Manufacturing Process Engineer

About Abbott

Abbott is a global healthcare leader dedicated to helping people live fuller lives at every stage. Our portfolio spans diagnostics, medical devices, nutrition products, and branded generic medicines. With more than 113,000 colleagues, we serve people in over 160 countries.

In Ireland, Abbott provides a broad range of healthcare products across diagnostics, medical devices, and nutrition. We employ approximately 6,000 people across ten locations. Our six manufacturing facilities are based in Clonmel, Cootehill, Donegal, Longford, and Sligo, supported by a third‑party manufacturing management operation in Sligo. We also have commercial, support, and shared services operations in Dublin and Galway. Abbott has been proudly operating in Ireland since 1946.

Abbott Ireland Nutrition Division – Cootehill, Cavan

Abbott Nutrition Cootehill produces a wide range of infant formula products under the “Similac” brand, along with follow‑on formula products under the “Gain” brand. Liquid skim milk is the primary ingredient, combined with carbohydrates, vegetable oils, vitamins, and minerals. Products are blended, pasteurised, dried, packaged on-site, and distributed to Europe, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Latin America, and Canada.

Established in 1975, Cootehill is Abbott’s largest global powder manufacturing facility for infant formula. The site processes approximately 500,000 litres of milk per day, sourced from around 1,000 dairy farms across Ireland and Northern Ireland. Ireland’s strong reputation for high‑quality dairy and its clean, green environment are strategically important to Abbott Nutrition’s global supply chain.

We are currently looking for a Manufacturing Process Engineer and this role will involve the following:

Role Summary

We are seeking an experienced Manufacturing Process Engineer Supervisor with at least 5+ years of experience in Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) and Operational Technology (OT) within a manufacturing environment. This role will support the implementation of a MES at the Cootehill site across all manufacturing processes, including required OT interfaces. The deployment will be closely aligned with Electronic Batch Record (EBR) initiatives.

The ideal candidate will have hands‑on experience with new system implementations, PLC/SCADA, process and equipment automation, PCS/BMS systems, and a strong understanding of GxP requirements.

Main Responsibilities

Manufacturing Execution System / Automation Strategy

• Support the development and implementation of a MES, ensuring alignment with equipment interfaces, ERP dependencies, and site automation needs.
• Apply OT and automation standards to deliver standardised solutions and optimise manufacturing efficiency.

OT Project Governance

• Ensure internal and vendor-delivered OT/automation design work meets site strategy, standards, and compliance requirements.
• Lead technical design reviews and support testing, delivery, and validation activities.

Automation Engineering

• Own the design, integration, and hands‑on technical execution of the MES.
• Develop and optimise automated processes throughout design, testing, and implementation phases.
• Contribute to validation documentation and quality compliance requirements.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering, Control Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field.
• Additional training or certifications in PLC/SCADA systems or OT cybersecurity (e.g., IEC 62443, GICSP) are advantageous.
• 5+ years’ experience in a technology role within an operations or manufacturing environment.
• Experience with MES and automation systems in a cGMP‑regulated environment.
• Proven track record in delivering and managing MES solutions.
• Knowledge of FDA cGxP, 21 CFR Part 11, and software system validation.
• Hands‑on experience with Siemens PLCs, SCADA systems, and AVEVA (OSIsoft) PI Data Historians.
• Experience managing external automation/OT vendors and integrators.
• Proficiency with SharePoint, Power BI, and digital collaboration tools.
• Understanding GRC/information security principles is an advantage.
• ERP and MES plant design and rollout experience desirable.

Abilities & Soft Skills

• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to simplify complex technical topics.
• Ability to influence, collaborate, and support digital transformation initiatives.
• Hands‑on approach, comfortable working directly with equipment and manufacturing systems.
• Strong problem‑solving, troubleshooting, and project management skills.
• Highly organised with a strong digital mindset.
• Familiarity with structured continuous improvement and project management methodologies.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively, with a proactive and adaptable mindset.
• Commitment to maintaining validated systems, documentation integrity, and audit readiness.
• Ability to contribute to cross‑functional digital initiatives and improve data visibility.

Please note any offer of employment for this position is conditional upon the successful completion of a pre-employment medical examination, including drug and alcohol screening, conducted by a medical practitioner designated by the Company.