Job Description
A fantastic opportunity has arisen for a
Manufacturing Automation (Snr Specialist)
to join the team in our state-of-the-art, single use multiproduct facility in Dunboyne, Co. Meath. The Lead DeltaV Engineer is responsible for the design, implementation, support, and ongoing improvement of Emerson DeltaV DCS across our multi‑product biotech facility in Dunboyne. This role provides technical leadership for all DeltaV systems within the assigned area, supporting both existing products and new product introductions (NPIs). The position works closely with OEM Automation (Siemens), MES (PAS‑X), engineering, operations, quality, validation, and global technology teams.
As the site's DeltaV subject matter expert, you will ensure reliable, compliant, and inspection‑ready system performance aligned with key pillars of EHS, Quality, People, and Delivery. The role includes coaching team members, fostering a growth mindset, and modelling behaviours that promote a culture of dignity and respect. This is primarily a site‑based role (minimum three days per week) within the Digital Manufacturing Operations (DMO) team. The Lead DeltaV Engineer collaborates extensively across Self‑Directed Work Teams (SDWTs) and cross‑functional groups to drive performance, resolve complex automation challenges, and support business‑critical projects.
Key Responsibilities Will Include
Automation System Ownership
* Act as System Owner for the Emerson DeltaV DCS process Automation equipment supporting Upstream, Downstream, Solution Preparation and utilities.
* Optimization of code and system strategies to improve system (software/hardware) reliability and stability.
* Provide technical sustaining support to commercial and clinical manufacturing as needed, specific to process control and automation configuration.
* Lead technical root cause analysis, incident investigations and troubleshooting issues related to electrical, instrumentation and equipment control systems.
* Lead and support system improvements, development of detailed specification, engineering documents, and standard operating procedures.
* Lead approved projects and continuous improvement initiatives aligned with DMO and site strategy.
* Support new product introductions by performing engineering assessments, implementing automation system configuration changes, and supporting engineering and clinical runs.
* Manage, communicate, and escalate system issues appropriately, ensuring timely updates and effective resolution pathways.
* Full system owner responsibilities such as change control assessments, maintenance planning, and regulatory compliance oversight.
* Maintain automation systems in a GMP-compliant, audit-ready state and participate actively in internal and external inspections.
* Support a safe working environment by complying with all pertinent environmental health/safety practice, rules, and regulations.
* Perform all duties in accordance with GMP requirements, SOPs, and controlled documents.
* Identify, design, and implement digital and paperless solutions that support the facility's digital manufacturing vision.
* Actively participate in GEMBAs, Go-Sees, and other operational excellence activities.
* Flexibility to take on additional tasks and responsibilities as required to support the business.
Compliance, Investigations & Change Control
* Lead or support investigations of automation-related events and non-conformances, author detailed technical reports and implement sustainable corrective actions.
* Review and approve automation-related changes, ensuring alignment with SDLC, change control, and GMP standards.
Technology Transfer (NPI), Scale-Up and Process Changes
* Partner with process engineers to define, design, and deliver process improvement initiatives aligned with site standards and quality expectations.
* Work collaboratively across site teams to remove obstacles, strengthen relationships, and foster a productive, high‑performance working environment.
* Support technology transfer activities from early-stage pipeline facilities and drive readiness for GMP operational status through to commercial supply.
* Support the delivery of and adapt ways of working to use the digital process knowledge management transfer and analytic platforms.
Culture & Ways of Working
* Promote a strong culture of safety, accountability, and "right first time" execution, incorporating lean principles, standard work, visual management, and a learning‑focused mindset.
* Leverage the Visual Factory and analytics tools to promote a data driven decision making culture.
Your profile
* Minimum 6 years of hands-on automation engineering experience with the Emerson DeltaV system in a Pharmaceutical or Biotechnology or similarly GMP regulated environment.
* Proven experience as an Area Lead delivering Tech Transfer, Process Design, and Commissioning.
* Excellent knowledge of DeltaV programming language
* In-depth working knowledge of batch control systems (ISA S88/S95), including design, testing, commissioning, and qualification activities.
* In-depth knowledge of industry standards and processes such as cGMPs, GAMP 5, 21 CFR Part 11, CSV/SDLC, validation, software development life cycle methodologies, automation change control, deviation management, and problem-solving techniques such as root cause analysis.
* Bachelor's degree in biotechnology, Automation, Mechatronics, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
* Excellent communication, interpersonal and presentation skills.
* Strong organisational skills with an ability to manage multiple priorities effectively and escalate when needed.
* Enjoy working in a collaborative, team‑based setting and building positive cross-functional relationships.
* Problem-solving mindset, with the ability to anticipate issues and drive resolution.
* Competent decision maker - Recognize problems and opportunities and determine whether action is needed. Involving others throughout the decision-making process to obtain better information, generate alternatives and ensure buy-in to the resulting decisions; build consensus when appropriate.
* Having patient and customer orientation; placing a high priority on the internal or external customer's perspective when making decisions and acting; implementing service practices that meet the customers' and own organization's needs.
* Prioritizing and planning; establishing an action plan for self and others to complete work efficiently and on time by setting priorities, establishing timelines, and leveraging resource.
We keep the patient at the very heart of all that we do and strive to find solutions and treatments for some of the world's most challenging healthcare needs.
So, if you are ready to
Invent solutions to meet unmet healthcare needs, Impact the future by driving one of the world's leading healthcare companies, and inspire your team to reach their full potential and push the boundaries of science and technology, please apply today.
Required Skills
Accountability, Automation, Automation Engineering, Business Process Improvements, Communication, Compliance Oversight, Data Management, Digital Manufacturing, EHS Compliance, GMP Compliance, Infrastructure Automation, Manufacturing, Problem Management, Process Improvement Projects, Program Implementation, Quality Management, Regulatory Compliance, Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC)
Preferred Skills
Emerson DeltaV
Current Employees apply HERE
Current Contingent Workers apply HERE
Search Firm Representatives Please Read Carefully
Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, also known as Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, Rahway, NJ, USA, does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. All CVs / resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at our company without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of our company. No fee will be paid in the event a candidate is hired by our company as a result of an agency referral where no pre-existing agreement is in place. Where agency agreements are in place, introductions are position specific. Please, no phone calls or emails.
Employee Status
Regular
Relocation
VISA Sponsorship
Travel Requirements
Flexible Work Arrangements
Not Applicable
Shift
Valid Driving License
Hazardous Material(s)
Job Posting End Date
02/14/2026
* A job posting is effective until PM on the day BEFORE the listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date.
Requisition ID
R382901