Senior Automation Engineer

SIRE® Life Sciences ?; Breda; On-site; EUR 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

SIRE Life Sciences in Breda, Netherlands, seeks a Senior Automation Engineer to support automation across device assembly, inspection, labeling and packaging, ensuring reliable and compliant systems.

The role covers implementation, commissioning, and lifecycle management of automated equipment, collaboration with cross-functional teams, and providing advanced technical support for production. Fluency in English and willingness to work outside standard hours are required.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of automation engineering experience in automated manufacturing.
• Strong knowledge of PLC-controlled systems, HMIs, SCADA, and Industrial PCs.
• Experience with labeling and packaging equipment.
• Experience with equipment installation, commissioning, and FAT/qualification.
• GMP experience is a strong advantage.
• Ability to work independently and with international teams.
• Excellent analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Fluent in English; willingness to work outside standard hours.

Responsibilities

• Lead automation activities for new equipment, upgrades and projects.
• Develop and review URS, FDS, HDS, and Software Design Specifications.
• Support installation, testing, commissioning, FAT and qualification activities.
• Troubleshoot complex automation issues for manufacturing teams.
• Work with PLCs, HMIs, SCADA, Industrial PCs and vision systems.
• Implement automation standards, security, monitoring tools and backups.
• Maintain equipment parameter lists, audit trails, and work instructions.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams, vendors and stakeholders.
• Provide automation training and operational support to maintenance and production.

Skills

PLC systems

HMI

SCADA

Industrial PCs

Labelling & packaging

GMP familiarity

Cross-functional collaboration

English communication

Job description

An international biopharmaceutical organization with a modern manufacturing site in Breda, investing in advanced automation technologies and the expansion of its production capabilities.

Role Description

As a Senior Automation Engineer, you will support the implementation, commissioning, and lifecycle management of automated manufacturing equipment across device assembly, inspection, labelling, and packaging. You will provide advanced technical support for automation-related production issues and contribute to new equipment projects, ensuring reliable, secure, and efficient systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead automation activities for new equipment, upgrades, and manufacturing projects.
• Develop and review technical documentation, including URS, FDS, HDS, and Software Design Specifications (SDS).
• Support equipment installation, testing, commissioning, FAT, and qualification activities.
• Troubleshoot complex automation issues and provide advanced technical support to manufacturing and maintenance teams.
• Work with PLCs, HMIs, SCADA, Industrial PCs, and vision systems such as Cognex.
• Implement automation standards, security requirements, monitoring tools, and backup/restore procedures.
• Maintain equipment parameter lists, audit trail review procedures, and work instructions.
• Support data integrity assessments and connections to the PI data historian.
• Coordinate with cross-functional engineering teams, vendors, and project stakeholders.
• Provide automation training and operational support to maintenance, engineering, and production teams.

Requirements

• 4+ years of Automation Engineering experience supporting automated manufacturing equipment.
• Strong practical knowledge of PLC-controlled systems and experience with HMI, SCADA, and Industrial PCs.
• Experience with manufacturing equipment and production lines; labelling and packaging experience is particularly relevant.
• Experience with equipment installation, commissioning, troubleshooting, and technical project execution.
• Familiarity with regulated environments, such as GMP, is a strong advantage.
• Ability to work independently and collaborate with multidisciplinary, international teams.
• Strong analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Fluent in English and flexible to occasionally work outside standard office hours.