Principal Automation Integration Engineer
Full-time | Limerick, Ireland
Overview
An exciting opportunity is available for a highly experienced Automation Integration Engineer with strong expertise in real-time data acquisition, system integration, and advanced automation platforms within a biopharmaceutical manufacturing environment.
This role will sit within a multidisciplinary automation and digital engineering team, responsible for the design, implementation, and support of data acquisition, control, and analysis systems across GMP manufacturing operations. The position offers significant technical ownership, enterprise-level exposure, and the opportunity to influence Industry 4.0 and digital manufacturing initiatives.
Key Responsibilities
* Design, develop, and implement software and hardware enhancements to existing and new automated manufacturing equipment in accordance with formal change control procedures.
* Integrate industrial automation systems with business applications and enterprise data platforms to enable real-time data collection and analysis.
* Troubleshoot automation-related manufacturing deviations and investigate control system anomalies.
* Develop and maintain engineering design documentation, technical assessments, and test plans for cGMP process equipment in compliance with GAMP 5 guidelines.
* Support small to medium-scale manufacturing, engineering, and validation projects.
* Provide technical support during automation system design, commissioning, testing, and corrective actions.
* Author and update system documentation including system specifications, User Requirements Specifications (URS), Functional Specifications (FS), and Design Specifications (DS).
* Generate, execute, and support Factory Acceptance Tests (FATs) and Site Acceptance Tests (SATs).
* Review and assess cybersecurity risks and vulnerabilities associated with automation systems, software, and infrastructure.
* Create, update, and maintain automation system documentation throughout the system lifecycle.
Technical Profile
This role will suit candidates who have:
* Strong experience with OT systems including SCADA, HMI platforms, historians, and process monitoring systems.
* Hands-on experience with advanced data and integration technologies such as OPC UA, MQTT, IIoT platforms, and enterprise data integration tools.
* Experience designing and supporting large-scale, enterprise-level automation and data architectures.
* Solid understanding of ISA-95 and ISA-88 principles and IT/OT integration strategies.
* Working knowledge of PLC communications, HMI design, and automation process control infrastructure.
* A continuous improvement mindset with the ability to challenge existing approaches and drive technical excellence.
* A strong interest in project-based work and becoming a subject matter expert in supporting reliable, compliant biopharmaceutical manufacturing operations.
* The ability to manage changing priorities and increasing workloads through effective decision-making and communication.
Qualifications & Experience
* Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Chemical, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
* Relevant experience within regulated biopharmaceutical or life sciences manufacturing environments.
* Senior Engineer level:
minimum 5+ years' relevant experience.
* Principal Engineer level:
minimum 8+ years' relevant experience.