Automation Engineer

Role Overview

• The Automation Engineer is responsible for the reliability, compliance, and continuous improvement of automation and shop‑floor digital systems at the Upper Hutt site.
• The role supports GxP manufacturing and utilities by maintaining compliant computerized systems, improving access to reliable shop‑floor data, and ensuring systems remain fit for purpose and audit‑ready throughout their lifecycle.
• The position works closely with Manufacturing, Engineering, Validation, and IT to support effective IT/OT integration and sustainable site operations.
• Build effective working relationships with Manufacturing, Engineering, Maintenance, Validation, Quality, and IT stakeholders.
• Develop working knowledge of site processes and utilities to ensure automation effectively supports operations.
• Support troubleshooting, investigations, and continuous improvement activities.
• Maintain and improve site automation systems, primarily through brownfield upgrades and incremental improvements.
• Develop, modify, and maintain automation software for equipment and process improvements.
• Provide technical direction and coordination for automation vendors and contractors.
• Maintain automation system design intent to support long‑term sustainability.
• Operate within established IT/OT governance, including ServiceNow‑based change and incident management.
• Ensure compliance with cybersecurity, access control, backup, and recovery requirements.
• Maintain and enhance the Shop Floor Network (SFN) and data historian infrastructure.
• Support operational reporting and visualization to enable performance monitoring, investigations, and improvement initiatives.
• Execute automation work in line with site roadmaps and approved change management processes.
• Prepare and execute automation‑related validation and qualification activities (AIQs/AOQs).
• Maintain automation documentation and support audits and inspections.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent with relevant experience in Computer Science, Computer Science Engineering, Electrical/Automation Engineering OR Equivalent industry or trade experience in Pharmaceutical or related setting
• Experience implementing and supporting manufacturing automation systems
• Minimal 3 years of experience in automation and process control
• Pharmaceutical or food manufacturing environments
• GAMP SCADA systems (preferably Rockwell FactoryTalk or equivalent)
• Utilities automation including CIP, Purified Water, Clean Steam, HVAC, and environmental monitoring
• Data historians and reporting tools (e.g. PI, Power BI, SQL‑based reporting)

Tech Stack

• Cyber Security
• ServiceNow
• SQL

Benefits

• Career growth: Expand your expertise in a growing, successful industry
• Professional development: Gain valuable experience in a dynamic, evolving role