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We're Hiring! MES, DCS,PLC ,Automation ,Robotics, Process Control ,IT,OT & IIOT
Senior Automation Engineer – Food & Life Sciences Manufacturing
Type: Permanent, Full-Time
Sector: Advanced Manufacturing / Food & Nutrition / Life Sciences
A leading international manufacturer in the food and life sciences sector is seeking a Senior Automation Engineer to support and enhance its long-term Operational Technology (OT) and automation strategy. This is a senior-level, cross-functional position based at a high-volume production site in the border region of Ireland, supporting global distribution.
The role will play a key part in defining and implementing site-wide automation strategy, systems integration, and lifecycle governance, working closely with internal stakeholders and global teams.
Role Overview
* Collaborate with engineering, operations, IT, vendors, and technical SMEs to drive the automation and OT roadmap for the site
* Evaluate and implement best-available technologies in support of digital transformation and smart factory initiatives
* Lead governance across multiple automation and control system projects, ensuring alignment with site strategy
* Oversee OT system lifecycle management, including upgrade, retirement, and replacement strategies
* Develop and mentor junior automation engineers, and promote standardised practices across the wider network
* Ensure compliance with internal and external regulatory standards for safety, data integrity, and system validation
Key Responsibilities
* Input into the development of the site’s digitalisation roadmap, with a focus on automation infrastructure
* Standardise OT platforms across production, packaging, and support systems
* Identify opportunities for innovation, cost-efficiency, and system integration
* Review technical designs and execution plans from external vendors and integrators
* Ensure automation elements of capital and improvement projects meet site and global standards
* Support validation, testing, and commissioning of new systems
Lifecycle & Compliance
* Manage the full lifecycle of control systems, including PLC, SCADA, Historian, and batch systems
* Maintain documentation for compliance with global manufacturing regulations (e.g., FDA 21 CFR Part 11, EU Annex 11)
* Lead investigations, audits, and updates relating to OT systems
Team & Technical Development
* Mentor engineers within the automation team, and support upskilling in line with emerging technologies
* Align with peer sites on global best practices and new technology trials
Candidate Profile
Required:
* Degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical discipline
* 5+ years of experience in automation or control systems within a manufacturing environment
* Strong working knowledge of PLC/SCADA systems (e.g., Siemens, Allen-Bradley)
* Familiar with OT architecture, data historians (OSIsoft PI), industrial networks, and virtualisation
* Experience managing or coordinating vendors and integrators
* Understanding of GMP/cGMP compliance, validation (GAMP5), and industry frameworks (ISA S88, S95, PackML)
* Experience in high-volume food, nutrition, or pharma production environments
* Familiarity with cybersecurity standards (ISA/IEC 62443)
* Project management capabilities (internal or external delivery)
* Exposure to MES systems, data integration, and continuous improvement projects
* Strong cross-functional communication and leadership skills
* Strategic thinker with hands-on technical capabilities
* Quality-focused and compliant in all aspects of project delivery
* Comfortable leading external partners and multi-site collaboration
* Proactive and solutions-driven approach in a dynamic environment
This is a high-impact role offering the chance to shape the next generation of automation strategy within a world-class production environment. It’s ideal for engineers ready to take ownership of critical infrastructure and help drive technological change.
Seniority level
* Seniority level
Mid-Senior level
Employment type
* Employment type
Full-time
Job function
* Job function
Manufacturing and Engineering
* Industries
Biotechnology Research, Pharmaceutical Manufacturing, and Medical Equipment Manufacturing
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