Associate Principal Automation SME

Introduction to role:

Are you ready to define and deliver secure OT Edge solutions that power autonomous manufacturing across a global network? In this Dublin-based role, you will shape how our control systems, equipment and data integrate with AstraZeneca’s wider digital manufacturing architecture, directly enabling faster, more reliable supply of life-changing medicines.

You will provide the technical leadership that turns early concepts into robust, scalable, validated solutions, partnering across engineering, manufacturing, quality, IT and vendors. Imagine being the build authority responsible for making every integration resilient, compliant, and cyber-secure. Your work will reduce downtime, increase efficiency, and enhance data integrity across EMEA and beyond.

Accountabilities:

Automation Design Authority: Lead automation and OT design for assigned projects, ensuring compliance with engineering, automation, cybersecurity, data integrity and GMP requirements to deliver robust, audit-ready solutions.

OT Scope and Architecture Definition: Define OT scope from early concept through detailed design and system selection, providing design assurance that enables secure, reliable integration with the broader digital manufacturing architecture.

Lifecycle Delivery Leadership: Lead or support URS development, architecture reviews, technical bid evaluations, design qualification, FAT, SAT, commissioning, qualification and operational handover, delivering on scope, cost, schedule and quality.

Secure Integration and OT Edge Enablement: Develop secure, scalable and reusable solutions connecting automation systems, manufacturing equipment and OT data to enterprise and manufacturing platforms, ensuring contextualised data, provenance and high availability.

Supplier and Partner Management: Define scopes of work and handle outside service partners, systems integrators and technology vendors, driving timely, technically compliant work and strong supplier performance.

Technical Governance and Risk Management: Own end-to-end technical delivery for assigned workstreams, managing technical risk across complex, multi-vendor projects and applying engineering governance to ensure consistency and control.

Resilience, Supportability and Documentation: Ensure solutions are secure, resilient, maintainable, supportable and correctly documented across their lifecycle to simplify operations and accelerate recovery.

Cross-Functional Collaboration: Build strong partnerships across global engineering, manufacturing, quality, IT, project teams and vendors to align decisions, remove blockers and scale standards across sites.

Essential Skills/Experience:

Domain expertise in PLC/SCADA, DCS or industrial control systems across specification, procurement, integration, testing, commissioning and start-up.

Experience delivering OT Edge or industrial integration solutions connecting control systems with manufacturing or enterprise data platforms.

Understanding of OPC UA, MQTT, event-driven integration, asset models, contextualised data and data provenance.

Working knowledge of secure and resilient OT architectures, including network segmentation, access management, remote connectivity, buffering, recovery and high availability.

Experience applying engineering governance and managing technical delivery across complex, multi-vendor projects.

Strong communication and influencing skills within geographically dispersed, matrixed teams.

Working knowledge of GMP computerised systems, validation and data integrity requirements.

Fluent English and a relevant bachelors degree, or equivalent experience.

Desirable Skills/Experience:

Pharmaceutical or regulated manufacturing, including API, biotechnology, formulation and fill, packaging, medical devices or laboratory environments.

Current GMP expectations for computerised systems, validation and data integrity.

Warehouse control systems, AGVs, robotics or automated material handling.

Evaluation and piloting of emerging Automation or OT technologies, including translating successful outcomes into reusable engineering, deployment or qualification packages.

When we put unexpected teams in the same room, we unleash bold thinking with the power to inspire life-changing medicines. In-person working gives us the platform we need to connect, work at pace and challenge perceptions. That's why we work, on average, a minimum of three days per week from the office. But that doesn't mean we're not flexible. We balance the expectation of being in the office while respecting individual flexibility. Join us in our unique and ambitious world.

Why AstraZeneca:

Here, your technical leadership turns molecules into medicines by strengthening a global manufacturing network that blends groundbreaking science, disciplined Lean thinking and rapidly evolving digital technologies. We bring diverse teams together to spark bold ideas and convert them into practical solutions, giving you space to lead, own outcomes and see real patient impact. With strong investment, supportive leadership and a culture that values kindness alongside ambition, you will grow at pace while helping build our vision of smart, autonomous factories that deliver more medicines, faster and more reliably, with sustainability at the core.

Call to Action:

Step into a role where your automation and OT expertise will accelerate how medicines reach patients—make your mark at AstraZeneca today!

Date Posted

24-Sept-2026

Closing Date

11-Oct-2026

Our mission is to build an inclusive and equitable environment. We want people to feel they belong at AstraZeneca and Alexion, starting with our recruitment process. We welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of characteristics. We offer reasonable adjustments/accommodations to help all candidates to perform at their best. If you have a need for any adjustments/accommodations, please complete the section in the application form.

AstraZeneca embraces diversity and equality of opportunity. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds, with as wide a range of perspectives as possible, and harnessing industry-leading skills. We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics. We comply with all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorisation and employment eligibility verification requirements.