Senior IT/OT Automation Engineer — Pharma Factory Lead

Simotechnology; Athlone; On-site; EUR 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

SimoTech seeks multiple experienced Senior Automation Engineers (IT/OT) to support a major greenfield expansion at a pharmaceutical OS D site in Ireland. You will own key automation and digital technology areas across PLC/SCADA, eSCADA (Ignition), ThinManager, AVEVA PI, and related systems.

As part of a multidisciplinary team, you will design, implement, integrate, Commission, and ensure operational readiness while aligning with GMP, cybersecurity, and project objectives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Automation, Control Systems, Computer Science, IT, Engineering, or related discipline.
• Minimum 5–8 years of relevant IT/OT automation project delivery.
• Proven track record of delivering end-to-end IT/OT projects in regulated manufacturing environments.
• Expertise in PLC and SCADA systems (Siemens or Schneider), plus experience with ThinManager, Ignition, and Aveva PI.
• Strong understanding of project delivery methodologies, governance, and risk controls, with practical application in pharma or similar environments.
• In-depth knowledge of GMP practices, GAMP principles, and computer system lifecycle management.
• Exceptional stakeholder engagement skills with the ability to communicate to senior leadership and influence decision-making.
• Excellent leadership, problem-solving, and documentation skills.
• Knowledge of ActiveDirectory, ITIL frameworks (including ServiceNow), and enterprise integration principles is desirable.
• Knowledge of cybersecurity controls, OT networking, and cloud/edge integration technologies is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Take ownership of major IT/OT work packages from project initiation through handover, managing scope, schedule, budget, risks, and resource planning.
• Lead technical and delivery alignment across multiple stakeholders, including engineering, IT infrastructure, cybersecurity, QA, vendors, and system integrators.
• Define and review technical requirements and oversee solution design for OT systems such as PLC/SCADA/DCS, historians, MES, OT networks, and integration with IT systems and cloud platforms.
• Embed GMP, cybersecurity, and quality standards throughout delivery with compliance to GAMP and change control processes.
• Manage vendor performance including drafting/approving statements of work, setting acceptance criteria, and overseeing milestone delivery.
• Direct testing and commissioning activities, such as FAT/SAT, UAT, documentation review, and structured operational handover.
• Prepare governance reporting and support steering committees, risk reviews, and cadence meetings for project alignment.
• Mentor and guide junior and intermediate automation engineers to ensure consistent standards of delivery and knowledge transfer.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Problem-solving

Documentation

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Automation or related field

Tools

Siemens PLC/SCADA

Ignition (eSCADA)

ThinManager

AVEVA PI

Job description

SimoTech seeks multiple experienced Senior Automation Engineers (IT/OT) to support a major greenfield expansion at a pharmaceutical OS D site in Ireland. You will own key automation and digital technology areas across PLC/SCADA, eSCADA (Ignition), ThinManager, AVEVA PI, and related systems.

As part of a multidisciplinary team, you will design, implement, integrate, Commission, and ensure operational readiness while aligning with GMP, cybersecurity, and project objectives.