Principal Automation Engineer (415)

Réalta Technologies are seeking a Principal Automation Engineer with 10+ years experience to support our Pharmaceutical client based in Dublin.

The successful candidate will lead end-to-end automation strategy and delivery for new and existing MFG lines and provide technical leadership across core systems.

Job Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end automation strategy and delivery for new and existing manufacturing lines (Syringe, Vial, Inspection & Packaging), including commissioning, optimisation, and ongoing sustaining support.
• Define and drive the Digital Manufacturing roadmap, including technology selection, architecture design, and innovation across MES, IIoT, AI, and data platforms.
• Own and deliver transformation initiatives such as MES standardisation, process digitisation, instrument data acquisition, and Plant Pulse / IIoT deployments.
• Provide technical leadership across core systems including SCADA, MES, DCS platforms, and Historian systems (e.g. PI, RtReports), ensuring performance, scalability, and compliance.
• Lead packaging and inspection system integration and support, including track & trace solutions (e.g. Systech Guardian) and SAP ATTP compliance.
• Act as the key site Automation Business Partner, collaborating with Manufacturing, QA, Packaging, Maintenance, and Engineering to align automation solutions with operational goals.
• Engage with global IT and infrastructure teams (e.g. Citrix, Microsoft, virtualisation, network/security) to ensure alignment between OT and IT architectures.
• Drive cybersecurity, infrastructure resilience, and compliance initiatives, ensuring systems meet corporate and regulatory standards (GxP, data integrity, cybersecurity frameworks).
• Oversee system integrations across enterprise layers, including SAP, Level 2 systems (OPC, MES interfaces, PI), and digital automation tools such as RPA (e.g. UiPath).
• Lead troubleshooting, break-fix, and continuous improvement activities, ensuring minimal downtime and continuous optimisation of manufacturing systems.
• Mentor and guide automation engineers and cross-functional teams, establishing best practices, standards, and governance across projects and operations.

Job Requirements

• 10+ years' experience in Automation Engineering within pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or regulated manufacturing environments
• Strong expertise across automation stack, including PLC/SCADA, MES and data historians.
• Proven experience leading large-scale digital transformation initiatives, including MES standardisation, IIoT deployment, and smart manufacturing solutions.
• Deep understanding of packaging and inspection systems, including serialization and track & trace (e.g. Systech, SAP ATTP).
• Experience with enterprise and Level 2/3 integrations, including OPC, middleware, SAP integration, and data platforms.
• Solid knowledge of infrastructure and IT/OT convergence, including virtualisation (VMware/Hyper-V), networking, Citrix environments, and cloud/digital platforms.
• Strong familiarity with cybersecurity principles and frameworks in regulated environments (e.g. IEC 62443, data integrity, GxP compliance).
• Experience with automation of digital workflows, including RPA tools such as UiPath or similar.
• Demonstrated ability to operate as a senior stakeholder and business partner, influencing across site and global teams.
• Strong leadership capability with experience mentoring engineers and leading cross-functional project teams.
• Excellent problem-solving, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Bachelor's degree (or higher) in Automation, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related discipline.