Project Automation Engineer

Morgan McKinley; Munster; On-site; EUR 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Morgan McKinley is seeking a Senior Project Automation Engineer for a 12-month onsite assignment in Co. Kerry, Ireland, supporting a greenfield biopharma expansion.

You will lead OT and system integration for aseptic filling, compounding, and clean utility systems, delivering through OQ, PQ and startup. This role requires experience with GxP environments, PLC/SCADA/DCS architectures, and CSV/validation protocols.

Qualifications

• GxP experience in regulated pharma/biopharma.
• Strong PLC/SCADA/DCS knowledge and ISA standards.
• Experience with CSV and lifecycle validation protocols.

Responsibilities

• Lead OT and automation lifecycle activities for new project phases.
• Coordinate design houses, vendors, and system integrators across multi-function teams.
• Review and approve URS, FDS, IQ/OQ, FAT/SAT, and commissioning protocols.

Skills

GxP experience

PLC/SCADA/DCS

CSV/Validation

Vendor coordination

Job description

Location: Co. Kerry, Ireland (Onsite)

Type: 12-Month Contract

Project: Major Greenfield Biopharma Expansion

Role Overview

A leading global biopharmaceutical manufacturer is expanding its greenfield facility in Co. Kerry. The site is executing an accelerated, multi-year capital expansion focusing on Line 2 installation, compounding suites, and clean utilities.

We are seeking a senior Project Automation Engineer to lead OT and system integration deliverables through Operational Qualification (OQ), Performance Qualification (PQ) and commercial startup.

Key Day-to-Day Responsibilities

• OT & Automation Project Leadership: Lead lifecycle automation activities across new project phases for aseptic filling, compounding, and clean utility systems.
• Vendor & Integrator Coordination: Manage design houses, equipment vendors, system integrators, and cross-functional stakeholders (Process, Facilities, Automation, and IT) from technical design through implementation.
• Documentation & Compliance: Review and approve complete GxP automation lifecycle deliverables, including URS, FDS, SDS, FAT, SAT, IQ, OQ, and commissioning protocols.
• Systems Integration: Support configuration and cross-system integration across PLCs, SCADA, DCS, clean utilities, MES, data historians, and industrial OT enterprise networks.
• Commissioning & Troubleshooting: Provide direct technical oversight during FAT/SAT, startup, and operational readiness; resolve technical automation, network, and system integration issues.

Core Candidate Requirements

• GxP Track Record: Demonstrated experience delivering automation project scope within a regulated pharmaceutical or biopharmaceutical manufacturing facility.
• Technical Architecture: Strong foundation in PLC, SCADA, DCS, industrial networks, and ISA-88 / ISA-95 standards.
• Validation & CQV: Direct experience with Computer System Validation (CSV) and full lifecycle commissioning, qualification, and validation protocols.
• Asset Exposure: Experience with aseptic fill-finish lines, compounding systems, or clean utilities is highly advantageous.

Project Opportunity

Rare Greenfield Opportunity

Greenfield biopharma builds are increasingly rare in Ireland this site offers the unique chance to shape a brand-new facility from the ground up rather than maintaining or upgrading legacy infrastructure.

Long-Term Project Security

Significant capital investment backing a multi-year horizon, giving you career and assignment stability with active project milestones extending through 2030+.

High Technical & Commercial Ownership

A great mix of technical problem-solving on site, managing equipment suppliers, and making key engineering decisions.