Process Automation Engineer

About the Company

Cognizant is seeking an Automation Process Engineer to support our client, a leading Biotechnology manufacturing site in Limerick.

About the Role

This role suits someone who thrives in technical troubleshooting and close collaboration with process and operations teams, bringing automation expertise to bear on real production issues. The role will bring your automation expertise up a level as you work on end-to-end closure of issues. YouThe successful candidate will work closely with Process and Operations teams to provide technical support across manufacturing systems, covering either DeltaV or Syncade MES platforms (alongside Siemens PLC systems), depending on background and site need. Core responsibilities include investigating automation-related deviations, progressing CAPAs through to closure, supporting change control, and keeping automation or MES systems aligned with site quality requirements. You will be able to simplify and explain technical concepts to cross-functional teams. The role sits at the interface of Process, Operations, Quality, Engineering, and Compliance, with a focus on improving system reliability, supporting day-to-day production needs, and identifying continuous improvement opportunities that support safe, efficient manufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Act as the DCS or MES liaison for Process and Operations teams, supporting deviations, investigations, CAPAs and quality events involving DeltaV or Syncade MES
• Diagnose and resolve issues across DeltaV- or Syncade-controlled manufacturing and utility systems, applying structured root cause analysis, in close coordination with Process and Operations
• Drive CAPA development and implementation through to closure, arising from automation or MES investigations
• Partner with Process, Operations, Quality, Engineering to work through automation or MES issues as they arise
• Review and contribute to change controls, risk assessments and technical documentation related to automation/MES systems
• Spot recurring issues across systems and lead continuous improvement activity to strengthen reliability and support production goals
• Provide automation/MES subject matter expertise during audit and inspection readiness activities
• Maintain automation or MES system alignment with GMP, data integrity, and site procedural requirements
• Contribute to lifecycle management work — system upgrades, obsolescence planning, and preventative maintenance programmes
• Carry out routine system checks such as audit trail reviews and backup/restore testing

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related discipline

Required Skills

• 2+ years’ hands-on experience with DeltaV and/or Syncade MES, including associated hardware and applications
• 2+ years’ experience handling deviations, CAPAs, and change controls in a GMP-regulated environment
• Demonstrated root cause analysis and troubleshooting ability on automated or MES-controlled manufacturing systems
• Familiarity with the GAMP software development lifecycle and ANSI/ISA-88 standards
• Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to deliver under time pressure
• Good planning, organisational, and communication skills
• Comfortable operating across diverse, cross-functional teams, with close day-to-day engagement with Process and Operations