Job Description

A fantastic opportunity has arisen for a Manufacturing Automation Senior Specialist to join our state-of-the-art, single-use multiproduct facility in Dunboyne, Co. Meath.

As a senior technical leader within the Manufacturing Automation team, you will provide expertise and leadership for Emerson DeltaV systems, supporting system design, implementation, lifecycle management, and continuous improvement. Working closely with Engineering, Operations, Quality, Validation, MES, OEM Automation, and Global Technology teams, you will ensure reliable, compliant, and inspection-ready automation performance.

Within the Digital Manufacturing Operations (DMO) team, you will lead the resolution of complex automation challenges, support new product introductions (NPIs) and business-critical projects, and mentor colleagues while driving technical excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• System Ownership: Act as the primary technical System Owner for the Emerson DeltaV DCS process automation equipment supporting Upstream, Downstream, Solution Prep, and utility systems.

• Sustaining Support: Provide advanced technical support for process control and automation configuration during commercial and clinical production.

• Root Cause Analysis: Lead technical root-cause analyses, deviation investigations, and troubleshooting for complex electrical, instrumentation, and equipment control systems.

• Project Leadership: Lead approved engineering projects and continuous improvement initiatives, aligning automation upgrades with DMO and site strategies.

• Tech Transfer & NPI: Lead engineering assessments, design configuration modifications, and support clinical validation runs for New Product Introductions (NPIs).

• Change Control: Manage high-level system owner duties including automation change control assessments, maintenance scheduling, and compliance oversight.

• Audit Readiness: Maintain all DeltaV systems in a GMP-compliant, audit-ready state and represent the automation department during internal and external regulatory inspections.

• Digital Innovation: Identify, design, and deploy paperless and digital manufacturing tools to support the facility's advanced automation vision.

• Operational Excellence: Actively participate in GEMBA walks and Go-Sees, and author detailed technical specifications and SOPs.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Biotechnology, Automation, Mechatronics, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related technical field.

• Minimum 7 years of hands-on automation engineering experience with Emerson DeltaV systems in a GMP-regulated (Biotechnology/Pharmaceutical) environment.

• Proven track record acting as an Area Lead delivering Tech Transfer, Process Design, and Commissioning/Qualification.

• In-depth working knowledge of Batch Control Systems (ISA S88/S95) including design, configuration, testing, and commissioning.

• Advanced understanding of industry standards: cGMPs, GAMP 5, 21 CFR Part 11, CSV/SDLC methodologies, and deviation management.

• Outstanding communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills with a strong collaborative mindset.

Preferred

• Demonstrated ability to coach, mentor, and foster a growth mindset in junior engineering team members.

• Prior experience integrating DeltaV with Siemens OEM Automation and MES (PAS-X) platforms.

• Exceptional ability to plan, prioritize, and allocate resources to complete complex business-critical projects on time.

• Exposure or involvement in Regulatory Audits

Required Skills:

Biopharmaceutical Manufacturing, DeltaV DCS, Emerson DeltaV, ISA88, Manufacturing Automation, Process Control Systems, Root Cause Analysis (RCA)

Preferred Skills:

MES Integration, Technical Leadership, Technical Mentoring

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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:

No relocation

VISA Sponsorship:

Yes

Travel Requirements:

No Travel Required

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Hybrid

Shift:

Not Indicated

Valid Driving License:

No

Hazardous Material(s):

na

Job Posting End Date:

10/3/2026

*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.