Automation Technical Lead

SimoTech; Cork; On-site; EUR 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

SimoTech is seeking an Automation Technical Lead based in Cork, Ireland. The role combines hands-on automation engineering with project delivery across biotech, pharma and life sciences clients.

You will lead projects through design, implementation, commissioning, qualification and handover, using Siemens and Rockwell platforms. The ideal candidate has 8-10 years’ experience, a relevant engineering degree, and proven ability to drive client engagements and project plans in a regulated

Qualifications

• 8-10 years’ experience implementing and supporting automation systems in biotech/pharma/life sciences.
• Degree qualification in Engineering or related discipline.
• Proven track record delivering automation projects through multiple project lifecycles.
• Strong experience with Siemens and/or Rockwell platforms.
• Experience with GMP, data integrity and cybersecurity requirements.
• Excellent communication and client-facing skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop automation solutions for greenfield and brownfield manufacturing projects.
• Lead projects from discovery through commissioning and qualification.
• Create and review URS, Functional Specifications, Design Specifications and QA documentation.
• Support FAT, SAT, commissioning and qualification activities.
• Provide technical leadership and guidance to junior engineers.

Skills

Automation engineering

Project engineering

Client engagement

Siemens automation

Rockwell Automation

GMP/GAMP5 knowledge

Education

Engineering degree

Tools

Siemens TIA Portal

Siemens S7

WinCC

Rockwell Automation

Job description

SimoTech are looking for an Automation Technical Lead, based in our headquarters in Cork. The ideal candidate will possess strong hands-on automation engineering expertise combined with project engineering and project delivery capabilities. This role is suited to an experienced self-starter who can independently drive projects from early discovery and concept phases through design, implementation, commissioning, qualification, and operational handover.

The successful candidate will have extensive experience with Siemens automation platforms and will play a key role in delivering automation projects for clients in the biotechnology, pharmaceutical, medical device, and life sciences sectors. The role also offers an opportunity to develop project management competencies including schedule development, project planning, cost estimation, budget management, and client engagement

Key Responsibilities:

Automation Engineering Responsibilities

• Develop automation solutions for greenfield and brownfield manufacturing projects
• Support projects through the complete lifecycle from discovery, conceptual design and FEED studies through detailed design, implementation, commissioning, qualification and startup support
• Generate and review URS, Functional Specifications, Design Specifications, Control Narratives, Test Protocols and Qualification Documentation.
• Participate in FAT, SAT, Commissioning and Qualification activities.
• Troubleshoot complex automation and integration issues.
• Support control system architecture development and technology selection activities.
• Ensure compliance with GMP, GAMP5, Data Integrity, Cybersecurity and regulatory requirements.

Front-End Engineering & Technical Consultancy

• Participate in discovery workshops and client strategy sessions.
• Develop Front End Studies and Basis of Design documentation.
• Support equipment integration strategies and system architecture development.
• Review vendor proposals and participate in technical bid evaluations.
• Provide technical consultancy services on automation and digital manufacturing initiatives.

Project Delivery Responsibilities

• Lead small to medium automation projects and workstreams from initial client engagement and scope definition through detailed design, implementation, commissioning and qualification.
• Assist in the development of project execution plans, schedules and resource plans.
• Support project budgeting, cost estimation and change management activities.
• Contribute to project reporting, risk management and progress tracking.
• Interface directly with clients to coordinate deliverables and resolve technical issues.
• Coordinate and manage equipment vendors, system integrators and client stakeholders to achieve successful project delivery.
• Identify project risks and proactively develop mitigation plans.
• Provide technical leadership and guidance to junior and intermediate engineers.
• Share knowledge and lessons learned across project teams.

Key Requirements

• 8-10 years’ experience implementing and supporting automation systems for manufacturing organizations in the biotechnology, pharmaceutical or life sciences industries.
• Degree qualification in Engineering, Automation, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science or related discipline.
• Demonstrated experience delivering automation projects through multiple project lifecycle
• phases.
• Strong experience in one or more of the following platforms: Siemens (TIA Portal, S7,WinCC) and/or Rockwell Automation (ControlLogix, FactoryTalk, PlantPAx)
• Experience with SCADA, HMI, PLC and industrial networking technologies.
• Exposure to project planning, scheduling, cost estimation and budget management.
• Experience supporting Commissioning, Qualification and Validation activities.
• Knowledge of GMP, GAMP5, Data Integrity, Cybersecurity and Safety requirements.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Excellent communication and client-facing skills.

What SimoTech Can Offer

• Role provides a high degree of autonomy to allow the successful candidate to reach their full potential.
• Develop new skills and enhance technical ability by working with innovative technologies in a multi-disciplined environment.
• Opportunity to work with large corporate clients on exciting capital projects.