estimated salary range reflects an anticipated range for this position. The actual base salary offered may depend on a variety of factors, including the qualifications of the individual applicant for the position, years of relevant experience, specific and unique skills, level of education attained, certifications or other professional licenses held, and the location in which the applicant lives and/or from which they will be performing the job.

Worker Type

Employee

Worker Sub-Type

Regular

Time Type

Full time