Automation Technical Lead

SimoTech are looking for an Automation Technical Lead, based in our headquarters in Cork. The ideal candidate will possess strong hands-on automation engineering expertise combined with project engineering and project delivery capabilities. This role is suited to an experienced self-starter who can independently drive projects from early discovery and concept phases through design, implementation, commissioning, qualification, and operational handover.

The successful candidate will have extensive experience with Rockwell Automation and/or Siemens automation platforms and will play a key role in delivering automation projects for clients in the biotechnology, pharmaceutical, medical device, and life sciences sectors. The role also offers an opportunity to develop project management competencies including schedule development, project planning, cost estimation, budget management, and client engagement.

Requirements

Key Responsibilities:

Automation Engineering Responsibilities

Develop automation solutions for greenfield and brownfield manufacturing projects.
Support projects through the complete lifecycle from discovery, conceptual design and FEED studies through detailed design, implementation, commissioning, qualification and startup support.
Generate and review URS, Functional Specifications, Design Specifications, Control Narratives, Test Protocols and Qualification Documentation.
Participate in FAT, SAT, Commissioning and Qualification activities.
Troubleshoot complex automation and integration issues.
Support control system architecture development and technology selection activities.
Ensure compliance with GMP, GAMP5, Data Integrity, Cybersecurity and regulatory requirements.

Front-End Engineering & Technical Consultancy

Participate in discovery workshops and client strategy sessions.
Develop Front End Studies and Basis of Design documentation.
Support equipment integration strategies and system architecture development.
Review vendor proposals and participate in technical bid evaluations.
Provide technical consultancy services on automation and digital manufacturing initiatives.

Project Delivery Responsibilities

Lead small to medium automation projects and workstreams from initial client engagement and scope definition through detailed design, implementation, commissioning and qualification.
Assist in the development of project execution plans, schedules and resource plans.
Support project budgeting, cost estimation and change management activities.
Contribute to project reporting, risk management and progress tracking.
Interface directly with clients to coordinate deliverables and resolve technical issues.
Coordinate and manage equipment vendors, system integrators and client stakeholders to achieve successful project delivery.
Identify project risks and proactively develop mitigation plans.

Leadership & Mentoring Responsibilities

Provide technical leadership and guidance to junior and intermediate engineers.
Share knowledge and lessons learned across project teams.

Qualifications and Experiences:

8-10 years’ experience implementing and supporting automation systems for manufacturing organizations in the biotechnology, pharmaceutical or life sciences industries.
Degree qualification in Engineering, Automation, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science or related discipline.
Demonstrated experience delivering automation projects through multiple project lifecycle phases.
Strong experience in one or more of the following platforms: Rockwell Automation (ControlLogix, FactoryTalk, PlantPAx) and/or Siemens (TIA Portal, S7, WinCC).
Experience with SCADA, HMI, PLC and industrial networking technologies.
Exposure to project planning, scheduling, cost estimation and budget management.
Experience supporting Commissioning, Qualification and Validation activities.
Knowledge of GMP, GAMP5, Data Integrity, Cybersecurity and Safety requirements.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
Excellent communication and client-facing skills.

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.
Flexible working arrangements (Hybrid).

Automation Technical Lead

Benefits

Job Description