Lead Automation Engineer

CREGG; Munster; On-site; EUR 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

CREGG is seeking a Lead Automation Engineer to join a Waterford site on a 12-month contract. You will oversee automation projects, change controls, and system improvements across GMP manufacturing environments.

The role requires extensive PLC/SCADA experience, strong HMI skills, and knowledge of GAMP/21 CFR Part 11, with leadership responsibilities spanning cross-functional teams and external vendors.

Qualifications

• Degree in Electrical/Electronic/Systems Engineering or equivalent.
• Minimum 7+ years with automated control systems in Life Sciences/Pharma.
• Strong PLC platform knowledge (Siemens, AB) required.
• Proficiency in PLC languages: ladder, FBD, ST.
• Solid understanding of Profinet/Profibus networking.
• Experience with HMI/SCADA systems (FTView, WinCC, Intouch).
• Familiarity with GAMP lifecycle, 21 CFR Part 11 standards.

Responsibilities

• Adhere to GMP and GXP procedures on site.
• Manage and execute automation change controls.
• Identify and implement system improvements and corrective actions.
• Coach operators and maintenance in control systems usage.
• Spec, develop, install, and validate automation projects.
• Lead discussions with project teams and select hardware/architecture.
• Collaborate with OEM/project teams to tune PLC code during tests.
• Research new control technologies and assess existing ones.
• Work with cross-functional teams to deliver projects on time and quality.
• Lead system improvements, specs, engineering docs, and SOPs.
• Manage subcontractors and vendors.
• Maintain system ownership and cybersecurity controls in GMP setting.
• Lead root cause analysis and incident investigations.
• Support lifecycle management aligned with corporate programs.

Skills

PLC programming (Ladder, SFC, ST)

HMI/SCADA

Industrial networking

GAMP lifecycle

Education

Bachelor's in Electrical/ Electronics/ Systems Engineering

Tools

Siemens PLC

Allen-Bradley PLC

Profinet/Profibus

FTView/WinCC/Intouch

Job description

CREGG is currently looking for a Lead Automation Engineer to work on a site based in Waterford on a 12 month contract

Roles and Responsibilities

• Adherence to GXP procedures on site in relation to all aspects of the position.
• Management and execution of automation change controls
• Aid the identification/implementation of system improvements and corrective actions.
• Aid the coaching of operators and maintenance technicians in the effective use of the control systems.
• Manage the specification, development, installation, and validation of automation projects with direct responsibility for control systems.
• Lead discussions with project teams, provide technical support, and make informed decisions on hardware and architecture selection.
• Work closely with OEM/Project team to fine-tune PLC code during testing & development phase of projects. Conduct system testing and troubleshooting to identify and resolve any issues or bugs.
• Assess existing technologies and processes. Research and implementation of new control technologies.
• Work with cross-functional teams to ensure projects are delivered on time and to required quality standards.
• Lead and support system improvements, development of detailed specifications, engineering documents, and standard operating procedures
• Management of subcontractors and vendors.
• System ownership, administration and maintenance of key platforms in a GMP-regulated manufacturing setting
• Lead technical root cause analysis, incident investigations, and troubleshooting issues related to system performance and reliability
• Work in partnership with the site Engineering Automation team to ensure overall system availability, reliability and continuous improvement
• Advancement and maintenance of cyber security controls for manufacturing systems
• Lead and support lifecycle management of systems in line with corporate programs
• Represent client as part of qualification and testing of vendor-provided systems.
• Develop and manage change control requests per established SOPs and processes
• Solving complex problems, lifecycle management and operational excellence

Skills and Education

• Third level qualification in Electrical, Electronic, Systems Engineering, Computer Science or Equivalent.
• 7+ years' experience working with automated control systems, preferably in the Life Sciences/ Pharma sector
• Strong knowledge of PLC platforms (Siemens, Allen Bradley) is a requirement.
• Proficiency in PLC programming languages such as ladder logic, function block diagram (FBD), and structured text (ST).
• Strong understanding of industrial communication protocols (e.g., Profinet, Profibus) and networking concepts.
• Experience with HMI/SCADA systems (e.g., FTView, WinCC, Intouch).
• Knowledge of GAMP software development lifecycle, ANSI/ISA-S88 and S95 industry standards and 21 CFR Part 11