Automation Engineer

Job Description

An amazing opportunity has arisen for an Automation Engineer to join our Digital Manufacturing Operations (DMO) Team at our state-of-the-art, fully integrated vaccine facility in Dundalk Ireland.

You will play a significant role in supporting and improving Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) systems. Working closely with both Self-Directed Work Teams and hub teams, you will help identify and resolve issues to ensure reliable, efficient, and stable site operations.

If you are passionate about systems engineering and enjoy providing operational and technical support, this could be the perfect opportunity for you.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical support and digital design input to manufacturing automation systems onsite, focusing on OEM systems including Siemens and Rockwell.

• Maintain automation systems in a GMP compliant state and participate in audits.

• Support problem resolution and provide timely updates.

• Collaborate to resolve obstacles and build effective relationships.

• Investigate events, complete technical reports, and optimize system performance.

• Conduct risk assessments and develop system modifications.

• Control and modify automation system process recipes.

• Ensure automation system design, commissioning, qualification, and validation.

• Implement robust processes to drive right-first-time environment.

• Utilize Operational Excellence tools for designs and solutions.

• Maintain specifications and standard procedures.

• Establish best-in-class automation systems and methodologies.

• Review and approve changes to operating procedures.

• Identify and implement digital and paperless solutions.

• Participate in inspections and safety initiatives.

• Provide feedback and coaching to reinforce safety and improvement behaviours.

• Conduct risk assessments and identify safety improvements.

• Promote a culture of safety and dignity.

• Lead projects and continuous improvement initiatives.

• Support lean management system implementation.

Qualifications

Required

• Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field e.g. Biotechnology, Automation, Mechatronics, Chemical Engineering etc.

• 3+ years of similar experience working in a highly regulated industry.

• Demonstrated experience with PLC Automation systems.

• Experience with current industry platforms required with a focus on OEM (Siemens TIA, Step 7, WinCC, IFix, Rockwell, Trend).

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, attention to detail, and ability to work as part of a team, in a dynamic environment.

Preferred

• Experience with additional Automation Systems (PAS DeltaV, PI, MES).

• Interest in computerized systems and network infrastructure an advantage.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and know when to escalate issues for resolution.

• Experience in the biotechnology and/or pharmaceutical industry.

Required Skills:

Automated Manufacturing Systems, Automation Systems Design, Digital Manufacturing, GMP Compliance, Problem Management, Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC), Systems Engineering, Technical Solutions

Preferred Skills:

Current Employees apply HERE

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:

Hybrid

Shift:

Valid Driving License:

Hazardous Material(s):

Job Posting End Date:

05/27/2026

*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.