PLC Automation Engineer

Industry: Pharmaceutical / Life Sciences

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 with cross functional teams.
• 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).