This role serves as the senior technical authority for automation systems (PLC, DCS, MES) in a biopharmaceutical manufacturing facility. The engineer will own the DCS environment, drive integration with MES and historian systems, and coordinate technical activities for contractor operations. Responsibilities include developing KPIs, managing deviations, and providing technical input for planning, requiring at least 15 years of experience in automation and 10 years in the biotech/pharmaceutical industry.
About This Role:
As a Sr Automation Engineer, you will serve as the senior technical authority for Programmable Logic Control (PLC), Distributed Control System (DCS), and Manufacturing Execution System (MES) support within our fully integrated and validated biopharmaceutical manufacturing facility in Athlone. Your extensive expertise in systems integration and validation will be pivotal to ensuring the seamless operation of Facilities, Utilities, and Manufacturing automation systems. You'll own the DCS environment, driving integration with MES and historian systems to advance our paperless manufacturing strategy. By coordinating technical activities across teams and projects, you'll ensure consistent application of our platform strategy and contribute to budget planning for automation systems. Your role is crucial in enabling our Review-by-Exception strategy and promoting innovation in shop-floor automation solutions.
What You’ll Do:
- Coordinate technical activities for Athlone PLC/DCS/MES contractor operations supporting site initiatives and projects.
- Act as the technical owner for ATH PLC/DCS/MES systems, providing operational support and defining sustainable support models.
- Develop key performance indicators and apply procedures for deviations, change control, and validation.
- Establish rigorous quality standards across the PLC/DCS/MES delivery lifecycle from concept to operation.
- Provide technical input to OPEX and CAPEX planning, aligning resources to deliver projects on schedule and within budget.
- Influence stakeholders to adopt innovative automation solutions and resolve technical challenges.
- Lead technical forums to align decisions, remove constraints, and progress agreed outcomes.
- Maintain high ethical standards and confidentiality of sensitive information.
Who You Are:
You are a forward-thinking individual with a strong technical acumen and the ability to work independently and collaboratively. Your proactive nature and resourcefulness enable you to manage competing priorities effectively. You thrive in challenging situations, making sound decisions under pressure while providing guidance. Your strong communication and organizational skills, coupled with your ability to influence and negotiate, make you an invaluable asset to cross-functional teams. With a commitment to excellence, you consistently demonstrate the core elements valued by our organization.
Required Skills:
- B.S. or M.S. degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or Industrial Engineering.
- Minimum of 15 years of experience as a PLC/DCS/MES Engineer in delivering DCS and/or MES requirements.
- Experience with PI Historian, Thin Manager and WIN911 systems.
- At least 10 years of experience in the biotech/pharmaceutical industry in a manufacturing operational support role.
- Demonstrated ability to take ownership and effectively collaborate across teams.
- Strong skills in influencing stakeholders, sharing expertise, and delivering process improvements and projects.
Preferred Skills:
- Fluency in German or French.
- Experience in regulated environments with knowledge of cGMP, OSHA, and EPA requirements.
Why Biogen?
We are a global team with a commitment to excellence, and a pioneering spirit. As a mid-sized biotechnology company, we provide the stability and resources of a well-established business while fostering an environment where individual contributions make a significant impact. Our team encompasses some of the most talented and passionate achievers who have unparalleled opportunities for learning, growth, and expanding their skills. Above all, we work together to deliver life-changing medicines, with every role playing a vital part in our mission. Caring Deeply. Achieving Excellence. Changing Lives.
At Biogen, we are committed to building on our culture of inclusion and belonging that reflects the communities where we operate and the patients we serve. We know that diverse backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives make us a stronger and more innovative company, and we are focused on building teams where every employee feels empowered and inspired. Read on to learn more about Biogen.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, race, color, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, religion, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information or any other basis protected by federal, state or local law. Biogen is an E-Verify Employer in the United States.