OEM Automation Engineer / OEM Automation Lead

Horizon Controls Group

Leinster

On-site

EUR 70,000 - 100,000

Full time

2 days ago

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Job summary

Horizon Controls Group seeks an experienced OEM Automation Engineer / Lead to join our client's Digital Manufacturing Operations team at a highly automated vaccines facility.

You will provide technical expertise for OEM systems, manufacturing automation and building management systems, focusing on reliable, compliant and efficient operations through troubleshooting, lifecycle management, equipment upgrades and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

Degree in Engineering, Automation, Electrical Engineering, Instrumentation or related field, or equivalent experience.
Significant experience supporting industrial automation systems in regulated manufacturing.
Experience with OEM equipment and automated manufacturing systems.

Responsibilities

Provide technical expertise and operational support for OEM equipment and automation systems within vaccine manufacturing operations.
Lead troubleshooting, root cause analysis and corrective actions for automation issues.
Support installation, qualification, testing and commissioning of new OEM equipment and automation solutions.
Maintain systems in compliant and inspection-ready state, with lifecycle management.
Support GMP compliance, validation activities and documentation.
Collaborate with Manufacturing, Engineering, Quality and external suppliers on technical activities.
Develop and maintain technical documentation and standards for automation systems.
Contribute to continuous improvement and operational excellence across manufacturing systems.
Coordinate with stakeholders to minimise disruption during system changes.

Skills

OEM equipment & automation systems

Industrial automation & controls

Siemens TIA Portal

Siemens automation platform

iFIX

Manufacturing automation

Automation troubleshooting

Root cause analysis

System upgrades & enhancements

System migrations

Equipment installation & deployment

Automation testing & qualification

GMP manufacturing operations

CSV (Computer System Validation)

Building Management Systems (BMS)

System lifecycle management

Technical documentation

Problem management

Continuous improvement

Operational excellence

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Engineering degree or equivalent

Tools

Siemens TIA Portal

iFIX

Job description

Horizon Controls Group is seeking an experienced OEM Automation Engineer / OEM Automation Lead to join clients Digital Manufacturing Operations team at a highly automated vaccines manufacturing facility.

The successful candidate will provide technical expertise and support for Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) systems, manufacturing automation and associated building management systems. The role will focus on maintaining reliable, compliant and efficient manufacturing operations through technical troubleshooting, system optimisation, lifecycle management, equipment upgrades and continuous improvement.

Working closely with Manufacturing, Engineering, Quality, Automation and other technical teams, the OEM Automation Engineer will support the installation, qualification, implementation and ongoing performance of manufacturing equipment and automation solutions.

The position requires strong experience in industrial automation within a regulated pharmaceutical or manufacturing environment, together with the ability to investigate complex technical issues, lead system improvements and ensure systems remain compliant, reliable and inspection-ready.

Key Responsibilities

1. OEM Equipment and Automation Systems Support

Provide technical expertise and operational support for OEM equipment, automation systems and associated manufacturing technologies.Support automated manufacturing equipment and systems used within pharmaceutical and vaccine manufacturing operations.Act as a key technical contact for OEM-related systems within daily manufacturing operations and technical support processes.Collaborate with equipment manufacturers, system integrators, internal engineering teams and technical stakeholders to resolve equipment and automation issues.Support the integration and operation of OEM systems within the site's manufacturing automation environment.Ensure systems are maintained in a reliable, efficient and compliant condition.

2. Automation Troubleshooting and Technical Problem Solving

Lead and support troubleshooting activities involving OEM equipment, automation platforms and manufacturing systems.Investigate system failures, equipment faults, recurring issues and operational performance problems.Conduct root cause investigations and implement appropriate corrective and preventive actions.Support the resolution of complex technical challenges affecting manufacturing operations.Identify recurring system issues and recommend improvements to enhance reliability and reduce operational disruption.Provide technical support during equipment breakdowns, system failures and manufacturing interruptions.Participate in problem management and operational review processes.

3. Automation Platforms and System Technologies

Provide technical support for industrial automation platforms used within the manufacturing environment.Support automation systems involving Siemens TIA Portal and Siemens-based industrial automation technologies.Support iFIX-based automation and supervisory control systems.Work with OEM automation platforms, control systems and associated manufacturing technologies.Support troubleshooting, configuration changes, system enhancements and technical improvements.Collaborate with automation engineers and system specialists to maintain effective system integration.Apply knowledge of industrial control systems, system architecture and automation functionality to support manufacturing operations.

4. Equipment Installation, Qualification and Implementation

Support the installation, implementation and commissioning of new OEM equipment and automation solutions.Participate in equipment integration activities and technical acceptance processes.Support automation testing, system verification and qualification activities.Collaborate with Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing and external suppliers to ensure equipment is implemented successfully.Support the introduction of new equipment, system upgrades and automation enhancements.Ensure equipment implementation activities are completed in accordance with applicable site procedures, engineering standards and regulatory requirements.Support technical handover and operational readiness activities.

5. System Upgrades and Lifecycle Management

Support automation system upgrades, enhancements, migrations and technical improvements.Participate in system lifecycle management activities, including assessment of obsolete technologies and equipment.Identify opportunities to improve system functionality, reliability, maintainability and performance.Support the planning and execution of system changes and upgrades.Assess technical risks associated with system modifications and equipment changes.Collaborate with relevant stakeholders to minimise disruption to manufacturing operations.Maintain system standards and support sustainable automation solutions.

6. GMP Compliance and Computer System Validation

Ensure OEM and automation systems are maintained in accordance with applicable pharmaceutical quality and compliance requirements.Support automation testing, system validation and qualification activities.Apply relevant GMP principles and site procedures when supporting manufacturing systems.Support computer system validation activities where applicable.Ensure technical changes and system modifications are appropriately documented and controlled.Maintain systems in a compliant and inspection-ready state.Support quality investigations, audit preparation and regulatory inspection activities relating to automation systems.Collaborate with Quality and Validation teams to address compliance requirements.

7. Documentation and Technical Standards

Develop, review and maintain technical documentation related to OEM equipment and automation systems.Maintain system documentation, operating procedures, maintenance plans and technical standards.Support documentation associated with equipment installation, qualification, testing and system modifications.Ensure documentation is accurate, complete, controlled and aligned with site requirements.Contribute to the development and standardisation of automation procedures and engineering practices.Maintain technical records supporting system lifecycle management and operational reliability.

8. Manufacturing Operations and Cross-Functional Support

Work closely with Manufacturing, Engineering, Quality, Automation and Digital Manufacturing Operations teams.Provide technical support during daily manufacturing operations.Participate in operational meetings, tiered support processes and technical reviews.Support the resolution of manufacturing issues involving OEM equipment and automation systems.Coordinate technical activities with internal stakeholders and external equipment suppliers.Communicate system risks, technical issues and improvement opportunities effectively.Support operational readiness and manufacturing performance initiatives.

9. Continuous Improvement and Operational Excellence

Identify opportunities to improve equipment reliability, automation performance and manufacturing efficiency.Drive continuous improvement initiatives using system data, technical insights and lean manufacturing principles.Support the reduction of recurring equipment issues and operational inefficiencies.Contribute to automation standardisation and sustainable engineering practices.Participate in performance improvement initiatives across manufacturing systems.Apply a proactive approach to identifying risks, preventing failures and improving operational performance.Support the development of reliable and efficient manufacturing processes.

Requirements

Essential Requirements

Degree in Engineering, Automation, Electrical Engineering, Instrumentation, Controls or another relevant technical discipline, or equivalent industry experience.Significant experience supporting industrial automation systems within a regulated manufacturing environment.Experience working with OEM equipment and automated manufacturing systems.Strong technical knowledge of industrial automation platforms.Experience with Siemens TIA Portal and industrial automation technologies.Experience with iFIX or similar supervisory control and automation systems.Demonstrated experience in automation troubleshooting, technical investigations and root cause analysis.Experience supporting system upgrades, enhancements and lifecycle management.Understanding of automation testing, system design, qualification and validation requirements.Knowledge of GMP manufacturing operations and relevant compliance requirements.Ability to work effectively with Manufacturing, Engineering, Quality and technical stakeholders.Strong analytical, communication, problem-solving and stakeholder management skills.Ability to support technical activities in a manufacturing environment and manage competing operational priorities.

Desirable Requirements

Experience within pharmaceutical, biotechnology, vaccine manufacturing or another highly regulated manufacturing environment.Experience supporting OEM automation systems within GMP manufacturing.Knowledge of computer system validation and automation qualification.Experience with building management systems (BMS).Experience with system migrations, automation upgrades and technology lifecycle management.Knowledge of lean manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies.Lean Six Sigma qualification or experience.Experience supporting audits, inspections and regulatory compliance activities.Experience working with external equipment manufacturers and system integrators.Experience contributing to automation standards and technical documentation.

Key Technical Skills