Graduate / Junior Automation Engineer

Horizon Controls Group; Clonmel; On-site; EUR 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering consulting firm is seeking Graduate or Junior Automation Engineers to join their high-performing team in Clonmel, Ireland. This opportunity offers early-career professionals a chance to develop hands-on automation expertise within a GMP-regulated pharmaceutical environment. Candidates should possess a relevant engineering degree and a strong interest in automation technologies. Responsibilities include supporting automation across multiple processes, assisting in troubleshooting, and collaborating with cross-functional teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in a relevant engineering discipline.
• Understanding of GMP manufacturing environments through internships or projects.
• Previous internship experience in pharma/biopharma is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Support automation activities across manufacturing and laboratory equipment in a GMP environment.
• Assist in configuring and troubleshooting automation systems like PLC, SCADA.
• Participate in commissioning, qualification, and validation activities.

Skills

GMP knowledge

Automation technologies interest

Documentation skills

Problem-solving skills

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Automation, Electrical, Electronic, Mechatronics, Chemical, or related discipline

Tools

PLC

SCADA

DCS

MES

Job description

We are seeking enthusiastic Graduate or Junior Automation Engineers with exposure to GMP-regulated environments to join our client’s high-performing engineering team in Ballydine, Co. Tipperary. This is an excellent opportunity for early-career engineers to develop hands-on automation expertise within a world-class pharmaceutical manufacturing site.

You will work alongside experienced Automation and Process Engineers, supporting projects focused on manufacturing systems, process controls, data integrity, and equipment automation within a highly regulated environment.

Key Responsibilities

Support automation activities across manufacturing, utilities, and laboratory equipment within a GMP environment.

Assist in configuring, testing, and troubleshooting automation systems (e.g., PLC, SCADA, DCS systems—Allen Bradley, Siemens, DeltaV).

Participate in commissioning, qualification, and validation activities (IQ, OQ, PQ) for automated systems and equipment.

Support change controls, deviations, corrective actions, and documentation updates in compliance with site procedures.

Perform routine system checks, alarm reviews, and basic troubleshooting under the guidance of senior engineers.

Assist with development of URS/FRS documentation and contribute to system upgrades and continuous improvement initiatives.

Ensure all work is compliant with GMP, GAMP5, data integrity, and site safety requirements.

Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Process Engineering, Maintenance, IT, and Quality.

Requirements

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Automation, Electrical, Electronic, Mechatronics, Chemical, or related engineering discipline.

Understanding of GMP manufacturing environments (through internships, projects, or work experience).

Strong interest in automation technologies (PLC, SCADA, DCS, MES, instrumentation).

Good documentation, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Experience with automation systems or platforms.

Knowledge of GAMP5, CSV, data integrity, or validation principles.

Previous placement, graduate program, or internship in pharma/biopharma.