Automation Engineer

SIRE Life Sciences is recruiting an Automation Engineer for a global, highly regulated manufacturing organization in the life sciences sector. The site in the Netherlands runs modern production and packaging operations and invests continuously in upgrading and expanding automated equipment and production lines. The environment is collaborative and quality-driven, with strong standards around documentation, compliance, and operational excellence. Our client is looking for an Automation Engineer to support and improve automated production and packaging equipment at their site in Breda.

The role is strongly hands-on and focuses on PLC-driven machinery, industrial PCs, HMI/SCADA solutions, and machine parameter/control system management. This engineer will provide high-level technical support for production issues and contribute to automation design and implementation for new equipment and site projects.

Responsibilities: Provide advanced technical support to resolve automation-related production issues on existing equipment and production lines; Support automation workstreams for new equipment and upgrades, from design through installation, commissioning, and handover to operations; Review and/or author engineering documentation such as URS, FDS, HDS, and SDS, ensuring alignment with site standards and compliance expectations; Support vendor activities and site execution for FAT/SAT, commissioning, testing, and qualification where required; Ensure systems follow internal security and network requirements (e.g., domain settings, firewalls) and support implementation of required monitoring tools; Contribute to data integrity and compliance activities (e.g., assessments, audit trail and parameter review approaches, controlled documentation); Build and maintain practical support documentation such as work instructions, backup/restore procedures, and parameter lists for equipment; Support integration and connectivity to data historians and related manufacturing systems where applicable; Coach or train relevant stakeholders (engineering, maintenance, operators) to ensure sustainable operational support.

Requirements: At least 5 years of strong, hands-on automation engineering experience in an industrial or manufacturing environment; Solid experience with PLC-controlled equipment and machine troubleshooting in production settings; Working knowledge of multiple automation technologies such as HMI, SCADA, industrial PCs, and vision systems (Cognex experience is a strong advantage); Proven experience supporting automated manufacturing equipment and production lines (packaging/labeling/inspection environments are highly relevant); Comfortable working in regulated and documentation-driven environments (life sciences experience is a plus, but strong technical capability is the main priority); Strong English communication skills (written and spoken).

Other Information: This is a site-based role in Breda where the engineer needs to be available when production issues occur, so regular on-site presence is expected with flexibility where possible. Occasional work outside standard office hours may be required depending on production needs and project timelines.