Pharma Automation Engineer - PLC/SCADA & Validation

Careerwise Recruitment; Waterford; On-site; EUR 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

CareerWise Recruitment is seeking an Automation Engineer for an 18-month contract with a Waterford pharmaceutical client. This fully onsite role provides technical guidance to Process, Maintenance and Facilities Engineering teams and acts as the primary automation contact for manufacturing areas including Fill Finish and Packaging.

You will support day-to-day automation operations, drive continuous improvement of PLC/SCADA systems, and ensure compliance with GAMP lifecycle validation and change

Qualifications

• 3–5 years in pharmaceutical automation or related control systems.
• Experience with PLC systems (Siemens, Elau advantageous).
• Experience with SCADA systems (iFix, Wonderware, Utility MS, EMS).
• Experience with vision systems such as Antares or Systech; packaging serialisation experience is a distinct advantage.
• Experience with packaging operations or sterile vial filling is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Automation Support — Provide day‑to‑day automation support to operational teams, ensuring systems remain compliant, reliable, and aligned with regulatory expectations.
• Cross‑Functional Collaboration — Serve as the automation point of contact for Fill Finish, Packaging, Projects, Maintenance, and Facilities.
• Continuous Improvement — Identify, evaluate, and implement opportunities to enhance PLC and SCADA systems, applications, and automation workflows.
• Technical Guidance — Provide expert support and direction to Process, Maintenance, and Facilities Engineers on automation‑related issues.
• Compliance & System Integrity — Ensure automation systems are maintained in a compliant state, including adherence to GAMP lifecycle validation requirements.

Skills

PLC systems

SCADA systems

Vision systems

Packaging serialisation

Packaging operations

GAMP validation

Change control

Tools

Siemens PLC

Elau PLC

Job description

CareerWise Recruitment is seeking an Automation Engineer for an 18-month contract with a Waterford pharmaceutical client. This fully onsite role provides technical guidance to Process, Maintenance and Facilities Engineering teams and acts as the primary automation contact for manufacturing areas including Fill Finish and Packaging.

You will support day-to-day automation operations, drive continuous improvement of PLC/SCADA systems, and ensure compliance with GAMP lifecycle validation and change