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Controls Engineer II

Merck Group.com

Office

Carrigtwohill, Cork, IE, T23 A5NR

Full Time

Work Your Magic with us! 
 
Ready to explore, break barriers, and discover more? We know you’ve got big plans – so do we! Our colleagues across the globe love innovating with science and technology to enrich people’s lives with our solutions in Healthcare, Life Science, and Electronics. Together, we dream big and are passionate about caring for our rich mix of people, customers, patients, and planet. That`s why we are always looking for curious minds that see themselves imagining the unimaginable with us.

The Role

This role is responsible for the design, commissioning, maintenance, fault finding and replacement of all controls equipment including PLC's, vision systems and servo drives . As an automation SME for the Blarney site this role will lead the growth in technology and development of capabilities of technical persons within the Blarney site. This role will aim to develop the automation teams skills and processes to improve productivity of the machines under this roles remit. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Reporting to the Electrical & Automation manager your responsibilities will include but not be limited to:

  • Design, develop, install, modify and test the programming of PLC's, Robotics, vision systems as well as supporting the sites SCADA systems.
  • Responsible for repairing, fault finding, and troubleshooting automation issues on production equipment as part of a team working in a live production environment
  • Collaborate with team members to implement effective repairs and improvements.
  • Develop knowledge of on-site systems and equipment such as PLC's, Servo motors, vision systems and robotics to become the Site SME for these technologies. Lead or manage the development of GAMP documentation with the project team e.g. URS, FDS, FAT, SAT etc
  • Participate and in some cases lead projects, provide technical support and make informed decisions on hardware and architecture selection.
  • Monitor and analyze opportunities for the development of new or improved tools for process improvement activities. Define the equipment and technologies to be used in the department based on experience in the area.
  • Support the site during out of hours with automation issues as part of the Automation Oncall service as part of the Automation On-call team rota.
  • Have a keen ability to fault find complex automation equipment including interrogation ofprogram code to identify issues.
  • Coach area technicians and junior control engineers as required and support problemsolving and continuous improvement efforts across all areas of Biotools.
  • Carry out justification for capital projects for the site and lead all elements of the projectwithin schedule and costs
  • Manage all Requisitions and financial needs to ensure site discretionary budgets and capitalbudgets are met.
  • Give input to the budgeting process for controls \ automation needs to allow the correctfinance to be put in place for execution.
  • Ensure project design and installations meet the requirement of EU directives such as theMachinery Directive and CE compliance.
  • Ensure Electrical Control Panels are built to standard and adhere to Safety of Machinery –EN60204-1.
  • Develop critical spares list for site controls and automation hardware & ensure that criticalspares are in stock or are readily available at all times. Ensure that an effective program is thenmaintained.
  • Investigate EHS incidents, lead RCAs and complete EHS actions as appropriate.
  • Perform all tasks with due recognition of safety, environment, GMP & plant procedures.
  • Support production teams in attaining all targets set out in the production schedule
  • Responsible for the supervision and control of all documentation / back up systems relatedto plant controls and PLC's.
  • Responsible for negotiating and maintaining all associated support contracts.
  • Responsible for keeping all controls related equipment up to date and conforming to allinternationally recognised standards.

Who You Are

BEng degree in electrical/electronic/automation engineering or equivalent, with particularemphasis in the automation discipline.

Minimum of 7 years + industry experience in an FDA or GMP environment as an automation\ controls engineer.

Electrician experience and qualification is desirable.

Experience with Robotic/pick &place Machines with high speed assembly operations required.

Knowledge of interfacing with and controlling of servo drive and Motion Control systems.

Knowledge of Vision Systems is preferable. [Cognex and other Vendors]

Experienced with Rockwell, Siemens S7, Telemecanique and other types of PLC Controllers.

In depth knowledge of automation network protocols including EtherNet IP, DeviceNet,ControlNet, Modbus and Profibus.

Knowledge of control systems integration with plant MES (Manufacturing Execution System).

Excellent problem solving and analytical ability and the ability to work as part of a team.

Be familiar with planned preventative maintenance approaches.

Excellent awareness and experience in relation to Quality and Health, Environment andSafety.

Management of projects through their full life-cycle.

Knowledge of CE marking and declaration of conformity reviews and approvals.

A knowledge of IT systems that support manufacturing equipment.

Lead Machine Improvement Initiatives to increase reliability or productivity.

What we offer: We are curious minds that come from a broad range of backgrounds, perspectives, and life experiences. We celebrate all dimensions of diversity. We believe that it drives excellence, innovation, and human progress. We care about our customers, patients, and our rich mix of people. This diversity strengthens our ability to lead in science and technology. We are committed to creating access and opportunities for all and empower you to fulfil your ambitions. Our diverse businesses offer various career moves to seek new horizons. Join us in building a culture of inclusion and belonging that impacts millions and empowers everyone to bring their curiosity to life!  

Controls Engineer II

Office

Carrigtwohill, Cork, IE, T23 A5NR

Full Time

September 25, 2025

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Merck Group

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