Senior MES Sustaining Engineer

AstraZeneca plc; Dublin; Hybrid; EUR 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

AstraZeneca plc in Ireland seeks a Senior MES Sustaining Engineer to own and support Manufacturing Execution System operations, ensuring compliant, reliable MES performance for commercial manufacturing. You will drive continuous improvements and lead cross-functional collaboration with QA, Validation, Automation and IT teams.

The role emphasizes cGMP compliance, data integrity, cybersecurity, and lifecycle management for MES platforms such as Syncade or PAS-X.

Qualifications

• Supports MES operations in a cGMP environment.
• Experience with Syncade, PAS-X or equivalent MES platforms.
• Familiarity with regulated GxP environments.
• Proven track record in manufacturing support and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Provide MES operations ownership and support for manufacturing systems.
• Lead investigation and resolution of MES incidents and deviations.
• Ensure system availability, reliability and performance for operations.
• Support change controls, risk assessments and validation activities.
• Collaborate with QA, Validation, Automation and IT stakeholders.
• Mentor junior engineers and share MES best practices.

Skills

MES architecture

Automation systems

ISA-88 concepts

Change management

Cybersecurity

GxP compliance

Data-driven problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering, Computer Science, Automation, Biotechnology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or related discipline

Tools

Syncade

PAS-X

DCS/PLC/SCADA integrations

Job description

Position Summary

The Senior MES Sustaining Engineer is responsible for the lifecycle management, support, continuous improvement and compliance of Manufacturing Execution System (MES) solutions supporting commercial manufacturing operations. The role ensures reliable MES performance, supports manufacturing operations, drives process improvements, and delivers compliant digital solutions in a cGMP-regulated environment.

Key Responsibilities

MES Operations & Support

• Provide technical ownership and support for Syncade MES and associated manufacturing systems.
• Lead investigation and resolution of MES incidents, deviations and production support issues.
• Ensure system availability, reliability, and performance to support manufacturing operations.
• Support Front Line Support (FLS) teams and provide SME guidance when escalation is required.
• Participate in on-call and operational support activities as needed.

Continuous Improvement

• Identify, evaluate and implement MES process improvements that increase efficiency, compliance, and user experience.
• Drive digitalization initiatives and automation opportunities within manufacturing operations.
• Utilize data-driven decision-making and structured problem-solving techniques to improve business outcomes.
• Support lean manufacturing initiatives and continuous improvement programs.

Project & Change Management

• Support implementation of MES enhancements, new product introductions (NPI), and site automation projects.
• Manage and execute MES change controls, risk assessments, impact assessments, testing, and deployment activities.
• Partner with project teams to ensure solutions align with business requirements and site standards.

Compliance & Quality

• Ensure compliance with cGMP, GxP, data integrity, cybersecurity, and internal quality requirements.
• Support audits, inspections, and periodic reviews.
• Develop and maintain system documentation, SOPs, work instructions, and technical specifications.
• Assist with validation of deliverables including IQ/OQ/PQ and computerized system validation documentation.

Collaboration & Stakeholder Management

• Collaborate effectively with Manufacturing, QA, Validation, Automation, Supply Chain, and IT stakeholders.
• Communicate technical solutions clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Influence and drive alignment across cross-functional teams.
• Engage with external vendors and service providers when required.

Mentoring & Leadership

• Provide technical coaching and mentorship to junior engineers and support teams.
• Share knowledge and best practices across the MES organization.
• Support development of standards and sustainable support models.

Required Qualificationsns

Education

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, Computer Science, Automation, Biotechnology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or related discipline.

Experience

• Significant experience supporting Manufacturing Execution Systems within a pharmaceutical or biotechnology environment.
• Experience with Syncade, PAS-X or equivalent MES platforms.
• Experience working in regulated GxP environments.
• Proven experience with manufacturing support, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Technical Skills

• Strong knowledge of MES architecture and manufacturing processes.
• Understanding automation systems including DCS, PLC, SCADA, and system integrations.
• Knowledge of ISA-88 batch concepts and manufacturing workflows.
• Experience with change management, validation, and quality systems.
• Understanding cybersecurity and computerized system lifecycle management.

Core Competencies

Business Skills

• Critical and Strategic Thinking
• Results & Execution Focus
• Digital Fluency & Stewardship
• Communication, Collaboration & Influence

People Skills

• Adaptability & Change Orientation
• Leading Self and Mentoring Others

Technical Skills

• Lean Mindset
• GxP, Safety & Regulatory Compliance
• Automation Technical Knowledge
• Supplier Interface Management

Success Measures

• The successful candidate will:
• Ensure stable and compliant MES operations.
• Deliver measurable improvements to manufacturing processes and digital systems.
• Effectively support manufacturing operations through rapid issue resolution.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Demonstrate strong cross-functional collaboration and technical leadership.

Date Posted

07-Oct-2026

Closing Date

20-Oct-2026

Our mission is to build an inclusive and equitable environment. We want people to feel they belong at AstraZeneca and Alexion, starting with our recruitment process. We welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of characteristics. We offer reasonable adjustments/accommodations to help all candidates to perform at their best. If you have a need for any adjustments/accommodations, please complete the section in the application form.