Senior ABB Automation Engineer (MOD300 / 800xA)

Horizon Controls Group; Clonmel; On-site; EUR 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Horizon Controls Group is seeking an experienced Senior ABB Automation Engineer to support automation systems in a highly regulated pharmaceutical environment in Clonmel, Ireland. The successful candidate will provide technical leadership and hands-on expertise in ABB DCS platforms. Responsibilities include leading automation activities, performing system configurations, and collaborating with cross-functional teams. A degree in Automation or related field and significant experience in pharmaceutical manufacturing are required. Ideal candidates will excel in troubleshooting and have strong communication skills.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in pharmaceutical, biotech, or regulated manufacturing environments.
• Proven experience supporting DCS systems within API or pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities.
• Strong commissioning and qualification experience, including FAT, SAT, IQ, and OQ support.

Responsibilities

• Provide senior-level technical support for ABB automation systems.
• Lead and support automation activities for capital projects and system upgrades.
• Perform system configuration, logic development, troubleshooting, and testing.

Skills

Hands-on expertise with ABB MOD300 systems

Hands-on expertise with ABB 800xA systems

Troubleshooting capabilities within manufacturing environments

Strong communication skills

Project leadership

Collaboration with cross-functional teams

Education

Degree in Automation, Electrical, Electronic, Chemical, or Process Engineering

Job description

Horizon Controls Group is seeking an experienced Senior ABB Automation Engineer to support automation systems across a highly regulated pharmaceutical manufacturing environment. The successful candidate will provide technical leadership and hands‑on expertise in ABB DCS platforms, with a strong focus on ABB MOD300 and ABB 800xA systems, supporting ongoing operations, upgrades, commissioning activities, troubleshooting, and capital projects.

This role will play a key part in ensuring reliable, compliant, and efficient operation of process automation systems supporting API and pharmaceutical manufacturing processes. The position requires close collaboration with Engineering, Operations, CQV, Maintenance, Quality, and external vendors to deliver automation solutions aligned with site and global standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide senior‑level technical support for ABB automation systems, including MOD300 and 800xA DCS platforms, across manufacturing and utility systems.
• Lead and support automation activities for capital projects, system upgrades, migrations, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Perform system configuration, logic development, troubleshooting, testing, and modification of ABB control systems.
• Support commissioning, start‑up, FAT/SAT, IQ/OQ activities, and operational handover of automation systems.
• Collaborate with process engineers, operations, maintenance, and CQV teams to ensure automation systems meet operational and compliance requirements.
• Investigate and resolve automation‑related deviations, incidents, and system performance issues in a timely manner.
• Support lifecycle management activities for ABB systems, including hardware/software upgrades and obsolescence planning.
• Develop and maintain automation documentation including functional specifications, design documents, test protocols, SOPs, and change controls.
• Ensure all activities are performed in compliance with GMP, data integrity, and MSD quality standards.
• Participate in risk assessments, root cause investigations, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Provide mentorship and technical guidance to junior automation engineers and project teams.
• Coordinate with vendors and contractors during project execution and system support activities.

Requirements

Required Experience & Qualifications

• Degree in Automation, Electrical, Electronic, Chemical, or Process Engineering (or related discipline).
• Significant experience in pharmaceutical, biotech, or regulated manufacturing environments.
• Strong hands‑on expertise with ABB MOD300 and ABB 800xA systems is essential.
• Proven experience supporting DCS systems within API or pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities.
• Strong commissioning and qualification experience, including FAT, SAT, IQ, and OQ support.
• Experience working on brownfield and greenfield automation projects.
• Good understanding of GMP, GAMP5, ISA-88, ISA-95, and data integrity requirements.
• Experience with process control, batch systems, field instrumentation, and industrial networking.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem‑solving capabilities within live manufacturing environments.
• Experience with change control, deviation management, and compliance documentation.

Preferred Skills

• Experience within API manufacturing or bulk chemical processing environments.
• Exposure to MES, historian systems, or integration with SAP/LIMS systems.
• Knowledge of cybersecurity and automation lifecycle management.
• Previous experience working on large‑scale pharmaceutical capital projects.
• Familiarity with commissioning and CQV methodologies.
• Strong technical leadership and decision‑making.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Ability to work effectively in cross‑functional teams.
• High attention to detail and compliance focus.
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
• Collaborative and innovation‑driven environment.
• Involvement in high‑impact projects supporting life‑saving medicines.
• Strong focus on employee development, safety, and operational excellence.