Automation Engineer

Job Description

Automation Engineer

• Permanent, full-time role with competitive remuneration and benefits

• Location:  Onsite - Wellington, Upper Hutt, New Zealand

• Career growth: Expand your expertise in a growing, successful industry

• Professional development: Gain valuable experience in a dynamic, evolving role

The Automation Engineer is responsible for the reliability, compliance, and continuous improvement of automation and shop‑floor digital systems at the Upper Hutt site.

The role supports GxP manufacturing and utilities by maintaining compliant computerized systems, improving access to reliable shop‑floor data, and ensuring systems remain fit for purpose and audit‑ready throughout their lifecycle.

The position works closely with Manufacturing, Engineering, Validation, and IT to support effective IT/OT integration and sustainable site operations.

What You Will Do

Business Partnership

• Build effective working relationships with Manufacturing, Engineering, Maintenance, Validation, Quality, and IT stakeholders

• Develop working knowledge of site processes and utilities to ensure automation effectively supports operations

• Support troubleshooting, investigations, and continuous improvement activities

Technical Delivery

• Maintain and improve site automation systems, primarily through brownfield upgrades and incremental improvements

• Develop, modify, and maintain automation software for equipment and process improvements.

• Provide technical direction and coordination for automation vendors and contractors

• Maintain automation system design intent to support long‑term sustainability

IT / OT & Cybersecurity

• Operate within established IT/OT governance, including ServiceNow‑based change and incident management

• Ensure compliance with cybersecurity, access control, backup, and recovery requirements

• Support segmented shop‑floor networks and non‑internet‑connected automation systems

Data & Reporting

• Maintain and enhance the Shop Floor Network (SFN) and data historian infrastructure

• Support operational reporting and visualization to enable performance monitoring, investigations, and improvement initiatives

Projects, Change & Compliance

• Execute automation work in line with site roadmaps and approved change management processes.

• Prepare and execute automation‑related validation and qualification activities (AIQs/AOQs)

• Maintain automation documentation and support audits and inspections

Safety & Ways of Working

• Support safe, compliant operations and model Safe by Choice behaviors

• Travel may be required on a project‑by‑project basis

What You Must have

Education & Experience Level:

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent with relevant experience in Computer Science, Computer Science Engineering, Electrical/Automation Engineering

OR

• Equivalent industry or trade experience in Pharmaceutical or related setting

• Experience implementing and supporting manufacturing automation systems

• Minimal 3 years of experience in automation and process control

Favourable Technical Competencies:

• Pharmaceutical or food manufacturing environments

• GAMP

• SCADA systems (preferably Rockwell FactoryTalk or equivalent)

• Utilities automation including CIP, Purified Water, Clean Steam, HVAC, and environmental monitoring

• Data historians and reporting tools (e.g. PI, Power BI, SQL‑based reporting)

What You Can Expect

• Take ownership of automation projects with strong leadership support and clear career pathways

• Hands-on opportunities to upskill in industrial automation, data analytics, and validation practices

• Exposure to cross‑functional projects and internal mobility

• Join a collaborative, high‑performing team focused on reliable, compliant, and modern shop‑floor systems

We are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing talented and committed people together. The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when ideas come together in an inclusive environment. We encourage our colleagues to respectfully challenge one another’s thinking and approach problems collectively. We are an equal opportunity employer, committed to fostering an inclusive workplace.

Required Skills:

Automation Testing, Business Process Improvements, Data Management, Good Automated Manufacturing Practice (GAMP), Manufacturing Automation, Manufacturing Systems, Microsoft Power Business Intelligence (BI), Process Control Automation, Process Control Systems, Production Automation, Rockwell Automation FactoryTalk PharmaSuite, SCADA Control Systems, Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC), SQL Reports, Time Management

Preferred Skills:

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Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

Search Firm Representatives Please Read Carefully 
Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, also known as Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, Rahway, NJ, USA, does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. All CVs / resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at our company without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of our company.  No fee will be paid in the event a candidate is hired by our company as a result of an agency referral where no pre-existing agreement is in place. Where agency agreements are in place, introductions are position specific. Please, no phone calls or emails. 

Employee Status:

Regular

Relocation:

VISA Sponsorship:

Travel Requirements:

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Not Applicable

Shift:

Valid Driving License:

Hazardous Material(s):

Job Posting End Date:

05/5/2026

*A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFORE the listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date.