The Role: Our client, a leading pharmaceutical manufacturer, is seeking an experienced Automation Engineer to join their Engineering & Operations team. This role offers an exciting opportunity to support new product introductions (NPI) and manufacturing operations on a contract basis. The successful candidate will provide technical leadership and program management across all automation and control system activities, driving performance, compliance, and innovation in line with GAMP-5 standards. Key Responsibilities Provide technical support for all control systemrelated issues, including troubleshooting, optimisation and documentation control. Lead control system qualification activities during project start-up and commissioning. Manage the life cycle of onsite control systems in compliance with GAMP-5 requirements. Deliver the automation elements of continuous improvement projects, collaborating with process engineers, technical chemists and cross-functional teams. Support the integration of control systems with MES and ERP platforms. Ensure compliance with all EHS and E standards, procedures and policies. Develop long-term strategies for control system maintenance, upgrades and improvement. Candidate Requirements B.Sc or B.Eng degree (or higher) in a relevant technical discipline. Postgraduate qualification or masters degree is desirable. Minimum 3 years experience in process automation within a GMP pharmaceutical environment. Proven experience with vendor packaged equipment and automated systems compliant with 21 CFR Part 11 and EU Annex 11. Demonstrated success in plant start-ups or new product introductions to GMP facilities. Strong hands-on experience with PLC systems and SCADA/HMI applications. Knowledge of control system networks such as Profinet, Profibus, Modbus, or CANBus. Experience with Ethernet-based networks and network architecture design. Familiarity with interfacing systems to plant historians (e.g. OSI-PI, Ignition) via OPC interfaces. Competent in life cycle management of control systems: backup/recovery, access control, configuration, and change management. Working knowledge of Windows OS administration. For a confidential conversation about the role please apply for the role or contact Owen Clancy at By applying to this job post you agree that Sterling Engineering may process your personal data for recruitment purpose.