Senior IT OT Automation Engineer

SimoTech provides manufacturing automation andIT systems engineering, project management and validation services. We partnerwith life sciences companies to design, build, operate and optimise criticalprocess automation systems that deliver fast track project delivery,operational efficiency, improve manufacturing agility and achieve regulatorycompliance.

What is it like to work at SimoTech? With astrong collaborative teamwork culture based on respect, trust and excellence,we play a critical partnering role to our clients' life-changing supply ofproducts to patients. In return, there is excellent salary, benefits, careerprogression, educational support and much more.

SimoTech is seeking multipleexperienced Senior Automation Engineers (IT/OT) to support the ramp-up of amajor greenfield expansion within a pharmaceutical Oral Solid Dose (OSD)manufacturing site. Each engineer will take technical ownership of a key automationand digital technology area, across PLC/SCADA, (Siemens), eSCADA (Ignition), ThinManager, AVEVA PI,VPE-managed equipment, and associated automation systems.

Working as part of amultidisciplinary project team, the successful candidates will lead the design,implementation, integration, commissioning, and operational readiness of theirassigned technology domain. The role involves close collaboration with manufacturing,engineering, validation, quality, cybersecurity, and global IT teams to ensuresystems are delivered safely, compliantly, and in alignment with project andbusiness objectives.

Responsibilities include end-to-endtechnical delivery, system integration, vendor coordination, risk management,troubleshooting, and lifecycle support across both Operational Technology (OT)and enterprise IT environments. Candidates will play a critical role inestablishing scalable, reliable, and cybersecure automation infrastructure thatwill underpin future manufacturing capacity and operational excellence at thesite.

• Take ownership of major IT/OTwork packages from project initiation through handover, managing scope,schedule, budget, risks, and resource planning.
  
• Lead technical and deliveryalignment across multiple stakeholders, including engineering, ITinfrastructure, cybersecurity, QA, vendors, and system integrators.
  
• Define and review technicalrequirements and oversee solution design for OT systems such as PLC/SCADA/DCS,historians, MES, OT networks, and integration with IT systems and cloudplatforms.
  
• Embed GMP, cybersecurity, andquality standards throughout delivery with compliance to GAMP and changecontrol processes.
  
• Manage vendor performanceincluding drafting/approving statements of work, setting acceptance criteria,and overseeing milestone delivery.
  
• Direct testing andcommissioning activities, such as FAT/SAT, UAT, documentation review, andstructured operational handover.
  
• Prepare governance reportingand support steering committees, risk reviews, and cadence meetings for projectalignment.
  
• Mentor and guide junior andintermediate automation engineers to ensure consistent standards of deliveryand knowledge transfer.
  

• Bachelor's degree inAutomation, Control Systems, Computer Science, IT, Engineering, or relateddiscipline.
  
• Minimum 5-8 years of relevantexperience within IT/OT automation project delivery.
  
• Proven track record ofsuccessfully delivering end-to-end IT/OT projects in regulated manufacturingenvironments.
  
• Expertise in PLC and SCADAsystems (Siemens or Schneider), plus experience with one of ThinManager,Ignition, and Aveva PI.
  
• Strong understanding ofproject delivery methodologies, governance, and risk controls, with practicalapplication in pharma or similar environments.
  
• In-depth knowledge of GMPpractices, GAMP principles, and computer system lifecycle management.
  
• Exceptional stakeholderengagement skills with the ability to communicate to senior leadership andinfluence decision-making.
  
• Excellent leadership,problem-solving, and documentation skills.
  
• Knowledge of ActiveDirectory, ITIL frameworks (including ServiceNow), and enterprise integrationprinciples is considered desirable
  
• Knowledge ofcybersecurity controls, OT networking, and cloud/edge integration technologiesis considered desirable.
  

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