Senior COHE / LOTO Engineer

Cagents; Limerick; On-site; EUR 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Cagents is seeking a Senior COHE / LOTO Engineer based in Limerick for a large-scale biopharma commissioning project. The successful candidate will manage Control of Hazardous Energy and Lockout/Tagout systems during commissioning and start-up activities.

This role demands strong technical skills and extensive experience in regulated biopharma facilities, including the safe energisation of bioprocessing systems. Ideal candidates should possess over 10 years in commissioning and a degree in a relevant field.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in Commissioning & Qualification / CQV / Validation.
• Strong working knowledge of GMP requirements, FDA, and EMA regulations.
• Excellent documentation, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop comprehensive COHE plans for all in-scope equipment.
• Identify, assess, and document hazardous energy sources.
• Conduct field verification of all LOTO procedures.

Skills

Control of Hazardous Energy (COHE)

Lockout/Tagout (LOTO)

GMP requirements

FDA and EMA regulations

Bioreactors knowledge

Filtration systems

Education

Degree in Engineering, Biotechnology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or related discipline

Job description

Job Description: Senior COHE / LOTO Engineer

Job Title

Senior COHE / LOTO Engineer

Location

Limerick

Contract Type

Staff or Contract

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced COHE / LOTO Coordinator to support a large-scale biopharma commissioning project. This role will be responsible for the development, implementation, and management of Control of Hazardous Energy (COHE) and Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) systems across a complex, multi-system facility during commissioning and start-up activities.

The project involves the safe energisation and commissioning of upstream and downstream bioprocessing systems, including bioreactors, CIP/SIP systems, chromatography, filtration, and associated utilities. This includes ensuring all hazardous energy sources are accurately identified, controlled, and managed throughout construction, commissioning, and qualification phases to support safe and compliant system start-up.

This is a highly safety-critical, site-based role requiring strong technical expertise, excellent coordination skills, and the ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, multi-contractor commissioning environment. It is ideally suited to experienced professionals with a proven track record in implementing COHE/LOTO programmes within regulated biopharma or pharmaceutical facilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop comprehensive COHE plans for all in-scope equipment prior to and during commissioning activities.
• Identify, assess, and document hazardous energy sources including electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, chemical, and thermal systems.
• Conduct field verification of all LOTO procedures to ensure accuracy, compliance, and site applicability.
• Maintain and manage all LOTO devices, tags, hatches, and lockout kits across the facility.
• Support commissioning and start-up teams to ensure strict adherence to hazardous energy control procedures at all times.
• Coordinate COHE/LOTO requirements with the main contractor, Emerson Automation, vendor teams, and Utilities.
• Serve as the site SME for hazardous energy control, providing technical guidance and oversight to all personnel.
• Maintain up-to-date COHE documentation aligned with site EHS requirements and the Permit to Work system.
• Support risk assessments and updates to COHE documentation in line with evolving system configurations during commissioning.
• Ensure all activities are executed in compliance with applicable safety legislation and site-specific procedures.

Qualifications

• Degree in Engineering, Biotechnology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or related discipline
• 10+ years’ experience in Commissioning & Qualification / CQV / Validation
• Strong working knowledge of GMP requirements, FDA and EMA regulations
• Strong hands‑on upstream and downstream bioprocess knowledge
• Extensive experience working with Bioreactors, Filtration and concentration systems
• Excellent documentation, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills

Other Requirements

• This is a site-based role. Must be able to commit to a minimum 40-hour work week, with flexibility based on project needs.
• Willingness to travel within Ireland and internationally, if required.
• Eligible to work full-time in Ireland.