The Growth Automation Engineer role is designed for early-career engineers who are eager to develop expertise in industrial automation within a GMP-regulated pharmaceutical environment. This position offers hands-on experience with control systems, manufacturing technologies, and digital systems that support production operations.
The successful candidate will work closely with senior automation engineers, operations, and IT teams to support automation systems, troubleshoot issues, and contribute to continuous improvement and digitalisation initiatives across the site.
Automation & Technical Support
Provide day-to-day support for automation and control systems used in manufacturing and utilities.
Assist in troubleshooting issues related to PLC, SCADA, and DCS systems to minimise downtime.
Support maintenance and reliability of automation systems and associated hardware.
Monitor system performance and escalate issues where necessary.
Gain hands-on experience with automation platforms such as:
PLC systems (e.g., Siemens, Allen-Bradley)
SCADA systems
Distributed Control Systems (DCS) such as DeltaV
Support system configuration, testing, and modifications under supervision.
Assist in maintaining system documentation, backups, and version control.
Support automation-related projects, including system upgrades and new implementations.
Contribute to process optimisation and digital transformation initiatives.
Participate in root cause analysis (RCA) and implement corrective actions.
Assist in the development and execution of small automation improvement projects.
Operate in compliance with GMP, EHS, and site quality standards.
Support validation activities including IQ, OQ, and PQ for automation systems.
Assist in preparing and reviewing validation and technical documentation.
Ensure adherence to data integrity and cybersecurity standards.
Work closely with Manufacturing, Quality, Maintenance, and IT teams.
Support cross-functional problem-solving and continuous improvement initiatives.
Communicate effectively with team members and escalate issues appropriately.
Participate in structured training programs focused on automation systems and GMP compliance.
Develop technical competencies in control systems, programming, and troubleshooting.
Build knowledge of pharmaceutical manufacturing processes and regulatory requirements.
RequirementsEducation
Bachelor’s degree in Automation, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronic, Computer Engineering, or related discipline.
Recent graduate or up to 2 years of relevant experience (including internships or placements).
Exposure to industrial automation or manufacturing environments is advantageous.
Basic understanding of automation and control systems (PLC, SCADA, DCS)
Exposure to programming environments (e.g., Siemens TIA Portal, Studio 5000) is desirable
Familiarity with IT systems, networks, and data systems is an advantage
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and basic data analysis
Understanding of GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice)
Awareness of validation principles (IQ/OQ/PQ)
Knowledge of data integrity and regulatory requirements in pharma
Strong willingness to learn and develop technical skills
Analytical thinking and problem-solving ability
Good communication and teamwork skills
Attention to detail and compliance mindset
Ability to work in a fast-paced, regulated environment
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Automation, Electrical, Mechatronic, Computer Engineering, or related discipline.
- Recent graduate or up to 2 years relevant experience (including internships or placements).
- Basic understanding of automation and control systems (PLC, SCADA, DCS).
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and basic data analysis.
- Exposure to programming environments (e.g., Siemens TIA Portal, Studio 5000).
- Familiarity with IT systems, networks, and data systems.
- Understanding of GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice).
- Awareness of validation principles (IQ/OQ/PQ) for automation systems.
- Knowledge of data integrity and regulatory requirements in pharma.
- Strong willingness to learn and develop technical skills (analytical thinking, problem solving).
- Good communication, teamwork, attention to detail, and compliance mindset.
What We Do
Horizon Controls Group: A global leader in automation consulting, enabling both clients and employees to live on the forefront of evolving technology. Horizon Controls Group is a modern, global technology company, specializing in automation consulting, engineering, and training. Founded on the belief that our people are the difference, we have grown entirely from customer references and successive projects. Our people and their established reputation are our most valued assets. This belief has created a great place to work, enabling us to attract the very best and to give our customers confidence in our superior solutions. Our business is comprised of excellence at every level. We employ a pro-active and comprehensive approach to projects -- asking the right questions, analyzing client needs, and engineering a skilled solution. We are committed to understanding the entire spectrum of your automation challenges and to developing uniquely tailored innovative solutions. Our decision to be vendor-independent enables us to offer tailored solutions and represent your needs free of any conflict of interest. We are aligned exclusively with our customers' goals and system requirements, enabling us to provide maximum value. Ultimately, the ability to harvest maximum value from new systems is dependent on the quality and training of your people. Just as we expect and ensure absolute expertise in our people, we work with you to ensure your team is trained to the specific needs of your organization and remain at the forefront of industry trends. We are a global company operating in the United States from our headquarters in Blue Bell, PA and offices in Indiana, Massachusetts, North Carolina, and California and from Cork in Ireland. This is Horizon Controls Group’s official company LinkedIn page.
