Engineer (Automation)

Orion Group; Breda; On-site; EUR 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Orion Group Life Sciences seeks an Engineer (Automation) for a multinational client in Breda. The role is onsite with an initial 12-month contract and a high likelihood of extension, operating in a 3-shift pattern before March 2027.

You will support automation maintenance, troubleshoot PLC/SCADA/HMI, and drive project implementations within GMP-compliant facilities. Candidates should hold an Automation/Electrical/Mechatronics degree with 3+ years in GMP environments and certifications

Qualifications

• MBO+ or degree in Automation, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field.
• 3+ years in GMP-regulated manufacturing/packaging with focus on automation.
• Certification in automation platforms (Siemens, Rockwell).
• Maintenance reliability or GMP compliance certifications (CMRT, ISA).
• Experience training/mentoring technicians and delivering training materials.

Responsibilities

• Perform advanced maintenance/operations on mechanical, electrical and automation systems in GMP-compliant facilities.
• Maintain daily work order documentation with accurate information.
• Develop and review technical documents related to work areas and automation.
• Provide training and coaching to Sr Maintenance Technicians on automation topics.

Skills

Automation systems

Troubleshooting

Shift work

Mentoring

Documentation

Education

Automation/Electrical/Mechatronics degree

Tools

Siemens PLC

Rockwell PLC

SCADA

HMI

Job description

Orion Group Life Sciences are looking for an Engineer (Automation) for our Multinational Pharmaceutical/Biotechnology client based in Breda. Initial 12-month contract, with high possibility of extension. This is a fully onsite position.

This role will initially operate in a 3-shift pattern until February 2027, after which it will transition to a 5-shift pattern. As an Automation Specialist, you will support project implementation and operations within the shift structure. The 5-shift roster follows a rotation of early shift, early shift, late shift, late shift, night shift, night shift, followed by 4 consecutive days off. Candidates must be willing and able to work in this shift pattern from 1st March 2027 onwards.

Main Responsibilities of the role

• Perform advanced maintenance / operations, mechanical, electrical and level 1-3 computerized systems in support of facilities of our client while assuring minimal impact to all facility and plant while in compliance with GMP (where required), regulations and policies of our client, SOP’s, and government codes and standards (NEN).
• Ensure that daily work order documentation is complete with accurate information.
• Maintain any other records as assigned and in compliance with all GMP documentation requirements (where applicable).
• Participate in any training programs that may be required e.g., technical, corporate.
• Maintain high level of collaboration with peers and stakeholders and high level of customer satisfaction (MFG).
• Develop, revise and review technical documents for work-related areas.
• Perform advanced troubleshooting in support of production facilities of our client and related equipment and systems, with focus on automation systems (ISA model L1-3).
• Interpret/revise detailed drawings.
• Act as functional lead for automation within the work team, train and coach Sr Maintenance Technicians on automation related topics. Create training documents, provide training and on the job coaching.
• Perform routine automation maintenance according to schedule and work instructions (e.g. create back-ups/restore, equipment access, audit trail reviews), supporting patching activities of DTI group and continuously improve automation related PM (frequency, job plans, Wis).
• Establish remote connections for vendors according to standards of our client for investigations, troubleshooting and projects. Log tickets with vendor hotlines to request support and communicate with hotline support/SMEs.
• Be first point of escalation for automation related problems, perform troubleshooting by applying advanced problem-solving methods and expertise and act as linking pin to Automation (Sr) Engineers and DTI teams.
• Support project implementation as Automation specialist in shifts.
• Monitor and optimize the performance of automation systems in packaging environment of ABR to ensure maximum efficiency and minimal downtime.

Required Qualifications

• MBO+ or degree in Automation, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related technical field; OR equivalent hands-on experience in a similar maintenance / automation role.
• 3+ years of experience in a GMP-regulated manufacturing or packaging environment, with a focus on automation systems.
• Certification in automation platforms (e.g., Siemens, Rockwell).
• Maintenance reliability or GMP compliance certifications (e.g., CMRT, ISA).
• Experience training and mentoring technicians, including creating and delivering technical training materials.
• Experience supporting automation initiatives or acting as automation lead within a team.
• Proven track record of contributing to continuous improvement projects related to automation maintenance or system optimization.
• Proven experience maintaining and troubleshooting automation systems (e.g., PLCs, SCADA, HMI).
• Working knowledge of GMP standards and maintenance of computerized systems in compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with peers, stakeholders, and support functions.
• Proficiency in English (written and verbal) to ensure accurate documentation and clear communication.
• Willingness and ability to work in shift-based operations, including occasional off-hours support.
• Ability to serve as the first point of escalation for automation-related issues.

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People are our business worldwide

Orion Group was founded in 1987 and is now one of the largest, independent, international recruitment companies. We have a network of 200 employees working from 24 offices, delivering a range of services – Talent Acquisition, Recruitment Outsourcing Services, Retained Search, Global Workforce Solutions, Completions & Commissioning and Materials Management – across 68 countries. As a global leader in workforce solutions, we recruit personnel across the Engineering & Technical, Office & Commercial, Scientific and Skilled Trades disciplines, for sectors including Oil & Gas, Life Science, Power & Utilities, Constructions & Infrastructure, Manufacturing and Renewables.