Growth Automation Engineer

Horizon Controls Group; Dublin; Hybrid; EUR 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Horizon Controls Group in Ireland is seeking a Growth Automation Engineer at an early-career level to develop expertise in GMP-regulated industrial automation, working with control systems, manufacturing technologies, and digital systems that support production operations.

The successful candidate will collaborate with senior automation engineers, operations and IT teams to support automation systems, troubleshoot issues, and contribute to continuous improvement and digitalisation initiatives

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Automation, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronic, Computer Engineering, or related discipline.
• Recent graduate or up to 2 years of relevant experience (including internships or placements).
• Exposure to industrial automation or manufacturing environments is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day support for automation and control systems used in manufacturing and utilities.
• Assist in troubleshooting issues related to PLC, SCADA, and DCS systems to minimise downtime.
• Support maintenance and reliability of automation systems and associated hardware.
• Monitor system performance and escalate issues where necessary.
• Gain hands-on experience with automation platforms such as SCADA and DCS (DeltaV).
• Support system configuration, testing, and modifications under supervision.

Skills

PLC

SCADA

DCS

IT networks

Data analysis

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor's degree in Automation or related discipline

Tools

Siemens TIA Portal

Studio 5000

Job description

The Growth Automation Engineer role is designed for early-career engineers who are eager to develop expertise in industrial automation within a GMP-regulated pharmaceutical environment. This position offers hands-on experience with control systems, manufacturing technologies, and digital systems that support production operations.

The successful candidate will work closely with senior automation engineers, operations, and IT teams to support automation systems, troubleshoot issues, and contribute to continuous improvement and digitalisation initiatives across the site.

Key Responsibilities

Automation & Technical Support

Provide day-to-day support for automation and control systems used in manufacturing and utilities.

Assist in troubleshooting issues related to PLC, SCADA, and DCS systems to minimise downtime.

Support maintenance and reliability of automation systems and associated hardware.

Monitor system perfo rmance and e scalate issues where necessary.

Control Systems & Technologies

Gain hands-on experience with automation platforms such as:

SCADA systems

Distributed Control Systems (DCS) such as DeltaV

Support system configuration, testing, and modifications under supervision.

Assist in maintaining system documentation, backups, and version control.

Support automation-related projects, including system upgrades and new implementations.

Contribute to process optimisation and digital transformation initiatives.

Participate in root cause analysis (RCA) and implement corrective actions.

Assist in the development and execution of small automation improvement projects.

Validation & Compliance

Operate in compliance with GMP, EHS, and site quality standards.

Support validation activities including IQ, OQ, and PQ for automation systems.

Assist in preparing and reviewing validation and technical documentation.

Ensure adherence to data integrity and cybersecurity standards.

Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement

Work closely with Manufacturing, Quality, Maintenance, and IT teams.

Support cross-functional problem-solving and continuous improvement initiatives.

Communicate effectively with team members and escalate issues appropriately.

Learning & Development

Participate in structured training programs focused on automation systems and GMP compliance.

Develop technical competencies in control systems, programming, and troubleshooting.

Build knowledge of pharmaceutical manufacturing processes and regulatory requirements.

Requirements

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Automation, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronic, Computer Engineering, or related discipline.

Experience

Recent graduate or up to 2 years of relevant experience (including internships or placements).

Exposure to industrial automation or manufacturing environments is advantageous.

Technical Skills

Basic understanding of automation and control systems (PLC, SCADA, DCS)

Exposure to programming environments (e.g., Siemens TIA Portal, Studio 5000) is desirable

Familiarity with IT systems, networks, and data systems is an advantage

Proficiency in Microsoft Office and basic data analysis

Regulatory & Industry Knowledge (Desirable)

Understanding of GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice)

Awareness of validation principles (IQ/OQ/PQ)

Knowledge of data integrity and regulatory requirements in pharma

Strong willingness to learn and develop technical skills

Analytical thinking and problem-solving ability

Good communication and teamwork skills

Attention to detail and compliance mindset

Ability to work in a fast-paced, regulated environment