IT OT Automation Engineer

About SimoTech

SimoTech specializes in manufacturing automation, IT systems engineering, project management, and validation services. We collaborate with life sciences companies to design, implement, and optimize critical process automation systems that ensure rapid project completion, operational efficiency, enhanced manufacturing flexibility, and compliance with regulations.

At SimoTech, our workplace culture is founded on teamwork, respect, trust, and excellence. We are proud partners in delivering life-changing products to patients, and in return, we offer competitive salaries, benefits, career advancement, and educational support.

Role Overview

We are seeking several experienced Automation Engineers (IT/OT) to assist in the ramp-up of a significant greenfield expansion at a pharmaceutical Oral Solid Dose manufacturing facility. Engineers will contribute across several automation and digital technologies including Siemens PLC/SCADA, Ignition eSCADA, ThinManager, AVEVA PI, and VPE-managed equipment, along with other automation systems. Successful candidates will operate within a multidisciplinary project team, responsible for the design, implementation, integration, commissioning, and preparation for operational launch within their technology domain. Collaboration with manufacturing, engineering, validation, quality assurance, cybersecurity, and global IT teams is essential to ensure safe, compliant, and effective system delivery aligned with business goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Assume accountability for IT/OT project work packages from initiation through to handover, including managing scope, schedule, resources, and realizing project benefits.
• Collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, maintenance, IT security, vendors, and system integrators to establish coordinated delivery plans.
• Lead requirements gathering and participate in designing solutions for OT systems such as PLC, SCADA, DCS, historians, MES, and their integration with enterprise IT systems like cloud platforms and data management.
• Incorporate compliance measures in project delivery, adhering to GxP change control, permit-to-work procedures, validation requirements, and operational cutover strategies.
• Oversee procurement processes and vendor management including defining scope, setting acceptance criteria, monitoring delivery milestones, and managing change control.
• Manage testing and commissioning activities such as Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT), Site Acceptance Testing (SAT), User Acceptance Testing (UAT), documentation review, and operational handoff.
• Participate in project governance and foster continuous improvement through lessons learned and risk management practices.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Automation, Electrical Engineering, IT, Computer Science, or related field.
• At least 3 to 5 years of experience executing IT/OT projects, preferably within pharmaceutical or regulated manufacturing sectors.
• Strong grasp of IT/OT delivery methodologies, project governance, controls, and reporting practices.
• Knowledge and hands-on experience with multiple IT and OT technologies including PLCs, SCADA, process control systems, and networking, with emphasis on integration projects.
• Excellent stakeholder communication skills across technical, operational, and leadership teams.
• Demonstrated understanding of GAMP guidelines, commissioning procedures, change control processes, and operational readiness.
• Strong facilitation, documentation, and troubleshooting skills.

Desirable Skills

• Experience with automation platforms such as Siemens or Schneider PLC/SCADA, AVEVA PI, ThinManager, Ignition, and MES software like PAS-X.
• Familiarity with Active Directory, ITIL practices (including ServiceNow), and principles of enterprise integration.
• Understanding of cybersecurity controls, operational technology networking, and cloud/edge integration technologies.

What We Offer

• Role offers significant autonomy to allow for professional growth and potential maximization.
• Chance to develop new skills and deepen technical expertise by working with advanced technologies in a multidisciplinary environment.
• Opportunity to contribute to major capital projects for large corporate clients.