MES Automation Engineer (m/f/d)

Relocation assistance is available for eligible candidates and their families, if needed.

The site in Visp, Switzerland is growing and, for our Biologics organization, we are seeking an Automation Engineer (m/f/d) to join the Orca Automation Team.

In this role, you will support the automated systems used within the Orca manufacturing facility, with a particular focus on DeltaV and MES/Syncade. You will work closely with Manufacturing, Process Engineering, MSAT, QA and other supporting functions to ensure automation solutions are reliable, compliant and meet the needs of manufacturing.

The role covers the full automation lifecycle, including recipe development and maintenance, implementation of automation changes, troubleshooting and production support, GMP documentation, testing, deviation/CAPA support and continuous improvement.

What you will get:

• An agile career and a dynamic work culture
• An inclusive and ethical workplace
• Compensation programs that recognize high performance
• In addition to a competitive salary, you can expect numerous lifestyle, family, and leisure benefits. The full list of our local tailored benefits in Visp: Benefits - Visp

Key responsibilities:

• Support the DeltaV and MES/Syncade systems within the Orca manufacturing facility to ensure reliable operation and continued support of manufacturing.
• Develop, modify and maintain DeltaV and MES recipes, including associated recipe objects and configurations required for production.
• Implement automation changes through the full lifecycle, including requirements, design, configuration, testing, documentation and deployment.
• Support new product introductions and manufacturing campaigns, ensuring the required automation and recipe changes are implemented and tested.
• Create and maintain GMP-compliant automation documentation, including Functional Specifications, Software Test Cases, assessments and SOPs.
• Provide automation support for production issues and troubleshooting, working with Manufacturing and other functions to identify root causes and implement sustainable solutions.
• Support deviations, CAPAs, TCRs and change controls, including assessment and implementation of required automation actions.
• Perform and coordinate testing of DeltaV, MES and associated automation changes prior to implementation in production.
• Work closely with Manufacturing, Process Engineering, MSAT, QA, IT and other technical teams to translate process and operational requirements into automation solutions.
• Support the standardization and continuous improvement of DeltaV and MES solutions, including the use of standard and reusable automation and recipe objects.
• Identify and implement improvements to system reliability, operational efficiency and maintainability.
• Ensure all automation activities comply with applicable GMP, data integrity, quality, safety and site requirements.
• Support knowledge sharing, standard ways of working and continuous improvement within the Orca Automation team.
• Provide support outside normal working hours in exceptional circumstances where required to minimize impact to manufacturing.

Key requirements:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Automation, Engineering, Biotechnology, Process Engineering, Computer Science or another relevant technical discipline.
• Experience with industrial automation, process control or manufacturing systems, ideally within pharmaceutical or biotechnology manufacturing.
• Experience with Emerson DeltaV and/or Syncade MES is highly desirable.
• Experience with recipe development and batch manufacturing systems would be an advantage.
• Understanding of working within a GMP-regulated environment, including change control, testing and documentation.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills with an ability to systematically investigate automation and production issues.
• Ability to understand manufacturing processes and translate operational requirements into appropriate automation solutions.
• Structured and well-organized approach, with an ability to manage multiple activities and priorities.
• Strong collaboration and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with Manufacturing, Process Engineering, MSAT, QA, IT and other stakeholders.
• Solution-oriented mindset with an interest in continuous improvement, standardization and optimization.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within the wider Orca Automation team.

About Lonza:

At Lonza, our people are our greatest strength. With 30+ sites across five continents, our globally connected teams work together every day to manufacture the medicines of tomorrow. Our core values of Collaboration, Accountability, Excellence, Passion and Integrity reflect who we are and how we work together. Everyone’s ideas, big or small, have the potential to improve millions of lives, and that’s the kind of work we want you to be part of.

Innovation thrives when people from all backgrounds bring their unique perspectives to the table. At Lonza, we value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. If you’re ready to help turn our customers’ breakthrough ideas into viable therapies, we look forward to welcoming you on board.

Ready to shape the future of life sciences? Apply now.