MES FLS Automation Engineer

• Industry Pharma/Biotech/Clinical Research
• City Limerick
• Country Ireland

Job Description

MES FLS Automation Engineer

SimoTech is seeking an Automation Engineer to join our Front-Line Support (FLS) team, providing on-site operational support at a large-scale greenfield biopharmaceutical facility in Limerick. The successful candidate will focus on troubleshooting and supporting day-to-day operations while upholding compliance with industry standards and site procedures.

In this role you will be a key member of the 24/7 Automation FLS Team tasked with providing real-time MES support and performing preventative and corrective tasks across recipes, batch execution, master data and system interfaces in accordance with GAMP and cGMP standards. The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 5 years' experience working with Syncade MES in the life sciences sector, with strong hands on troubleshooting and batch process support experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide real-time technical support for Syncade MES, including MES-DeltaV interactions and production-related issues.
• Troubleshoot and resolve batch execution failures, workflow errors, and system integration faults to minimise downtime.
• Maintain MES master data, such as materials, equipment classes, statuses, and specifications.
• Ensure seamless operation of MES with DeltaV, SAP, weighing scales, printers, and other peripheral devices.
• Monitor and maintain system connectivity, including OPC and other integration protocols, ensuring accurate and timely data exchange between MES and automation systems.
• Maintain equipment workflows, status diagrams, and event state matrices to support efficient operations and compliance.
• Support equipment tracking (ET) workflows, ensuring real time equipment status updates and cleaning verification.
• Maintain audit ready documentation, including configuration history, change controls, and validation records.
• Prepare technical reports and root cause analyses, providing recommendations for continuous improvement and system reliability.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Life Sciences or equivalent.
• A minimum of 5 years' experience working with Syncade MES within the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industries.
• Previous on-site experience supporting MES recipe troubleshooting, master data, equipment workflows or batch execution in GMP manufacturing is essential.
• Excellent diagnostics skills with the ability to think laterally.
• Ability to resolve complex automation issues in high pressure, fast paced manufacturing environments.
• Strong knowledge of S 88 Batch Standard is essential with onsite exposure to batch process preferred.
• Knowledge and familiarity with regulated industry standards, including exposure to cGMP, GAMP and 21 CFR Part 11.
• Excellent communication skills and interpersonal skills with strong spoken and written English.
• Willing to work 24/7/365 shift (alternating days and nights) and in an on site team environment.
• Willing to upskill across various technologies - DeltaV, PI, Siemens PLC's, Desigo BMS.

What SimoTech Can Offer

• Role provides a high degree of autonomy to allow the successful candidate to reach their full potential.
• Develop new skills and enhance technical ability by working with innovative technologies in a multi disciplined environment.
• Opportunity to work with large corporate clients on exciting capital projects.