OT Automation Engineer

Industries

Pharmaceutical, dairy / food & beverage and industrial manufacturing

Role Summary

CG Controls delivers industrial automation and IT/OT integration for regulated manufacturing sites across Ireland. We are looking for an Assistant OT Automation Engineer to support the delivery and upkeep of control systems and the IT infrastructure they run on – from PLCs and SCADA through to industrial networks, servers, virtualisation and cybersecurity.

This is a hybrid role. You will be as comfortable configuring a managed switch or a Windows Server as you are online with a PLC or commissioning a SCADA screen. You will work alongside senior engineers on live client projects, building hands-on experience across the full OT stack.

Key responsibilities

Automation and SCADA

• Support PLC and HMI/SCADA development, modification and fault-finding on Siemens platforms (TIA Portal, S7-1200/1500, WinCC).
• Assist with SCADA upgrades and migrations, including WinCC and AVEVA/Wonderware InTouch systems.
• Support integration of field devices over PROFINET – drives, valve terminals, IO, signal towers and instrumentation.
• Help with FAT, SAT and on-site commissioning, including loop checks and IO testing.
• Carry out backups, version control and change records for PLC and SCADA projects.

IT and infrastructure

• Build, patch and maintain Windows Server and workstation estates for SCADA, historian and engineering systems.
• Administer Active Directory, Group Policy, DNS/DHCP and user access in OT domains, including OT/IT domain trusts.
• Support Remote Desktop Services (RDS/RemoteApp) deployments for SCADA web and thin-client access.
• Assist with Microsoft 365 / Entra ID / Intune administration for internal systems.
• Support SQL Server instances used for historian, batch and reporting data – backups, maintenance and basic troubleshooting.
• Assist with virtualisation platforms (Nutanix, HPE SimpliVity, VMware vSphere, Hyper-V) – VM builds, snapshots, health checks and host upgrades.

Networking and OT security

• Configure and maintain industrial Ethernet switches (Siemens SCALANCE XR/XRM/XC), including VLANs, redundancy and fibre links.
• Support firewall, router and remote-access configurations for plant networks and outstations (e.g. Palo Alto, Fortinet, Siemens, Teltonika, site firewalls).
• Use Siemens SINEC tools and standard diagnostics (Wireshark, ping/traceroute, Test-NetConnection) to troubleshoot connectivity.
• Help implement network segmentation, zones and conduits, and secure remote access in line with IEC 62443 and NIS2.
• Maintain asset registers, network diagrams and IP schedules.

Project delivery and documentation

• Produce and maintain client-facing technical documentation: functional specs, network drawings, IQ/OQ protocols, test scripts, SOPs and handover packs.
• Support validation activities on GMP sites (GAMP 5, EU Annex 11 / 21 CFR Part 11 awareness).
• Prepare BOMs and help with equipment selection for panels, networks and servers.
• Keep accurate job records, timesheets and site reports.

Site support

• Provide first-line and scheduled support to client sites, both on-site and remotely.
• Carry out preventative maintenance and periodic health checks on OT infrastructure.
• Take part in planned out-of-hours shutdown work as needed.

Skills and experience

Automation

Essential

Basic PLC knowledge (ladder/FBD); understanding of IO, sensors and actuators

Desirable

Siemens TIA Portal, S7-1500, WinCC / WinCC Unified, InTouch; PROFINET device configuration

Networking

Essential

TCP/IP, subnetting, VLANs, switching and routing fundamentals

Desirable

SCALANCE, SINEC NMS, industrial firewalls, fibre, ring redundancy (MRP/HRP)

Windows / IT

Essential

Windows Server and client administration; Active Directory basics

Desirable

Group Policy, RDS, Entra ID / Intune, PowerShell scripting

Virtualisation

Essential

Understanding of VMs and hypervisors

Desirable

Nutanix, HPE SimpliVity, VMware vSphere, Hyper-V

Databases

Desirable SQL Server administration and backups

Security

Essential

Awareness of good security practice

Desirable

IEC 62443, NIS2, secure remote access, network segmentation

Regulated industry

Desirable Experience in pharma, dairy or food & beverage; GMP and validation documentation

Documentation

Essential

Clear technical writing; confident with Word, Excel and Visio

Desirable

Writing IQ/OQ protocols and FDS documents

Qualifications

• Degree, Higher Certificate or apprenticeship in Electrical / Automation / Mechatronics Engineering, Computer Engineering, Networking or a related discipline – or equivalent hands-on experience.
• 2 - 5 years' experience in automation, IT infrastructure or networking (graduates with strong relevant project work will be considered).
• Industry certifications are an advantage, e.g. Siemens TIA Portal training, CCNA / CompTIA Network+, Microsoft (AZ-800 / MD-102), VMware VCTA/VCP, ISA/IEC 62443 Cybersecurity Fundamentals.
• Full clean driving license.
• Valid Safe Pass (or willingness to obtain one).

Personal attributes

• Curious and eager to learn across both IT and automation disciplines.
• Methodical approach to fault-finding – tests before assuming.
• Organized and careful with change control, backups and records.
• Comfortable working on live production sites with client operations and maintenance teams.
• Good communicator who can explain technical issues to non-technical people.
• Works well alone on site and as part of a small project team.

Working conditions

• Regular travel to client sites across Ireland; occasional overnight stays.
• Site environments include production floors, washdown areas and GMP / cleanroom zones – PPE and site rules must be followed.
• Occasional out-of-hours work during planned shutdowns and go-lives.

Development path

First 3 months

Site inductions and safety training; shadowing senior engineers; supporting backups, documentation and network/server builds under supervision.

3–12 months

Independently handling routine site support, switch and server configuration, and PLC/SCADA changes with review; contributing to FAT/SAT and IQ/OQ execution.

12 months +

Leading smaller work packages end to end; progressing towards OT Automation Engineer, with funded vendor and security certification.

Package

• Competitive salary
• Mileage allowance
• Laptop, phone and PPE provided
• Funded training and certification
• Pension (After 1 Year) and annual leave