Job Description
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, and branded generic medicines. More than 114,000 colleagues support patients and customers in over 160 countries.
Abbott in Ireland
Abbott has operated in Ireland since 1946 and now employs approximately 6,000 people across ten sites in Dublin, Donegal, Clonmel, Cootehill, Galway, Kilkenny, Longford and Sligo. Our teams support a broad range of healthcare products including diagnostics, diabetes care, medical devices and nutrition.
Please note: Any offer of employment is conditional on completing a pre‑employment medical assessment, including drug and alcohol screening.
About Abbott Nutrition – Cootehill, Cavan
The Cootehill facility manufactures Abbott’s Similac range of infant formula and Gain follow‑on products. Using high‑quality liquid skim milk sourced from over 1,000 dairy farms across Ireland and Northern Ireland, the site processes approximately 500,000 litres of milk daily. Products are blended, pasteurised, dried, packaged, and distributed globally to Europe, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Latin America and Canada. Established in 1975, Cootehill is Abbott’s largest global powder manufacturing site for infant nutrition and plays a strategically important role due to Ireland’s strong dairy supply chain and reputation for quality.
We currently have an open position as Site OT Technical Lead which will involve the following:
The Site OT Technical Lead will provide technical leadership for Operational Technology (OT) and automation systems at the Cootehill site. This role is ideal for a senior automation or OT engineer with 5+ years’ experience in a manufacturing environment who enjoys hands‑on technical work, system design, and driving digital maturity.
You will be responsible for the design, integration, and lifecycle management of automated systems in a cGMP environment, while contributing to the site’s OT strategy and long‑term automation roadmap.
Key Responsibilities
Operational Technology & Automation Strategy
- Support the development and execution of the site OT strategy and roadmap.
- Apply and promote standardised OT and automation practices across the site.
- Ensure SCADA and related OT systems are reliable, secure, and compliant.
OT Project Governance
- Ensure all OT/automation work—internal or vendor‑delivered—meets site standards, compliance requirements, and technical expectations.
- Lead technical design reviews and support testing, commissioning, and validation activities.
Automation Engineering
- Lead the design, integration, and hands‑on implementation of new equipment and automation improvements.
- Map, optimise, and troubleshoot PLC‑based systems and automated processes.
- Contribute to validation documentation and ensure alignment with quality and regulatory requirements.
Knowledge, Skills & Experience
Technical Expertise
- 5+ years’ experience in a technology, automation, or OT role within manufacturing.
- Strong background in cGMP‑regulated automation environments.
- Experience delivering automated systems using GAMP software lifecycle principles.
- Knowledge of FDA cGxP, 21 CFR Part 11, and software validation expectations.
- Hands‑on experience with Siemens PLCs, SCADA systems, and AVEVA (OSIsoft) PI.
- Experience managing external OT/automation vendors and integrators.
- Proficiency with SharePoint, Power BI, and digital collaboration tools (preferred).
- Understanding of GRC or cybersecurity principles (advantageous).
Soft Skills & Behaviours
- Strong communication skills with the ability to simplify complex technical topics.
- Ability to influence and collaborate across functions in a developing digital environment.
- Hands‑on, practical mindset with comfort working on the manufacturing floor.
- Excellent troubleshooting, problem‑solving, and prioritisation skills.
- Organised, proactive, and adaptable with a continuous improvement mindset.
- Able to work independently or as part of a team while maintaining documentation integrity and audit readiness.
Accountability & Scope
- High level of care required to avoid equipment damage and production impact.
- Non‑compliance may result in safety risks or product validation issues.
- Role directly supports the site’s ability to meet annual production targets.
Education & Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation, Controls, Mechatronics, or a related discipline.
- Additional certifications in PLC/SCADA or OT cybersecurity (e.g., IEC 62443, GICSP) are a strong advantage.
- Demonstrated experience with cGMP automation, GAMP lifecycle, and regulated system validation.
Connect with us at www.abbott.com and on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.