Senior Automation Engineer

At Ferring Pharmaceuticals, we help people around the world build families and live better lifes. We are entrepreneurial and innovative, with a global team focused on scientific advances in the areas of reproductive and women’s health, gastroenterology and urology. Ferring + You is all about working together and sharing ideas, so that we can bring science to life for patients around the world. 

Our Technical Operations division develops, manufactures and supplies high-quality products so our patients can live better lives. Creating and delivering life-changing products means getting it right first time is a shared responsibility, so our global manufacturing teams work closely together to ensure quality, accuracy and safety at all times. That means a culture of empowerment, where speaking up is valued, and growth and development are constant.  

Ferring+You  

The Senior Automation Engineer at our Swiss Manufacturing Plant located at St-Prex will ensure the reliable operation and optimization of the site’s manufacturing automation systems (OT systems). This includes resolving technical issues, managing automation projects, leading system validation, and overseeing the lifecycle of OT systems. The role also ensures OT systems are deployed on appropriately sized and configured IT infrastructure to meet performance and security needs. 

Beyond technical responsibilities, the role involves mentoring colleagues, enhancing team capabilities, and collaborating with different stakeholders to align OT strategies with site and global objectives. By contributing to roadmaps and standards, the engineer supports the integration and continuous improvement of automation systems. 

Your day at Ferring 

Technical Expertise and Operational Responsibilities: 

• Perform preventive and corrective maintenance (troubleshooting) of OT systems, ensuring uninterrupted functionality, technical compliance, and adherence to established standards 

• Manage and resolve escalated technical issues (Level 3) to support Process Maintenance Technicians 

• Manage the lifecycle of OT systems, including deployment, updates, upgrades, decommissioning, and ensuring long-term system sustainability 

• Lead the design, implementation, validation, and documentation of automated systems and oversee automation aspects of projects, including FAT, SAT, commissioning, IQ, OQ, and PQ activities 

• Manage supplier interventions, ensuring timely resolution and compliance with site protocols 

• Ensure OT systems are deployed and maintained on the right-sized and appropriately configured IT infrastructure to meet performance, scalability, and security requirements 

• Provide rotating 24/7 technical supervision and support (one week per month) involving a place of residence close to the factory for on-site intervention 

Leadership and Collaboration: 

• Provide coaching, technical guidance, and mentorship to other colleagues, fostering professional growth and building team capability 

• Collaborate with site and global IT/OT Management, System Owners, and other key manufacturing stakeholders to align automation strategies with site and global objectives 

• Contribute to the development and execution of IT/OT roadmaps by integrating OT systems, support site-specific OT/IT standards, and share expertise to align with and enhance global best practices 

Behind our innovation…There’s you 

Education and Experience: 

• Bachelor or Engineering Degree in Electrical/Automation, Process Engineering, Software Engineering, or related fields 

• Minimum 5 years of hands-on experience in implementing and maintaining Process Automation solutions, preferably within Pharmaceutical, Life Sciences, or FMCG industries

• Proven practical expertise with packaging systems (primary and secondary), experience in vision systems (Cognex would be an asset), experience in traceability and Track and trace systems

• Proven practical expertise with PLC/SCADA systems (e.g., Siemens, GE, Wonderware, Rockwell), DCS (e.g., Emerson Delta V), and integration between Level 2 and Level 3 systems (e.g. SCADA-to-MES integration)

Technical Skills: 

• Strong knowledge of OT software, including Historians and Database, data acquisition services (OPC UA), and approaches to manufacturing and quality management systems integration

• Solid understanding of electrical standards and IT infrastructure for OT solutions, including physical/virtual servers, virtualisation technologies, Microsoft platforms, and associated applications

• Familiarity with validation standards (e.g., GAMP) and regulatory compliance in a manufacturing environment

Leadership and Interpersonal Skills: 

• Leadership and mentoring abilities, with a focus on coaching, process improvement, compliance, and team capability building

• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills, with a results-oriented mindset

• Effective change management skills and the ability to build and motivate teams

• Proven ability to communicate clearly and influence stakeholders across different levels and functions

Project and Analytical Skills: 

• Project management experience, including budgeting and resource allocation

• Analytical mindset with the ability to understand complex systems and processes

Languages:

• Fluent in French, good in English 

People come first at Ferring 

• Get inspired from our commitment to advocate for everyone’s right to build a family, no matter who you are, where you live or who you love

• Our inclusive support package – “Building Families at Ferring” provides equal and accessible policies for all employees who wish to start their family journey, ensuring a global standard, irrespective of location and role 

• Parental leave for both birthing and non-birthing parents 

• Extended support on family building journey 

Making a difference in the life of millions of people means we succeed by working together. Our diverse backgrounds, experiences, expertise, and perspectives enable us to find solutions to even the most challenging problems, and our success is tied to each team member’s contributions. Imagine the power of your career when it’s Ferring + You. 

Behind our purpose… There’s you 

If our mission and your vision are aligned, please apply! 

We strive to build and maintain an inclusive and diverse workplace with equal opportunities and mutual respect for all employees regardless of their backgrounds and socioeconomic status.