Senior Specialist, Manufacturing Automation (DeltaV Engineer)

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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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
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