Senior Automation Engineer
Key Skills
Job Description
The Equipment Automation team within the Equipment Engineering department is seeking an enthusiastic, results-oriented and experienced Automation Engineer to join a growing organization in Noord-Brabant, Netherlands. • The candidate will be responsible for the automation aspects related to the implementation of new or upgraded equipment in manufacturing, within Device Assembly, Inspection, Labeling and Packaging areas, to ensure equipment reliability, operational readiness and long-term sustainability. • He/she is responsible for overseeing the automation criteria within the design, installation, and lifecycle of equipment used in operations. This role involves collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure efficient equipment performance, troubleshooting equipment failures, and implementing improvements to optimize productivity and safety. Design Engineering • Author and/or review design documents such as User Requirements Specifications (URS), Functional Specification Document (FDS), Hardware Design Specification (HDS) and Software Design Specification (SDS). • Support the installation, testing, and commissioning of equipment systems while taking network security settings (including domain settings and firewalls) into account. • Support FAT, commissioning and qualification activities as required. Key Responsibilities Day-to-day • Manage delivery of equipment automation activities according to project timelines. • Support New Product Introduction (NPI) activities on site. • Support testing phases at equipment vendors and on-site together with project teams. • Ensure equipment is secured according to company security software standards. • Deliver progress reporting to Project Management and stakeholders. • Implement company automation standards for hardware and software. • Install mandatory monitoring tools. • Participate in Data Integrity Assessments. • Conduct Automation Preventive Maintenance assessments. • Advise on automation spare parts and support creation of Asset Spare Parts Lists. • Create and test backup and restore procedures/work instructions for configurable parts. • Create parameter and audit trail review procedures/work instructions. • Create and update Asset Parameter Lists (APL). • Support connection to PI Data Historian systems. • Provide automation training to Maintenance, Engineering and Operations teams as required. • Provide operational hypercare support on the manufacturing floor when needed. • Update documentation required to sustain ongoing operational support. Basic Qualifications • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Industrial Automation Engineering, Industrial Information Systems, or related field. • Proven experience in independently executing projects within cross-functional and global engineering environments. • Minimum 5 years of experience providing process control and information systems solutions and support within biotechnology, pharmaceutical or highly regulated manufacturing environments. • Proven experience with labeling and packaging equipment. • Experience with Industrial PCs, PLCs, HMIs, SCADA systems and vision systems (Cognex). • Established technical expertise within automation engineering. • Experience working in regulated environments (e.g. GMP, OSHA, EPA). • Flexibility to occasionally work outside standard office hours. • Fluent English, both written and spoken. Preferred Qualifications • Strong automation expertise with the ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining focus on quality. • Excellent interpersonal and collaboration skills with the ability to work effectively across global teams. • Ability to influence and drive projects in matrix organizations. • Broad understanding of multiple engineering disciplines. • Strong written and verbal communication skills. • Ability to create and deliver clear presentations. • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. • Ability to develop practical and innovative solutions. • Self-directed, adaptable and comfortable working in a dynamic environment. Location: Noord-Brabant, The Netherlands Language: English required Industry: Pharmaceutical / Biotechnology Manufacturing Environment
Core Responsibilities
Manage automation activities for new and upgraded manufacturing equipment, including design documentation, installation, testing, commissioning, and qualification. Maintain equipment reliability and compliance through security standards, preventive maintenance assessments, data integrity procedures, documentation, training, and operational support.
Requirements
Requires a bachelor’s or master’s degree in industrial automation engineering, industrial information systems, or a related field, plus at least five years of relevant experience in biotechnology, pharmaceutical, or other highly regulated manufacturing. Candidates need experience with labeling and packaging equipment, industrial PCs, PLCs, HMIs, SCADA, and Cognex vision systems, as well as fluent written and spoken English.
About DPS Group Global
Industry: Architecture and Planning
Company size: 1,001-5,000 employees
DPS is a global consulting, engineering and construction management company, serving high-tech industries around the world. We have industry experts in key locations in Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and the US, bringing world-class resources and the latest innovative technologies to every project.