Process Automation Engineer
Overview
Join a GMP manufacturing environment where your expertise in automation, compliance and quality systems will directly support reliable, compliant production. As the Process Team Automation Engineer, you will provide technical leadership across automation-related deviations, root cause investigations and CAPAs, while helping maintain a validated, inspection-ready DeltaV platform.
Working closely with Operations, Quality Assurance, Process Engineering and IT, you will combine hands-on system support with continuous improvement initiatives that strengthen process reliability, improve right-first-time performance and prevent recurring issues.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead investigations into automation-related deviations, including system failures, alarm events, batch record discrepancies, recipe errors and data integrity issues.
- Apply structured root cause analysis methodologies, such as 5 Whys, Fishbone and Fault Tree Analysis.
- Prepare clear, concise and well-evidenced investigation reports.
- Define, implement and track risk-based CAPAs through to timely closure.
- Design and complete CAPA effectiveness checks to confirm that root causes have been addressed.
- Perform impact assessments relating to product quality, batch disposition and validated state.
- Raise and manage change controls arising from investigations, CAPAs and improvement projects.
- Trend automation deviations and CAPAs to identify recurring issues and drive systemic improvement.
- Support regulatory inspections and internal or corporate audits as the automation subject matter expert.
- Represent Automation at deviation review boards, CAPA review boards and quality metrics meetings.
- Provide day-to-day support for the Emerson DeltaV Distributed Control System across manufacturing areas.
- Configure, modify and troubleshoot control modules, equipment modules, phases, SFCs and batch recipes in line with ISA-88.
- Support DeltaV Batch Executive, Batch Historian and, where applicable, MES and historian integrations.
- Maintain alarm management practices in line with ISA-18.2, including alarm rationalisation and performance reviews.
- Identify and deliver improvements that increase system reliability, reduce deviations and improve right-first-time performance.
- Mentor and share DeltaV knowledge with Operations, Maintenance and Process Engineering teams.
Required Skills and Qualifications
- Proven experience leading deviation investigations and owning CAPAs within a pharmaceutical, biotech or other GMP-regulated environment.
- Strong working knowledge of GMP, GAMP 5, EU Annex 11, 21 CFR Part 11 and data integrity requirements.
- Experience with ISA-88 batch control and DeltaV Batch.
- Competence with change control and electronic quality management systems, such as Veeva Vault QMS or TrackWise.
- Excellent technical writing skills, with the ability to produce clear, concise and defensible investigation reports.
- Ability to work effectively in a cross-functional environment and support business goals and targets.
- Willingness and ability to attend site four to five days per week.
- Ability to complete cleanroom gowning and work in a cleanroom environment.
Preferred Education and Experience
- Degree, or equivalent experience, in Chemical, Electrical, Control or Automation Engineering, or a related discipline.
- Significant hands-on experience with Emerson DeltaV DCS in a regulated environment.
- Formal root cause analysis training, such as Kepner-Tregoe or Six Sigma Green Belt/Black Belt.
- Experience with MES integration, including Syncade, and PI historian systems.
- DeltaV Automation experience is desirable, although it is not essential where the candidate has strong compliance-related experience.
Bring your automation and compliance expertise to a role where your work can improve manufacturing reliability and quality-apply today.
WHY LSC? LSC work exclusively in the Life Sciences sector. Founded and run by contractors, we understand contracting first-hand and have created a unique approach to make the process as smooth as possible, so you can focus on delivering your best work. With over 23 years' experience supporting the industry, we bring deep sector knowledge and long-standing client relationships. At LSC, we partner with you for the long term, not just the duration of your contract. We are committed to building lasting relationships and will work closely with you to ensure you are placed on projects that challenge, develop, and reward you throughout your career. Note: Are you currently eligible to work in Ireland? As this is a contract opportunity, you will need to hold a Stamp 1G or Stamp 4 visa to apply. Apply via this advert or contact Paul O'Driscoll on 021 4777329 if you have any questions about this role. Find out more about working with LSC at lscconnect.com
