MES FLS Automation Engineer

What is it like to work at SimoTech? With a strong collaborative teamwork culture based on respect, trust and excellence, we play a critical partnering role to our clients’ life‑changing supply of products to patients. In return, there is excellent salary, benefits, career progression, educational support and much more.

SimoTech is seeking an Automation Engineer to join our Front‑Line Support (FLS) team, providing on‑site operational support at a large‑scale greenfield biopharmaceutical facility in Limerick. The successful candidate will focus on troubleshooting and supporting day‑to‑day operations while upholding compliance with industry standards and site procedures.

In this role you will be a key member of the 24/7 Automation FLS Team tasked with providing real‑time MES support and performing preventative and corrective tasks across recipes, batch execution, master data and system interfaces in accordance with GAMP and cGMP standards. The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 5 years’ experience working with Syncade MES in the life sciences sector, with strong hands‑on troubleshooting and batch process support experience.

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• Provide real‑time technical support for Syncade MES, including MES–DeltaV interactions and production‑related issues.
  
• Troubleshoot and resolve batch execution failures, workflow errors, and system integration faults to minimise downtime.
  
• Maintain MES master data, such as materials, equipment classes, statuses, and specifications.
  
• Ensure seamless operation of MES with DeltaV, SAP, weighing scales, printers, and other peripheral devices.
  
• Monitor and maintain system connectivity, including OPC and other integration protocols, ensuring accurate and timely data exchange between MES and automation systems.
  
• Maintain equipment workflows, status diagrams, and event‑state matrices to support efficient operations and compliance.
  
• Support equipment tracking (ET) workflows, ensuring real‑time equipment status updates and cleaning verification.
  
• Maintain audit‑ready documentation, including configuration history, change controls, and validation records.
  
• Prepare technical reports and root cause analyses, providing recommendations for continuous improvement and system reliability.
  

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• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Life Sciences or equivalent.
  
• A minimum of 5 years’ experience working with Syncade MES within the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industries.
  
• Previous on‑site experience supporting MES recipe troubleshooting, master data, equipment workflows or batch execution in GMP manufacturing is essential.
  
• Excellent diagnostics skills with the ability to think laterally.Ability to resolve complex automation issues in high‑pressure, fast‑paced manufacturing environments.
  
• Strong knowledge of S‑88 Batch Standard is essential with onsite exposure to batch process preferred.
  
• Knowledge and familiarity with regulated industry standards, including exposure to cGMP, GAMP and 21 CFR Part 11.
  
• Excellent communication skills and interpersonal skills with strong spoken and written English.
  
• Willing to work 24/7/365 shift (alternating days and nights) and in an on‑site team environment.
  
• Willing to upskill across various technologies – DeltaV, PI, Siemens PLC’s, Desigo BMS.
  

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• Role provides a high degree of autonomy to allow the successful candidate to reach their full potential.
  
• Develop new skills and enhance technical ability by working with innovative technologies in a multi‑disciplined environment. xcfaprz
  
• Opportunity to work with large corporate clients on exciting capital projects.