We are currently supporting our client in Rotkreuz in the search for an experienced MSAT Automation Engineer (m/f/d) to join a highly specialized engineering organization within a regulated production environment. In this role, you will work close to the shop floor, supporting both running GMP production and strategic capacity expansion projects for complex sensor‑ and reagent‑based manufacturing systems.
The ideal candidate is a hands‑on automation professional who combines strong PLC / OT expertise with a system‑level mindset. You understand not only how automation systems operate, but how they are designed, integrated, validated, and maintained throughout their full lifecycle in a quality‑critical environment.
Background
Join a multidisciplinary Manufacturing Science & Technology (MSAT) Automation team responsible for the operational and digital backbone of a large‑scale diagnostics production site. You will support the production of precision instruments, sensors, reagents, and quality‑control applications used in critical healthcare workflows worldwide.
Working in a highly regulated GMP environment, you will play a central role in ensuring that automation, control, and OT systems run reliably, compliantly, and efficiently. Your responsibilities span from day‑to‑day troubleshooting and production support to automation leadership within technical projects, including system expansions, upgrades, and modernization initiatives.
The Perfect Candidate:
While we are looking for a strong technical foundation, the ideal candidate is someone who views automation stability and compliance as a strategic advantage, not just an operational necessity. You are likely our perfect match if:
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You Think Like an Automation Engineer: You don’t just “operate” PLCs or OT systems; you understand how they are designed, integrated, and sustained over time. You build clean, structured, and maintainable automation solutions that production and quality teams trust.
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You Are a “Built‑In Quality” Advocate: You are uncomfortable waiting until failures or deviations occur. You enjoy collaborating early with Engineering, IT, and Operations to define clear, testable requirements and prevent issues before they reach the shop floor.
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You Despise Instability: You understand that unreliable automation systems are worse than manual workarounds. You are obsessed with robustness and take pride in delivering stable systems that production teams can rely on day after day.
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You are a Technology Polyglot: You aren’t married to a single platform. Whether it’s PLC, DCS/PLS, MES, or OT infrastructure, you choose the right technology based on operational and regulatory requirements rather than personal habits.
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You Bridge the Gap: You can translate complex automation and OT issues into operational and business risks for stakeholders, and turn high‑level production requirements into clear, actionable technical specifications.
Tasks & Responsibilities:
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Automation Support for High‑Tech Manufacturing: Support and continuous improvement of automation and control systems for complex manufacturing processes in a regulated diagnostics environment.
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Specification‑Driven Engineering: Creation, maintenance, and review of automation lifecycle documentation such as Software Design Specifications, Hardware Design Specifications, Functional Specifications, and work instructions in a GMP context.
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Troubleshooting & Root Cause Analysis: Hands‑on fault analysis and problem resolution for PLC, DCS/PLS, and OT systems in close collaboration with Engineering, IT, and Operations.
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OT Environment Stability: Execution of corrective and preventive actions to improve robustness, availability, and compliance of the operational technology landscape.
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Commissioning & Project Support: Automation support for commissioning, expansion, upgrade, and modernization projects, ensuring smooth integration into existing production systems.
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Lifecycle & Compliance Management: Responsibility for software lifecycle management of production systems and production‑related QC applications, ensuring validation, version control, and audit readiness.
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OT Infrastructure Integration: Monitoring and lifecycle management of automation‑related servers (user management, backups, audit trails) in coordination with IT support teams.
Your Profile:
Education:
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Degree or completed vocational training in Automation Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Industrial IT, Mechatronics, or a comparable technical qualification.
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Min. 3–5 years of relevant working experience in automation engineering and/or MES environments within industrial or regulated settings.
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Min. 3 years of experience working with PLC, DCS/PLS, and OT systems, including troubleshooting and system support in production environments.
Experienced Automation Engineer:
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You have solid hands‑on experience with automation systems and apply structured, maintainable engineering principles throughout the system lifecycle.
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Automation & OT Expertise:
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Proficient in PLC‑based automation systems, control technology, and production‑related OT environments; experience with MES systems is a strong advantage.
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GMP & Regulated Environment Know‑how:
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Experience working in strictly regulated environments (GxP/GMP/IVD), including documentation, change control, and validation activities.
General Information:
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Type of employment: Temporary contractor engagement
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Start Date: ASAP
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Latest Possible Start Date: Notice periods up to 3 months considered
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Planned Duration of Employment: 12 months (planned extension)
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Workplace: Rotkreuz
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Workload: 100%
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Home Office: On request, presence factor >80% on‑site
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