PLC Automation Engineer

Industry: Pharmaceutical / Life Sciences

Role Overview

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

Key Responsibilities

• Design,develop, modify, and maintain PLC control systems supportingpharmaceutical manufacturing, packaging, utilities, and process equipment.
• Programand troubleshoot PLCs (e.g. Rockwell Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Schneider),including development of ladder logic, function block diagrams, andstructured text as applicable.
• Supportautomation commissioning activities, including FAT, SAT, and on-sitestart-up, ensuring systems meet functional and GMP requirements.
• InterfacePLC systems with SCADA/HMI platforms (e.g. FactoryTalk, WinCC, iFIX),ensuring clear operator interfaces and alarm management.
• Interpretand work from P&IDs, control philosophies, functional specifications,and electrical drawings.
• Provideautomation support for manufacturing equipment, process skids, packaginglines, utilities (HVAC, WFI, clean steam), and ancillary systems.
• Participatein change control, deviation investigations, and root cause analysisrelated to automation systems.
• SupportComputer System Validation (CSV) activities, including IQ/OQ testing,protocol execution, traceability, and documentation reviews in line withGAMP 5.
• Ensureautomation systems comply with GMP, data integrity (ALCOA+), and sitequality standards.
• Collaboratewith Engineering, QA, Manufacturing, Maintenance, IT, and external vendorsto deliver projects and resolve technical issues.
• Provideongoing troubleshooting and operational support to minimise downtime andimprove system reliability.
• Contributeto continuous improvement initiatives, standardisation, and automationbest practices across the site.

Required Skills & Experience

• Degreein Automation Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Instrumentation, orrelated discipline.
• Provenexperience as a PLC Automation Engineer in a pharmaceutical, biotech, orregulated manufacturing environment.
• Stronghands-on experience with PLC programming, ideally Allen-Bradley / Rockwellsystems.
• Experiencewith SCADA/HMI systems and industrial networks (Ethernet/IP, Profinet,Modbus).
• Solidunderstanding of GMP environments, regulated change management, andvalidation principles.
• Abilityto read and interpret P&IDs, control narratives, and electricalschematics.
• Experiencesupporting FAT, SAT, commissioning, and start-up activities.
• Strongtroubleshooting, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellentcommunication skills and ability to work effectively withincross-functional teams.
• Experiencewith DeltaV, PCS7, or DCS systems.
• Exposureto CSV documentation (URS, FS, IQ, OQ, traceability matrices).
• Knowledgeof process equipment automation (bioreactors, CIP/SIP, fillers,packaging).
• Experienceworking on Irish or EU pharma sites.
• Familiaritywith alarm management standards (ISA-18.2 / EEMUA 191).