About SimoTech

SimoTech provides manufacturing automation and IT systems engineering, project management and validation services. We partner with life sciences companies to design, build, operate and optimise critical process automation systems that deliver fast track project delivery, operational efficiency, improve manufacturing agility and achieve regulatory compliance.

Why SimoTech

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

Automation Engineer 1741

SimoTech has an exciting opportunity for an experienced Automation Engineer to join our team supporting our pharmaceutical client, hybrid in Co. Dublin, on a major site expansion project. This role offers the chance to work on cutting-edge automation technologies in a world-class biopharmaceutical manufacturing environment.

The successful candidate will have strong experience with Rockwell Automation technologies and the integration of OEM/vendor equipment into wider site automation systems. The role will have a particular focus on syringe filling equipment, isolator technology and associated manufacturing packages, with integration across PCS, SCADA, MES, historian and data systems. Experience within aseptic fill-finish or sterile pharmaceutical manufacturing would be particularly beneficial.

Requirements

Key Responsibilities

• Support the design, configuration, integration and delivery of automation solutions for new syringe filling and associated manufacturing systems.
• Work with Rockwell ControlLogix and CompactLogix PLC platforms, Studio 5000 and FactoryTalk technologies within a GMP-regulated manufacturing environment.
• Support automation activities associated with OEM equipment including Optima syringe filling equipment, SKAN isolators, E-Beam and airlock systems, together with associated utility and manufacturing packages.
• Support the integration of vendor equipment with the site's Process Control System (PCS) and wider automation architecture, including PLC-to-PLC communications and EtherNet/IP interfaces.
• Support interfaces between automation systems and Werum PAS|X MES, FactoryTalk Batch, AVEVA PI historian, SQL and OPC UA-based systems for recipe, batch and process data exchange.
• Work with SCADA/HMI environments including FactoryTalk View SE and AVEVA/Wonderware InTouch, together with virtualised server and Thin Client architectures.
• Develop, review and maintain automation and engineering documentation including user requirements, functional/design specifications, interface requirements and test documentation.
• Participate in FAT, SAT, commissioning, troubleshooting and qualification activities associated with new equipment and system integration.
• Work closely with equipment vendors, automation partners, CQV, process engineering, manufacturing, IT/OT and other project stakeholders to resolve technical and integration issues.
• Ensure automation changes and system implementations are delivered in accordance with GMP, site change control, data integrity and applicable engineering standards.
• Support troubleshooting, testing and optimisation of PLC, SCADA, HMI and equipment interfaces throughout project delivery and start-up.

Key Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Automation, Electrical, Electronic, Control Systems Engineering or a related technical discipline.
• Strong experience delivering or supporting automation systems within pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical or another highly regulated manufacturing environment.
• Strong hands-on knowledge of Rockwell ControlLogix/CompactLogix and Studio 5000.
• Experience with FactoryTalk View SE, FactoryTalk Batch, PlantPAx and/or AVEVA InTouch would be highly advantageous.
• Experience integrating OEM/vendor equipment with site PLC, PCS or SCADA systems, including PLC-to-PLC communications and industrial Ethernet networks.
• Experience with OPC UA, EtherNet/IP, SQL, MES interfaces and/or process historians such as AVEVA PI would be advantageous.
• Previous experience with aseptic filling, syringe or vial filling, isolators, sterile manufacturing or fill-finish equipment is highly desirable.
• Experience with Optima and/or SKAN equipment would be a strong advantage.
• Experience with other GMP manufacturing packages such as STERIS parts washers, Finn-Aqua autoclaves, WFI systems or clean utility automation would also be relevant.
• Familiarity with FAT, SAT, commissioning, qualification, change control and lifecycle documentation within a GMP project environment.
• Experience working with virtualised automation/SCADA infrastructure, ThinManager or Thin Clients would be advantageous.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving capability together with the ability to work effectively across OEM vendors, engineering, CQV, manufacturing and IT/OT teams.

Benefits

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.