Automation Engineer (PLC)

Key responsibilities for this role include:

• • Reporting to the Client Automation Engineering Manager, this is a key role supporting the Site Automation systems including the manufacturing process equipment, manufacturing Network, BMS/EMS, SCADA, PLCs/HMIs and Factory data systems.
  • Manage multiple projects and tasks to address factory automation obsolescence including equipment priority, project management to meet agreed schedules.
  • Develop regulatory compliant data migration strategies.
  • Install new HMI’s and associated HMI applications, where required implement PLC upgrades to support the factory automation obsolescence project.
  • Work closely with the Client vendor package equipment (VPE) suppliers to select appropriate obsolescence remediation options.
  • Implementing code/systems changes on the automation systems under change management/change control as part of sustaining and capital projects.
  • Develop automated system life cycle documents, including validation documents.
  • Maintaining the validated state of the automation systems.
  • Carrying out control system revalidation.
  • Ensuring automation systems comply with regulatory guidelines.
  • Developing recovery/backup solutions for equipment failures.
  • Developing Archiving systems and procedures for all relevant production equipment.
  • Supporting maintenance activities as required - including troubleshooting of high-speed packaging equipment and highly automated process equipment.
  • Assist in training personnel on specific aspects of Automation Systems.
  • Support to projects in terms of Specification, procurement, implementation and validation of automated systems and performance of Source Code Reviews.
  • Ensure compliance of manufacturing systems, including management of user access to GMP systems.
  • Design and implement solutions across automation platforms in line with the site change control procedures.
  • Support to disaster recovery process and execution of system back-ups at defined intervals.
  • Collaborate with other business functions to understand how automation can improve workflow.

The minimum qualifications for this role include: 

• • A degree in Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Industrial Automation and Control systems, or equivalent.
  • Ideally 5+ years post-qualification experience in a similar role supporting industrial automated systems in a high-speed, high-volume regulated environment having a focus on factory automation systems obsolescence.
  • Experience of system integration using Ethernet, ASi, Profibus & other industrial interfaces.
  • Experience of working with vendor on obsolescence and system upgrade projects.
  • Experience with SQL Server, Rockwell Factory Talk VantagePoint, drives and motion controllers.
  • Subject Matter Expertise in the following areas:
    
    • Control of software assets using Rockwell Factory Talk Asset Centre.
    • Industrial controllers - Allen Bradley, Schneider Pac Drive, Siemens and B&R PLCs, IPCs, Zenon, Wonderware, WinCC and Allen Bradley HMIs & Mitsubishi Robotics.
    • Industrial vision systems, preferably Cognex VisionPro and Insight Explorer.
    • Acronis Backup and Restore Software.
    • Kepware OPC configuration.
  • Excellent verbal communication skills with an ability to work with various stakeholders of all levels and within multidisciplinary teams.
  • Demonstrated problem-solving and creative thinker to troubleshoot problems as they arise and find effective solutions.
  • Organisational skills to map out projects, prioritize workload and keep accurate documentation.
  • Understanding of automation system implementation and validation life cycle along with an understanding of the product quality impact of changes.
  • Must have a Valid EU Work Permit and Residency in Ireland