Senior IT/OT Engineer

Senior IT/OT Engineer

Location: College Park, Dublin

Competitive salary and benefits

Opening date: 21/01/2025

Closing date: 04/02/2025

AstraZeneca is a leading pharmaceutical company dedicated to the development of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API) using advanced technologies. Our facility in Dublin is a brand-new manufacturing hub, employing a range of digital solutions and automation technologies to drive production efficiencies and ensure compliance.

The IT/OT Engineer will play a pivotal role in bridging the gap between Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT) within our API manufacturing facility. This individual will be responsible for ensuring that the IT infrastructure supports the needs of both business operations and manufacturing, without disrupting critical production processes. Responsible for the integration, maintenance, and solving of IT systems, the IT/OT Engineer will ensure secure, efficient, and continuous operation across a range of technologies, including cloud platforms, control systems, and data management tools.

This position demands a highly adaptable professional with a strong technical background in IT and a solid understanding of OT environments, particularly in the pharmaceutical industry. The IT/OT Engineer will focus on maintaining the integrity and security of IT systems, ensuring that applications such as DeltaV, PAS-X, Aveva PI, AMS, and others function seamlessly with production equipment and automation systems. They will be tasked with identifying and solving IT-related issues quickly and efficiently to minimise any impact on manufacturing operations.

Additionally, the IT/OT Engineer will collaborate with various partners, from IT teams, production managers, and automation engineers to external vendors and cybersecurity professionals, ensuring that all solutions align with industry standards (e.g., GxP, 21 CFR Part 11) and best practices. The role requires a proactive approach, with the ability to anticipate potential IT challenges within the OT landscape and implement forward-thinking solutions.

This position offers a unique opportunity to work at the pioneering of pharmaceutical manufacturing technology, balancing innovative IT solutions with the operational requirements of a high-performance manufacturing environment.

Accountabilities:

IT Infrastructure Management:

Ensure high availability and performance of IT systems supporting the API manufacturing facility.

Help IT to maintain and support network, server, and storage infrastructure, focusing on uptime and performance optimisation.

Collaborate with IT to ensure all IT systems, particularly those residing in the private cloud, are continuously monitored and meet performance benchmarks.

OT System Support:

Maintain seamless operation of OT systems by aligning IT support with production requirements

Ensure IT services provided to OT environments (e.g., DeltaV, AMS, PAS-X) do not interfere with production or introduce downtime.

Minimise disruptions to manufacturing operations by proactively addressing IT-related issues.

Cybersecurity Management:

Protect IT and OT systems from cybersecurity threats without compromising performance or compliance

Help IT teams to implement cybersecurity measures across IT and OT environments.

Collaborate with cybersecurity teams to ensure alignment of IT/OT protection strategies.

Data Integration & Management:

Ensure data integrity and seamless data flow between IT and OT systems for effective decision-making.

Facilitate integration of OT data into enterprise systems like SAP S4/HANA, Aveva PI, and other business intelligence platforms.

Ensure process and production data is reliably captured, stored, and accessible.

System Administration & Solving:

Maintain operational efficiency by ensuring all IT systems, including production-related applications, function optimally.

Provide on-time resolution of IT incidents that could impact production or operational efficiency.

Lead the identification and resolution of system performance issues.

Vendor and Partner Management :

Ensure effective teamwork and service delivery with vendors and internal partners.

Manage relationships with vendors providing IT and OT services, ensuring SLA compliance.

Serve as the point of contact for critical issues from production teams related to IT/OT challenges.

Compliance and Best Practices:

Ensure all IT/OT activities align with industry regulations and internal standards.

Maintain GxP compliance and ensure systems meet regulatory requirements (e.g., 21 CFR Part 11).

Ensure thorough documentation of systems, configurations, and procedures as per pharmaceutical industry standards.

Continuous Improvement & Innovation:

Drive continuous improvements in IT and OT systems to optimise performance and operational efficiencies.

Stay updated with emerging IT and OT technologies, recommending new solutions to enhance manufacturing and business processes.

Lead or participate in innovation projects that align with the company’s digital transformation goals.

Essential Skills/Experience:

• Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field.
• Additional certifications in Operational Technology (OT) and/or Cybersecurity are desirable.
• Significant experience working in IT, with proven exposure to OT environments, ideally in the pharmaceutical or manufacturing sectors.
• Proven experience in managing cloud-based systems, network infrastructure, and cybersecurity, including hands-on experience with tools such as Tanium for patch management, TrendMicro antivirus solutions and Commvault for backup and recovery.
• Hands-on experience with systems like DeltaV, PAS-X, Aveva PI, SAP S4/HANA, Tulip, and other listed platforms.
• Solid understanding of IT and OT convergence.
• Excellent problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
• Knowledge of cybersecurity standard methodologies in both IT and OT environments.
• Familiarity with pharmaceutical manufacturing regulations and standards (e.g., GxP, 21 CFR Part 11).
• Good interpersonal skills to work effectively with multi-functional teams.
• Ability to prioritise and manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• High attention to detail and a commitment to operational excellence.

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.

AstraZeneca offers an environment where you can adapt and innovate at pace. Experience the excitement of launching new products while contributing significantly to life-changing medicines. Our resilience helps us thrive as we continuously seek new ways to deliver medicines to our patients.

Ready to make a difference? Apply now!

To find out more about our exciting new next-generation active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) manufacturing facility for small molecules near Dublin, Ireland visit our careers website https://careers.astrazeneca.com/apicomdublin

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.