PLC Automation Engineer

Horizon Controls Group; Dundalk; On-site; EUR 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Horizon Controls Group is seeking a skilled PLC Automation Engineer to support the design and management of automated systems in a GMP-regulated pharmaceutical environment.

The role includes hands-on PLC programming, system integration, and troubleshooting. The ideal candidate will have a degree in Automation Engineering and experience in pharmaceutical manufacturing.

This position offers an opportunity to contribute to continuous improvement initiatives and ensure compliance with regulatory standards.

Qualifications

• Degree in Automation Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Instrumentation, or related discipline.
• Proven experience as a PLC Automation Engineer in a pharmaceutical or regulated manufacturing environment.
• Strong hands-on experience with PLC programming, ideally Allen‑Bradley / Rockwell.

Responsibilities

• Design, modify, and maintain PLC control systems supporting pharmaceutical manufacturing.
• Support automation commissioning activities, ensuring systems meet functional and GMP requirements.
• Provide ongoing troubleshooting and support to minimize downtime.

Skills

PLC programming

SCADA/HMI systems

Troubleshooting

GMP compliance

Automation best practices

Education

Degree in Automation Engineering or related discipline

Tools

Allen‑Bradley / Rockwell systems

DeltaV

PCS7

Job description

Industry: Pharmaceutical / Life Sciences

Role Overview

The PLC Automation Engineer will support the design, development, commissioning, and lifecycle management of automated systems within a GMP‑regulated pharmaceutical manufacturing environment. The role involves hands‑on PLC programming, system integration, troubleshooting, and collaboration with cross‑functional teams to ensure safe, compliant, and reliable operation of production and utility systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, modify, and maintain PLC control systems supporting pharmaceutical manufacturing, packaging, utilities, and process equipment.
• Program and troubleshoot PLCs (e.g. Rockwell Allen‑Bradley, Siemens, Schneider), including development of ladder logic, function block diagrams, and structured text as applicable.
• Support automation commissioning activities, including FAT, SAT, and on‑site start‑up, ensuring systems meet functional and GMP requirements.
• Interface PLC systems with SCADA/HMI platforms (e.g. FactoryTalk, WinCC, iFIX), ensuring clear operator interfaces and alarm management.
• Interpret and work from P&IDs, control philosophies, functional specifications, and electrical drawings.
• Provide automation support for manufacturing equipment, process skids, packaging lines, utilities (HVAC, WFI, clean steam), and ancillary systems.
• Participate in change control, deviation investigations, and root cause analysis related to automation systems.
• Support Computer System Validation (CSV) activities, including IQ/OQ testing, protocol execution, traceability, and documentation reviews in line with GAMP 5.
• Ensure automation systems comply with GMP, data integrity (ALCOA+), and site quality standards.
• Collaborate with Engineering, QA, Manufacturing, Maintenance, IT, and external vendors to deliver projects and resolve technical issues.
• Provide ongoing troubleshooting and operational support to minimise downtime and improve system reliability.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives, standardisation, and automation best practices across the site.

Required Skills & Experience

• Degree in Automation Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Instrumentation, or related discipline.
• Proven experience as a PLC Automation Engineer in a pharmaceutical, biotech, or regulated manufacturing environment.
• Strong hands‑on experience with PLC programming, ideally Allen‑Bradley / Rockwell systems.
• Experience with SCADA/HMI systems and industrial networks (Ethernet/IP, Profinet, Modbus).
• Solid understanding of GMP environments, regulated change management, and validation principles.
• Ability to read and interpret P&IDs, control narratives, and electrical schematics.
• Experience supporting FAT, SAT, commissioning, and start‑up activities.
• Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work effectively with cross‑functional teams.
• Experience with DeltaV, PCS7, or DCS systems.
• Exposure to CSV documentation (URS, FS, IQ, OQ, traceability matrices).
• Knowledge of process equipment automation (bioreactors, CIP/SIP, fillers, packaging).
• Experience working on Irish or EU pharma sites.
• Familiarity with alarm management standards (ISA‑18.2 / EEMUA 191).