Automation Process Engineer

Morgan McKinley; Ireland; Hybrid; EUR 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Morgan McKinley seeks an Automation / Process Control Engineer with 3–5 years of experience to support active production at a premier pharmaceutical site in Co. Cork. The role is hybrid (4 days onsite, Fri WFH) on a 12-month rolling contract.

You will maintain uptime, drive process control improvements, and support GMP-compliant batch manufacturing. Foxboro DCS familiarity is beneficial and experience with S88 batching is highly valued.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years experience in process control, automation or DCS support within a regulated manufacturing environment.
• Experience with GMP/cGMP, GAMP 5 and CSV is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Tackle real-time floor challenges: troubleshoot control loops, sequences, sensors, and valve activations to maximise uptime.
• Design, test, and implement minor control logic updates, sequence modifications, and alarm rationalisations for live processes.
• Collaborate with Process Engineers, Maintenance, and Operations to translate operational needs into automation solutions.
• Draft and execute change controls, test scripts, and CSV documentation aligned with GMP and site standards.
• Support ongoing DCS health checks, system backups, and architecture updates.

Skills

Process control

DCS experience

Troubleshooting

Batch processing (S88)

GMP/CSV compliance

Education

Degree in Automation/Electrical/Electronic/Chemical/Systems Engineering

Tools

Foxboro DCS

Emerson DeltaV

Honeywell Experion

Siemens PCS7

ABB

Job description

We are seeking an Automation / Process Control Engineer with 3 - 5 years of experience to join our team supporting active production at a premier pharmaceutical manufacturing site in Co. Cork.

Key Information

• Role: Automation / Process Control Engineer (Production Support)
• Location: Co. Cork (Hybrid: 4 days onsite, Friday WFH)
• Contract: 12-Month Rolling Contract (Long-term / Resident status)
• Hours: 40 hours/week (Occasional weekend support aligned with production cycles)

This role focuses on maintaining daily uptime, managing process control improvements, and supporting active batch manufacturing. While knowledge of Foxboro DCS is beneficial, hands-on experience with automated pharmaceutical processes, batch manufacturing, and GMP compliance is prioritized.

If you thrive on solving complex, real world technical problems, continuously building your skill set, and working alongside a supportive team that genuinely looks out for one another, this is your next move.

Why You’ll Love This Role

• Long-Term Stability: Enjoy the flexibility of contracting with the long-term security of a "resident" site role.
• Culture of Collaboration: Work in an environment where knowledge is shared, teamwork is second nature, and people genuinely help each other succeed.
• Continuous Growth: Gain hands-on exposure to cutting-edge biopharma automation, expand your system repertoire, and master new skills daily.
• Work-Life Balance: Standard 40-hour week with a sustainable hybrid schedule (Mon–Thu Onsite / Fri WFH).

As a key member of the Production Support team, you will keep active batch manufacturing lines running at peak performance. You will bridge the gap between process requirements and control logic, directly impacting the production of life-changing therapies.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Tackle real-time floor challenges - troubleshooting control loops, sequence logic, sensor readings, and valve activations to maintain maximum uptime.
• Design, test, and roll out minor control logic updates, sequence modifications, and alarm rationalizations to optimize live processes.
• Work side‑by‑side with Process Engineers, Maintenance, and Operations to translate complex operational needs into robust automation solutions.
• Draft and execute change controls, test scripts, and CSV documentation in full alignment with GMP and site Quality standards.
• Support ongoing DCS health checks, system backups, and continuous architecture updates.

What We’re Looking For

We value core process control capability, S88 batch expertise, and sharp troubleshooting skills above specific brand loyalty. If you know how biopharma/API process automation works, we want to talk to you.

• 3–5 Years Experience in Process Control, Automation, or DCS Support within a regulated manufacturing environment (Biopharma, Bulk API, Fine Chemicals, or MedTech).
• DCS/Control Platform Agnostic: Solid proficiency ideally with Foxboro but will consider any major platform (Emerson DeltaV, Honeywell Experion, Siemens PCS7, ABB, or Foxboro).
• Compliance Mindset: Practical experience with GMP/cGMP, GAMP 5, and Computer System Validation (CSV).
• Strong Process Logic: Deep understanding of S88 batch processing, thermal/pressure/flow control loops, vessel sequencing, and CIP/SIP cycles.
• Education: Degree in Automation, Electrical, Electronic, Chemical, Systems Engineering, or equivalent technical experience.