Automation engineer – ot cyber security & system recovery

Automation Engineer – OT Cyber Security & System Recovery
Our client is a leading global Pharmaceutical company, and they are an Automation Engineer – OT Cyber Security & System Recovery to be part of their team in their site based in Bray.
This is a 9‑month contract opportunity.
Job Purpose
The Automation Engineer will play a key role in strengthening OT cyber security posture and recovery readiness across the Bray site, while supporting daily automation operations.
The role is focused on:

Execution of the OT Cyber Security Remediation Program
Implementation of backup, restore, and disaster recovery practices
Deployment and integration of the Octoplant platform
Establishment of standardised processes for patching, recovery, and system lifecycle management

In addition, the contractor will contribute to day‑to‑day automation support to ensure system stability, availability, and compliance within a GMP environment.
This role aligns with the site’s strategic focus on system availability, recovery readiness, and cyber security discipline as core engineering responsibilities.
Key Responsibilities
OT Cyber Security & Remediation

Support execution of the OT Cybersecurity Remediation Program, including vulnerability remediation and patching activities
Drive site-level implementation of cyber security controls and best practices for OT systems
Ensure proper governance of:

User access management
System hardening
Secure configuration practices


Backup, Restore & Disaster Recovery

Define and implement structured backup and restore strategies for OT systems
Execute and document disaster recovery (DR) tests for critical automation systems
Improve system recoverability and audit readiness in line with project goals
Ensure validation-aligned processes for backup, restore, and DR activities
Drive continuous improvement of recovery procedures and readiness testing

Octoplant Implementation & Lifecycle Management

Support deployment and configuration of Octoplant for:

Centralised backups and version control
Asset visibility and lifecycle management
Vulnerability and configuration monitoring (where applicable)
Integrate Octoplant into standard engineering workflows

Develop and maintain procedures for system backup, versioning, and change tracking
Support user onboarding and training on the tool

Patching & Standard Process Implementation

Define and implement a controlled patching process for OT systems
Coordinate patching activities across PLCs, SCADA, and supporting infrastructure
Develop and maintain SOPs and work instructions for:

Patching strategy
Backup & restore
Disaster recovery testing

Ensure all activities follow GMP, change control, and validation requirements

Automation Engineering (Day-to-Day Support)

Oversee automation systems to ensure maximum uptime and performance
Support troubleshooting, incident resolution, and root cause analysis
Manage system user access, backups, and restore requests
Collaborate with vendors and technical support on issue resolution
Maintain and optimise PLC, SCADA, and automation infrastructure
Support small automation improvements and site projects

Project & Engineering Contribution

Support automation-related projects with focus on system stability and risk control
Contribute to documentation, testing (FAT/SAT/IQ/OQ), and validation deliverables
Ensure all work complies with site Quality Systems and regulatory standards
Participate in continuous improvement initiatives aligned with automation strategy

Qualifications & Experience

Degree in Engineering (Automation, Electrical, Computer Science, or equivalent)
5+ years’ experience in automation engineering in GMP manufacturing environment
Strong experience in OT systems (PLC, SCADA, HMI, infrastructure)
Demonstrated experience in at least one of the following:

OT Cyber Security / remediation programs
Backup & recovery solutions
System patching and lifecycle management


Technical Skills

Automation platforms (e.g., Siemens, Rockwell, Mitsubishi, Wonderware, iFix)
Understanding of OT architectures and industrial networks
Knowledge of: GAMP5, ISA/IEC standards, 21 CFR Part 11, Annex 11, GxP / QA requirements
Experience with backup/versioning tools (e.g., Octoplant or similar) is a strong advantage

Capabilities & Behaviours

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Ability to balance project work and operational support
Clear communication with technical and non-technical stakeholders
Structured, disciplined approach to engineering work (documentation, change control, risk awareness)
Ability to work under pressure in a production-critical environment

Preferred

Experience at regulated site
Experience implementing OT cyber security or DR programs
Exposure to multi-system environments (SCADA, HMI, PLC)
Experience or certification in industrial cyber security standards is highly preferred

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