Role: IT Application Engineer (Lab & ERP Systems)
Location: Co. Tipperary, Ireland
Department: IT
Industry: Pharmaceuticals
We are seeking a highly skilled and detail-oriented IT Application Engineer to join our growing IT organization. This individual will play a critical role in supporting, maintaining, and enhancing a diverse portfolio of laboratory and enterprise IT applications, including SAP and other ERP platforms, within a regulated pharmaceutical environment.
The ideal candidate brings a strong background in system administration, ERP/LIMS/Empower support, IT compliance, computer system validation (CSV), and project execution across a wide array of lab and enterprise platforms.
This role will work closely with Quality, R&D, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and IT teams globally, supporting critical applications such as LIMS, Empower, and other analytical and benchtop systems, as well as broader ERP (SAP/JDE), Coupa, Track & Trace, and integration platforms.
Key Responsibilities
* Serve as the subject matter expert (SME) for a variety of laboratory informatics and ERP systems including, but not limited to, LIMS, SDMS, ELN, CDS, MES, and SAP/JDE.
* Manage the full application lifecycle — planning, implementation, administration, upgrades, and retirement — for both lab and enterprise IT systems.
* Coordinate and perform computer system validation (CSV) activities, including authoring and execution of IQ/OQ/PQ protocols in accordance with GAMP 5 and FDA regulatory standards (21 CFR Part 11, cGxP).
* Support IT compliance activities such as Risk Assessments, Data Integrity GAP Analysis, CAPAs, and periodic system validation reviews.
* Partner with business units (QC, R&D, Manufacturing, Supply Chain) to gather requirements, define specifications (URS, FRS, DS), and manage vendor engagement and solution delivery.
* Provide hands-on system administration including user management, patching, data backup, ERP batch job monitoring, disaster recovery planning, and performance optimization.
* Conduct incident management, change control, and problem resolution aligned with ITIL practices.
* Train and support end users on lab, ERP, and IT applications, ensuring proper documentation and knowledge transfer.
* Collaborate with cross-functional teams including IT Infrastructure, Security, Compliance, and Automation (MES, SCADA, PLC) on system integrations and dependencies.
* Work on projects involving cloud platforms (AWS/Azure), Jira, HP ALM, ERP integrations (SAP/JDE/Coupa), and API-based workflows for process automation.
Preferred Qualifications
* Hands-on experience supporting SAP ECC/S4HANA or JD Edwards ERP modules (Finance, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Quality).
* Knowledge of Jira, HP ALM, and modern test automation tools.
* Familiarity with PLC, SCADA, MES, and OT/IT convergence in manufacturing environments.
* Experience supporting both on-premise and cloud-hosted applications.
* Prior experience in global pharmaceutical or life sciences environments.
Success Traits
* Analytical thinker with a passion for process optimization and regulatory compliance.
* Adaptable, collaborative professional who thrives in a dynamic, cross-functional environment.
* Strong sense of ownership, attention to detail, and a proactive mindset.
Work Environment
* On-site work model, five days a week.
* Cross-functional collaboration with global teams across US, India, and Ireland.