Automation Engineer

Job Title: Automation Engineer

• Location: Waterford, Ireland
• Contract Type: 18-Month Fixed-Term Contract
• Shift Pattern: Standard Days

About the role

As an Automation Engineer within the Waterford Automation & Manufacturing Systems team, you will play a critical role in supporting and advancing the site's automated manufacturing capabilities across PFS, LYO, Filling, and Packaging operations. You will be responsible for both the operational support of existing automation infrastructure and the delivery of capital improvement projects — ensuring systems are reliable, compliant, and continuously evolving in line with Sanofi's Digital Lighthouse ambitions.

You will work across a broad technology stack including PLCs, SCADA, MES, Historian, and IIoT platforms, operating within a GMP-regulated environment where patient safety and product quality are paramount.

Ready to get started?

Join a global network that powers how Sanofi delivers — seamlessly, purposefully, and at scale. In Manufacturing & Supply, you’ll help reimagine how life-changing treatments reach people everywhere, faster.

About Sanofi:

We’re an R&D-driven, AI-powered biopharma company committed to improving people’s lives and delivering compelling growth. Our deep understanding of the immune system – and innovative pipeline – enables us to invent medicines and vaccines that treat and protect millions of people around the world. Together, we chase the miracles of science to improve people’s lives. 

Main responsibilities

Operational Support & System Maintenance

• Provide day-to-day automation support for manufacturing equipment and systems across PFS, LYO, Filling, and Packaging operations
• Troubleshoot and resolve automation-related issues on Siemens S7/TIA Portal, Wonderware, iFix, and Zenon SCADA platforms to minimise production downtime
• Maintain and administer OSIsoft PI Historian and Ignition platforms, ensuring data integrity and availability for operational and quality reporting
• Manage and support Windows Server environments (including virtualised/VM infrastructure) underpinning site automation systems
• Maintain site OT network infrastructure, ensuring cybersecurity controls and network segmentation are upheld in line with site standards

Capital Projects & Continuous Improvement

• Lead and contribute to automation capital projects from concept through to commissioning and handover, including URS development, design review, FAT/SAT, and qualification activities
• Identify and implement automation improvements that drive efficiency, reduce waste, and support the site's Digital Lighthouse and Industry 4.0 roadmap
• Collaborate with Engineering, Operations, Quality, and global Automation teams to deliver projects on time, within budget, and to specification
• Support the integration of MES (Manufacturing Execution Systems) with automation layers to enhance data flow, traceability, and paperless manufacturing

Computer System Validation (CSV) & GxP Compliance

• Author and execute validation documentation (URS, FS, DS, IQ, OQ, PQ, Validation Strategy) in accordance with Sanofi's Computerised Systems Validation GOP and GAMP 5 guidelines
• Ensure all automation systems are maintained in a validated state and are inspection-ready for regulatory audits (FDA, EMA, HPRA)
• Manage change control, deviation investigations, and CAPAs related to automation systems in compliance with site GMP procedures
• Support the site's Business Quality Representative (BQR) process for GxP digital solutions

Data & Digital

• Leverage OSIsoft PI and Ignition platforms to develop dashboards, reports, and analytics that support operational decision-making and continuous improvement
• Contribute to IIoT and Industry 4.0 initiatives, supporting the site's Digital Lighthouse strategy through data connectivity, real-time monitoring, and smart manufacturing capabilities
• Participate in the evaluation and implementation of new digital technologies aligned with Sanofi's global automation standards

About you

Essential Requirements

• Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in Electrical Engineering, Control Systems Engineering, Automation, Mechatronics, or a related discipline
• Significant hands-on automation engineering experience in a GMP-regulated pharmaceutical or life sciences manufacturing environment
• Demonstrated experience with Siemens S7 / TIA Portal PLC programming and commissioning
• Proficiency with one or more SCADA platforms: Wonderware (AVEVA), iFix (GE), or Zenon (Copa-Data)
• Experience with OSIsoft PI Historian and/or Ignition (Inductive Automation) platforms
• Working knowledge of Windows Server administration and virtualised (VM) environments in an OT context
• Understanding of OT/IT network architecture, including industrial networking protocols (Ethernet/IP, Profinet, Modbus TCP)
• Solid understanding of Computer System Validation (CSV) principles and GAMP 5 methodology
• Familiarity with GMP regulations and pharmaceutical manufacturing standards (FDA 21 CFR Part 11, EU Annex 11)

Desirable Requirements

• Experience with MES platforms (e.g., Werum PAS-X, Rockwell PharmaSuite, or equivalent)
• Exposure to fill/finish, lyophilisation (LYO), or packaging equipment automation
• Experience with IIoT platforms and Industry 4.0 / smart manufacturing initiatives
• Knowledge of machine vision systems or robotics integration
• Project management experience in a capital projects environment

Why choose us?

• Transform lives worldwide by delivering life-changing treatments anywhere, anytime.  

• Grow, thrive, and make an impact in a workplace that empowers you to bring your best self every day, with pride.  

• Help deliver 30+ new product launches by 2030, ensuring patients get treatments faster than ever.  

• Develop new skills, explore cross-functional roles, and work in an environment that values growth and discovery.  

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