PLC Automation Engineer

Job Title: PLC Automation Engineer

Role Overview

The PLC Automation Engineer will support the design,
development, commissioning, and lifecycle management of automated systems
within a GMP -regulated pharmaceutical manufacturing environment. The role
involves hands -on PLC programming, system integration, troubleshooting, and
collaboration with cross -functional teams to ensure safe, compliant, and
reliable operation of production and utility systems.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design,
  develop, modify, and maintain PLC control systems supporting
  pharmaceutical manufacturing, packaging, utilities, and process equipment.
  
• Program
  and troubleshoot PLCs (e.g. Rockwell Allen -Bradley, Siemens, Schneider),
  including development of ladder logic, function block diagrams, and
  structured text as applicable.
  
• Support
  automation commissioning activities, including FAT, SAT, and on -site
  start -up, ensuring systems meet functional and GMP requirements.
  
• Interface
  PLC systems with SCADA/HMI platforms (e.g. FactoryTalk, WinCC, iFIX),
  ensuring clear operator interfaces and alarm management.
  
• Interpret
  and work from P&IDs, control philosophies, functional specifications,
  and electrical drawings.
  
• Provide
  automation support for manufacturing equipment, process skids, packaging
  lines, utilities (HVAC, WFI, clean steam), and ancillary systems.
  
• Participate
  in change control, deviation investigations, and root cause analysis
  related to automation systems.
  
• Support
  Computer System Validation (CSV) activities, including IQ/OQ testing,
  protocol execution, traceability, and documentation reviews in line with
  GAMP 5.
  
• Ensure
  automation systems comply with GMP, data integrity (ALCOA+), and site
  quality standards.
  
• Collaborate
  with Engineering, QA, Manufacturing, Maintenance, IT, and external vendors
  to deliver projects and resolve technical issues.
  
• Provide
  ongoing troubleshooting and operational support to minimise downtime and
  improve system reliability.
  
• Contribute
  to continuous improvement initiatives, standardisation, and automation
  best practices across the site.
  

Required Skills & Experience:

• Degree
  in Automation Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Instrumentation, or
  related discipline.
  
• Proven
  experience as a PLC Automation Engineer in a pharmaceutical, biotech, or
  regulated manufacturing environment.
  
• Strong
  hands -on experience with PLC programming, ideally Allen -Bradley / Rockwell
  systems.
  
• Experience
  with SCADA/HMI systems and industrial networks (Ethernet/IP, Profinet,
  Modbus).
  
• Solid
  understanding of GMP environments, regulated change management, and
  validation principles.
  
• Ability
  to read and interpret P&IDs, control narratives, and electrical
  schematics.
  
• Experience
  supporting FAT, SAT, commissioning, and start -up activities.
  
• Strong
  troubleshooting, analytical, and problem -solving skills.
  
• Excellent
  communication skills and ability to work effectively within
  cross -functional teams.
  

Desirable / Nice -to -Have:

• Experience
  with DeltaV, PCS7, or DCS systems.
  
• Exposure
  to CSV documentation (URS, FS, IQ, OQ, traceability matrices).
  
• Knowledge
  of process equipment automation (bioreactors, CIP/SIP, fillers,
  packaging).
  
• Experience
  working on Irish or EU pharma sites.
  
• Familiarity
  with alarm management standards (ISA -18.2 / EEMUA 191).