What are the responsibilities and job description for the PLC Automation Engineer position at Horizon Controls Group?
Job Title: PLC Automation Engineer
Location: Dundalk, Ireland
Industry: Pharmaceutical / Life Sciences
Role Overview
The PLC Automation Engineer will support the design,
development, commissioning, and lifecycle management of automated systems
within a GMP-regulated pharmaceutical manufacturing environment. The role
involves hands-on PLC programming, system integration, troubleshooting, and
collaboration with cross-functional teams to ensure safe, compliant, and
reliable operation of production and utility systems.
Key Responsibilities:
- Design,
develop, modify, and maintain PLC control systems supporting
pharmaceutical manufacturing, packaging, utilities, and process equipment.
- Program
and troubleshoot PLCs (e.g. Rockwell Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Schneider),
including development of ladder logic, function block diagrams, and
structured text as applicable.
- Support
automation commissioning activities, including FAT, SAT, and on-site
start-up, ensuring systems meet functional and GMP requirements.
- Interface
PLC systems with SCADA/HMI platforms (e.g. FactoryTalk, WinCC, iFIX),
ensuring clear operator interfaces and alarm management.
- Interpret
and work from P&IDs, control philosophies, functional specifications,
and electrical drawings.
- Provide
automation support for manufacturing equipment, process skids, packaging
lines, utilities (HVAC, WFI, clean steam), and ancillary systems.
- Participate
in change control, deviation investigations, and root cause analysis
related to automation systems.
- Support
Computer System Validation (CSV) activities, including IQ/OQ testing,
protocol execution, traceability, and documentation reviews in line with
GAMP 5.
- Ensure
automation systems comply with GMP, data integrity (ALCOA ), and site
quality standards.
- Collaborate
with Engineering, QA, Manufacturing, Maintenance, IT, and external vendors
to deliver projects and resolve technical issues.
- Provide
ongoing troubleshooting and operational support to minimise downtime and
improve system reliability.
- Contribute
to continuous improvement initiatives, standardisation, and automation
best practices across the site.
Required Skills & Experience:
- Degree
in Automation Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Instrumentation, or
related discipline.
- Proven
experience as a PLC Automation Engineer in a pharmaceutical, biotech, or
regulated manufacturing environment.
- Strong
hands-on experience with PLC programming, ideally Allen-Bradley / Rockwell
systems.
- Experience
with SCADA/HMI systems and industrial networks (Ethernet/IP, Profinet,
Modbus).
- Solid
understanding of GMP environments, regulated change management, and
validation principles.
- Ability
to read and interpret P&IDs, control narratives, and electrical
schematics.
- Experience
supporting FAT, SAT, commissioning, and start-up activities.
- Strong
troubleshooting, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent
communication skills and ability to work effectively within
cross-functional teams.
Desirable / Nice-to-Have:
- Experience
with DeltaV, PCS7, or DCS systems.
- Exposure
to CSV documentation (URS, FS, IQ, OQ, traceability matrices).
- Knowledge
of process equipment automation (bioreactors, CIP/SIP, fillers,
packaging).
- Experience
working on Irish or EU pharma sites.
- Familiarity
with alarm management standards (ISA-18.2 / EEMUA 191).