The Automation Technician is responsible for the reliability, performance, and lifecycle management of automation systems associated with the Spray Dryer building and technologies.

The position acts as the technical automation referent for this production area, ensuring the proper design, implementation, maintenance, and optimization of automation solutions throughout the equipment lifecycle, from commissioning to routine operations and continuous improvement.

This role includes leadership of automation-related activities during projects, installation, commissioning, qualification, and technical upgrades, as well as advanced troubleshooting support to operations and maintenance teams.

The Automation Technician collaborates closely with Maintenance Process, Utilities, Metrology, Maintenance Methods, IT, Engineering, and Production departments to ensure equipment availability and compliance within a GMP-regulated environment.

A strong hands-on, field-oriented, and solution-driven approach is essential for success in this role.

Essential Job Functions:

• Act as the primary automation technical owner for the Spray Dryer facility.
• Maintain in-depth knowledge of system architecture, control strategies, and automation standards.
• Ensure long-term reliability and maintainability of automation systems within the area.
• Serve as the main point of contact for automation-related topics for internal stakeholders.
• Lead or actively support automation activities during installation, commissioning, qualification (IQ/OQ), and startup phases.
• Coordinate automation deliverables with suppliers, integrators, and engineering teams.
• Ensure proper technical documentation, validation support, and system handover to operations.
• Participate in FAT/SAT activities when required.
• Manage automation changes through change control processes.
• Provide expert-level troubleshooting of automation systems (PLC, HMI, SCADA, instrumentation, industrial networks).
• Support maintenance and production teams during complex incidents or performance deviations.
• Identify root causes and implement sustainable corrective actions.
• Optimize system performance and control strategies when needed.
• Create, review, and maintain automation documentation
• Ensure compliance with GMP, validation, and data integrity requirements.
• Support deviations, investigations, CAPAs, and audits related to automation systems.
• Collaborate closely with Maintenance Process, Utilities, Metrology, Methods, IT and Production teams.
• Support multidisciplinary projects and technical improvements across departments.
• Supervise external vendors and contractors during automation activities when required.
• Identify opportunities to improve automation reliability, efficiency, and maintainability.
• Propose and implement system upgrades, modernization, and performance optimization initiatives.
• Contribute to the definition of automation standards and best practices.
• Support digitalization and data integration initiatives when applicable.
• Provide field support during production when automation expertise is required.
• Ensure proper reporting of activities within CMMS and site systems.
• Participate in on-call or standby duties if applicable.
• Apply and enforce GMP, safety, and site procedures at all times.
• Promote safe working practices and participate in risk assessments.
• Ensure the integrity and qualification status of systems after interventions.

Experience / Education      

• Technical degree (HES, Bachelor, BTS, or equivalent) in Automation, Electrical Engineering, Industrial IT, or related discipline.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in industrial automation, preferably in pharmaceutical, chemical, or regulated industry.
• Strong experience with process equipment automation and complex industrial systems.
• Proven experience participating in commissioning, startup, or automation projects.
• Experience working in GMP or validated environments is highly desirable.

Knowledge / Skills / Abilities:

• Strong technical expertise in:
• PLC systems and programming environments
• HMI / SCADA platforms
• Industrial communication protocols and networks
• Instrumentation and process control
• Electrical and automation architectures
• Ability to diagnose and resolve complex automation problems autonomously.
• Good understanding of GMP, validation lifecycle, and data integrity principles.
• Strong hands-on and field-oriented mindset with operational pragmatism.
• Ability to coordinate technical activities across multiple departments.
• Leadership without authority — ability to influence and guide stakeholders.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Autonomous, proactive, and structured working approach.
• Service-oriented mindset with focus on operational performance.
• Fluent in French with good knowledge of English (spoken and written).
• Good computer literacy (automation tools, CMMS, MS Office).

An Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

This job description does not state or imply that the above are the only duties and responsibilities assigned to this position.  Employees holding this position will be required to perform any other job-related duties as requested by Management.