Job Summary:
12 month contract with a ground-breaking pharmaceutical client in South Dublin who are seeking a Automation Project Manager to drive project deliverables. They will lead automation and control system upgrade projects on a GMP pharmaceutical site. The initial focus is on Siemens PLC/HMI lifecycle replacements and OT/IT integration. The role reports to the site Automation Manager and works closely with Production, Engineering, Quality and IT to deliver compliant, efficient and reliable automation solutions.
Responsibilities:
- Lead a programme of Siemens PLC and HMI upgrade projects.
- Manage upgrades from S7-200/S7-300 to S7-1200/S7-1500 platforms, and from Siemens TP Comfort to Unified HMI panels.
- Plan and execute system cutovers, shutdowns and commissioning with minimal operational impact.
- Coordinate activities between vendors, Automation, Validation, Operations and IT/OT teams in a GMP environment.
- Manage full project lifecycle: scope, schedule, budget, quality, risks and compliance.
- Lead project planning, design, FAT/SAT, commissioning and qualification of automation changes.
- Oversee legacy system replacement, lifecycle management and obsolescence planning.
- Act as primary interface with automation and IT/OT vendors, including change control and performance oversight.
- Support integration of plant control systems with OT/IT platforms for data integrity, monitoring and performance improvement.
- Develop and manage project documentation (URS, design specs, test plans, validation protocols, business cases, capex).
- Lead risk management, stakeholder engagement and progress reporting to Automation Manager and other stakeholders.
- Ensure all automation projects meet GMP, data integrity, 21 CFR Part 11, Annex 11 and corporate standards.
Requirements:
- 5–7+ years in automation, controls engineering or technical project management within a GMP or regulated manufacturing environment.
- Demonstrated experience delivering Siemens PLC/HMI upgrade projects (S7-1200/1500, Unified HMIs).
- Experience working with cross-functional technical teams and external automation/IT/OT vendors.
- Background in commissioning, qualification and lifecycle replacement of control systems.
- Strong understanding of Siemens PLC and HMI platforms and modern automation architectures.
- Knowledge of OT/IT integration, industrial networking and cybersecurity fundamentals.
- Familiarity with GMP automation standards, GAMP 5 and data integrity principles.
- Ability to interpret P&IDs, electrical drawings and control system design documentation.
- Proficient in managing scope, schedule, budget, risk and change control across multiple projects.
- Experience planning and executing shutdowns, cutovers, testing and commissioning.
- Skilled in preparing URS, FDS/DDS, test protocols, validation documentation and capex submissions.
- Strong communication and stakeholder engagement abilities.
- Structured, analytical and compliance-oriented approach to problem-solving.
- Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, multi-project environment.
- Degree in Automation, Electrical/Controls Engineering, Computer Science or a related technical field.
- Project management certification (PMP, PRINCE2) is advantageous.
- Siemens automation or equivalent OEM training is beneficial.
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