Senior Automation Engineer – Pharma Packaging & OT

Horizon Controls Group; Haarlem; On-site; EUR 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Horizon Controls Group is seeking a Senior Automation Engineer for our Haarlem facility to lead automation design, maintenance, and optimisation across production and packaging lines. You will work hands-on with PLC, HMI, SCADA systems and ensure regulatory compliance.

Ideal candidates have extensive experience in regulated manufacturing, particularly packaging automation, and a track record of delivering lifecycle improvements. Strong collaboration with cross-functional teams is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Automation, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field.
• 7+ years of experience in industrial automation.
• Experience in regulated manufacturing environments (pharma/biotech/food).
• Strong experience supporting automated packaging operations.
• Excellent troubleshooting across electrical, control, and automation systems.
• Experience managing automation projects from concept through commissioning.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership for automation systems in manufacturing and packaging operations.
• Maintain, troubleshoot, and optimise PLC, HMI, SCADA, and control systems for reliability and performance.
• Lead automation projects including upgrades, integration, commissioning, and lifecycle improvements.
• Support installation, FAT, SAT, IQ/OQ, and validation activities for new/modified equipment.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Maintenance, Production, Quality, Validation, and IT/OT teams to deliver solutions.
• Develop and maintain automation standards, documentation, and change control records.
• Ensure GMP, GAMP5, data integrity, and engineering standards compliance.
• Analyse equipment performance and implement improvements to increase OEE and reduce downtime.
• Support OT cybersecurity initiatives for automation systems.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance to maintenance teams.

Skills

Automation engineering

Troubleshooting

Project management

Mentoring juniors

Education

Bachelor's degree in Automation/Electrical/Mechatronics

Tools

Beckhoff

Omron

FactoryTalk View

Ignition

Profinet

Ethernet/IP

Modbus TCP

OPC UA

Profibus

Job description

Horizon Controls Group is seeking a Senior Automation Engineer for our Haarlem facility to lead automation design, maintenance, and optimisation across production and packaging lines. You will work hands-on with PLC, HMI, SCADA systems and ensure regulatory compliance.

Ideal candidates have extensive experience in regulated manufacturing, particularly packaging automation, and a track record of delivering lifecycle improvements. Strong collaboration with cross-functional teams is essential.