Project Automation Engineer

R&D Partners; Ireland; On-site; EUR 75,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

R&D Partners is seeking an experienced Project Automation Engineer to join a leading pharmaceutical company in ROI. The role focuses on delivering automation engineering activities for capital projects, equipment installations, and manufacturing upgrades, with strong collaboration across teams to ensure successful execution.

The ideal candidate will have 3–8 years of automation experience in regulated pharma settings, hands-on PLC/HMI/SCADA expertise (Rockwell/Siemens), and a solid grasp of GMP,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Automation, Electrical, Electronic, or Instrumentation Engineering (or equivalent technical qualifications with relevant experience).
• Minimum 3 years of automation engineering experience, ideally 5-8 years in pharmaceutical or regulated manufacturing environments.
• Working knowledge of GMP, GAMP 5, GEP, change control, and pharmaceutical validation requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead automation engineering workstreams for capital projects from concept and design through procurement, installation, commissioning, qualification, and handover.
• Develop and review URS, FDS, and other technical documentation.
• Coordinate with OEMs, system integrators, contractors, and internal teams to ensure project requirements are met.
• Track deliverables, schedules, risks, and actions, resolving issues proactively to ensure smooth project execution.

Skills

Project ownership

Communication

Problem solving

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Automation/Electrical/Electronic/Instrumentation Engineering

Tools

Rockwell Studio 5000

FactoryTalk View SE

Siemens TIA Portal PCS 7

Job description

Take ownership of high-impact automation projects and help shape the future of pharmaceutical manufacturing through cutting-edge control systems and process automation.

R&D Partners is seeking an experienced Project Automation Engineer to join a leading pharmaceutical company in ROI. This role focuses on delivering automation engineering activities for capital projects, equipment installations, and manufacturing upgrades. The ideal candidate will have strong technical expertise, project ownership skills, and the ability to collaborate across teams to ensure successful project execution.

Please note that to be considered for this role you must have the right to work in this location.

Responsibilities:

Capital Project Delivery & Implementation:

• Lead automation engineering workstreams for capital projects from concept and design through procurement, installation, commissioning, qualification, and handover.
• Develop and review User Requirement Specifications (URS), Functional Design Specifications (FDS), and other technical documentation.
• Coordinate with OEMs, system integrators, contractors, and internal teams to ensure project requirements are met.
• Track deliverables, schedules, risks, and actions, resolving issues proactively to ensure smooth project execution.

Automation & Control Systems Engineering:

• Design, develop, configure, and implement PLC, HMI, SCADA, and process control systems, with experience in Rockwell and/or Siemens platforms.
• Support integration of new manufacturing equipment, process vessels, filling lines, and automated production systems.
• Review control architecture, instrumentation, interlocks, alarms, and safety systems to identify opportunities for automation and operational efficiency improvements.

OEM Management, Commissioning & Qualification:

• Act as the site technical interface for OEMs and automation suppliers, reviewing designs, control specifications, and software configurations.
• Lead or participate in Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and Site Acceptance Testing (SAT).
• Coordinate automation activities during installation, commissioning, and start-up phases.
• Collaborate with Validation teams to support IQ, OQ, and PQ, resolving technical issues before handover.

GMP Compliance & Documentation:

• Ensure all engineering activities comply with cGMP, GAMP 5, Good Engineering Practice (GEP), and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Support change controls, risk assessments, validation documentation, and technical investigations.
• Maintain software configuration control, system backups, and technical records in collaboration with QA and Validation teams.

Manufacturing Support & Continuous Improvement:

• Provide specialist technical support for existing automation systems and troubleshoot PLC, HMI, SCADA, and equipment control faults.
• Support equipment reliability upgrades, preventative maintenance, and automation/process optimization initiatives.

Key Skills and Requirements:

• Education: Bachelor's Degree in Automation, Electrical, Electronic, or Instrumentation Engineering (or equivalent technical qualifications with relevant experience).
• Experience: Minimum 3 years of automation engineering experience, ideally 5-8 years in pharmaceutical or regulated manufacturing environments.

Technical Expertise:

• Practical PLC experience with Rockwell Studio 5000, FactoryTalk View SE, and/or Siemens TIA Portal PCS 7.
• Strong understanding of HMI, SCADA, and industrial control systems.
• Experience coordinating OEMs, system integrators, and engineering suppliers, including involvement in FAT, SAT, commissioning, and qualification.
• Compliance Knowledge: Working knowledge of GMP, GAMP 5, GEP, change control, and pharmaceutical validation requirements.

Desirable Experience:

• Familiarity with DCS, Safety Instrumented Systems, batch processing, and process equipment.
• Knowledge of filling equipment, automated production lines, industrial networks, and IT-OT integration.
• Understanding of computerized system validation, data integrity, and electronic records.
• Experience delivering automation workstreams within medium to large capital investment projects.

Key Competencies:

• Strong project ownership and delivery focus with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Excellent technical problem-solving, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Confidence in coordinating OEMs, suppliers, contractors, and cross-functional teams.
• Proactive approach to resolving technical issues and driving continuous improvement.
• Commitment to GMP compliance, health and safety, and engineering standards.

Salary:

• €75 000.00 - €80 000.00/Annum