Automation Engineer

Join a Market Leader:

Hovione is an independent family owned international group of companies. From the beginning, we have set ourselves above and apart through our innovative technological and productive capabilities, reaching a top spot in the world market as an integrated Contract Development and Manufacturing Company dedicated to helping Pharmaceutical Customers bring new and off-patent drugs to market.

Our people are the main asset for our continued success. Reaching over 1950 team members, from 36 different nationalities, that are located across Asia, Europe and North America (Portugal, US, Macao, Ireland, China, Hong Kong, Japan, India, and Switzerland), including 4 production sites.

Working at Hovione means reaching for innovation and excellence in everything we do: for our clients, our partners and, above all, our patients. That is why we are In it for life.

You will be responsible to::

Implement, maintain and improve Process and Equipment Automation systems including user interfaces, data collection and OT-IT interfaces. Contributes and lead Industry 4.0 initiatives and foster the technological innovation facilitating the introduction and the evolution of Augmented Reality, Digital Twin, Assets Management, IoT and Data Analytics solutions. Supports OT systems and plant operations including maintenance, GMP/HSE compliance, Inspection& Audit support, user training and ensures solutions sustainability. Build data pipelines and applies ETL techniques to convey data from automation systems to informatics system and create specific applications for notifications and automatic reporting. Collect, analyze and report process data to support decision on day-to-day operations and for continuous improvement. Develop, implement and deploy optimization algorithms/models. Map business and operation processes, suggest changes to streamline procedures and automate repetitive tasks using RPA techniques. Develop robotics prototypes for specific applications and evaluate its scalability.

• Develop automation systems to control industrial processes, choosing and programming a controller and establishing communication between the sensors, the actuators and the controller
• Design, simulate, install, test and maintain electrical and mechanical automation of industrial processes
• Monitor automation processes on an ongoing basis, identifying and implementing improvements
• Implement code changes under change control
• Investigate and provide technical advice to support production, maintenance and other engineering disciplines related with operations
• Conduct and support automation data collection and reporting systems, network systems and automation system security
• Develop, customize and use data models and algorithms to improve operations, automation and business processes.
• Implement, maintain and improve Process and Equipment Automation systems including user interfaces, data collection and OT-IT interfaces
• Collect and analyze process data to support decision on day-to-day operations and for continuous improvement
• Build data pipelines and applies ETL techniques to convey data from automation systems to informatics system and create specific applications for notifications and automatic reporting
• Ensure all assigned tasks are planned and delivered on time, safely, efficiently, reliably and in a cost-effective manner
• Propose improvements to the area as appropriate and solve problems
• Make quality and timely decisions within the operational technologies and data tasks under her / his responsibility
• Execute professional activities in compliance with GMP and HSE guidelines, internal and external requirements as well as promote the implementation and maintenance of Hovione´s policies, systems and procedures (COPs, HBR, SOPs and others).
• Carry out assigned tasks and duties in a safe manner, in accordance with instructions, and to comply with environmental, health & safety rules/procedures, regulations and codes of practice.

We are looking to recruit a Candidate::

• University, or equivalent, qualification in Electrical Engineering or similar scientific field (mandatory)
• Strong understanding and knowledge of PLC's, HMI's and SCADA
• Broad knowledge in scripting languages (eg. Python, R or similar)
• Knowledge in database technologies (eg. SQL, Oracle)
• Experience in systems simulation (eg. discrete-event simulation) strong understanding and knowledge of control systems.
• Strong understanding and knowledge of IT/OT Service Management (knowledge in cybersecurity and communication protocols such as OPC)
• Relevant experience in IT/OT Infrastructure administration or as a helpdesk or IT Technician with technical qualifications in multiple IT/OT infrastructure disciplines.
• Fluency in English is a requirement
• Computer literate with good working knowledge of the MS Office package
• Must have the Knowledge, Experience and Skills to conduct their tasks in accordance with the rules and procedures set down

Hovione is a proud Equal Opportunity Employer

Inclusion and diversity are key to us. At Hovione, that means a work environment where differences are valued, and everyone is treated with fairness and respect. We want all our team members worldwide to feel supported, respected, and have the opportunity to achieve their full potential, regardless of their age, gender, religion, disability, sexual orientation or ethnicity.

Notice to Agencies and Search Firms Representatives

Hovione does not accept unsolicited resumes from agencies or search firms for this job posting. Any resumes submitted to Hovione by a third-party agency or search firm without a valid written and signed search agreement will become the sole property of Hovione. No fees will be paid if a candidate is hired for this position as a result of an unsolicited referral.