Site OT Technical Lead

About Abbott

Abbott is a global healthcare leader that helps people live more fully at all stages of life. Our portfolio of life-changing technologies spans the spectrum of healthcare, with leading businesses and products in diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals and branded generic medicines. Our 122,000 colleagues serve people in more than 160 countries.

Abbott in Ireland

Abbott has maintained a strong presence in Ireland since 1946 and celebrates its 80th anniversary in the country in 2026. The company supports the Irish healthcare sector with a broad portfolio spanning diagnostics, diabetes care, medical devices and nutritional products. Today, Abbott employs more than 6,200 people across ten sites located in Dublin, Donegal, Clonmel, Cootehill, Galway, Kilkenny, Longford and Sligo.

Abbott Ireland Nutrition Division Cootehill Cavan

Abbott Nutrition produces a range of infant formulae in all pack sizes under the brand name "Similac". To complement the range of "Similac" infant formulae, the facility also manufactures a range of follow on formulae under the brand name of "Gain". The essential ingredient is liquid skim milk and this is combined with carbohydrate, vegetable oils, vitamins and minerals. The product is blended, pasteurised, dried and packaged at the site and once packaged, is distributed to Europe, South East Asia, the Middle East, Latin America and Canada.

Established in 1975, Abbott Nutrition in Ireland is the largest powder manufacturing facility for the production of infant formulae within the Abbott Corporation worldwide. Approximately 1,000 dairy farms in Ireland and Northern Ireland supply quality milk to the Cootehill facility which processes 500,000 litres per day. This secure supply together with Ireland's reputation as a green, clean environment is of significant strategic importance to Abbott Nutrition.

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.

Site OT Technical Lead

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.

Benefits

Learn more about our health and wellness benefits, which provide the security to help you and your family live full lives.