About Abbott

Abbott is a global healthcare leader committed to helping people live healthier lives through a diverse portfolio of medical devices, diagnostics, nutritionals, and generic medicines. In Ireland, we operate across ten sites and employ over 6,000 people. The Cootehill facility is Abbott’s largest global site for infant formula production — processing over 500,000 litres of milk daily, exported worldwide.

Role Overview

As an Automation Engineer, you will play a key role in designing, implementing, and optimizing advanced automation systems that support efficient manufacturing and compliance with industry standards. This position requires a specialist professional with comprehensive knowledge of pharmaceutical and biological processes, capable of executing highly complex projects and developing innovative solutions.

Main Purpose of Role

• Serve as a highly experienced resource in implementing and maintaining pharmaceutical/biological processes.
• Adapt traditional approaches to develop solutions for complex automation challenges.

Key Responsibilities

System Design & Optimization

• Design and develop automation solutions to increase efficiency and support production goals.
• Calculate and organize data for complex process flow sheets, including instrumentation and control considerations.
• Model processes and unit operations; ensure proper sequence of operation.
• Oversee installation, testing, and commissioning of automation equipment and software.

Project Collaboration & Planning

• Partner with project managers, engineers, and stakeholders to define scope and objectives.
• Develop detailed project plans including timelines, budgets, and resource needs.

Operational Technology & Support

• Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues related to automation equipment, software, and networked systems.
• Maintain and support SCADA, Siemens PLCs, and OSIsoft Pi systems.
• Conduct tests and measurements throughout production stages to monitor variables such as temperature, pressure, and viscosity.

Compliance & Documentation

• Ensure automation systems comply with FDA cGxP, 21 CFR Part 11, GAMP, and internal policies.
• Prepare specifications, operating instructions, and maintain user manuals and project reports.
• May be responsible for corrective and preventive actions and investigation management.

Training & Continuous Improvement

• Provide training and support for end-users on system operation and maintenance.
• Stay current with evolving technologies and apply best practices across automation disciplines.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or related field.
• Minimum 2+ years of experience in automation or control systems, ideally in manufacturing or regulated industries.
• Familiarity with FDA cGxP, 21 CFR Part 11, and GAMP software validation desirable.
• Knowledge of ANSI/ISA-S88, S95, PackML standards advantageous.
• Experience with Siemens PLCs, SCADA, and data historian systems preferred.

Skills & Attributes

• Analytical thinker with excellent problem-solving skills.
• Strong communicator able to simplify complex technical topics.
• Team-oriented and comfortable collaborating across departments.
• Proactive learner who adapts quickly to new technologies.