Graduate / Junior Automation Engineer

Horizon Controls Group; Clonmel; On-site; EUR 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm is seeking enthusiastic Graduate or Junior Automation Engineers in Ireland to join a high-performing team. This role involves supporting automation activities within a GMP-regulated environment, assisting with system configurations, and participating in validation efforts. Ideal candidates have a degree in engineering and a strong interest in automation technologies, with opportunities to develop expertise in a world-class pharmaceutical setting.

Qualifications

• Degree in Automation, Electrical, Mechatronics, or similar.
• Understanding of GMP through experience.
• Strong interest in automation technologies.

Responsibilities

• Support automation activities in GMP environment.
• Assist with configuring, testing, and troubleshooting systems.
• Participate in commissioning and validation activities.

Skills

GMP environments

Automation technologies

Documentation skills

Communication skills

Problem-solving skills

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in related engineering discipline

Tools

PLC systems

SCADA systems

DCS systems

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.