Senior COHE / LOTO Engineer

Job Description: Senior COHE / LOTO Engineer 

We are seeking an experienced COHE / LOTO Coordinator to support a large-scale biopharma commissioning project. This role will be responsible for the development, implementation, and management of Control of Hazardous Energy (COHE) and Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) systems across a complex, multi-system facility during commissioning and start-up activities.

The project involves the safe energisation and commissioning of upstream and downstream bioprocessing systems, including bioreactors, CIP/SIP systems, chromatography, filtration, and associated utilities. This includes ensuring all hazardous energy sources are accurately identified, controlled, and managed throughout construction, commissioning, and qualification phases to support safe and compliant system start-up.

This is a highly safety-critical, site-based role requiring strong technical expertise, excellent coordination skills, and the ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, multi-contractor commissioning environment. It is ideally suited to experienced professionals with a proven track record in implementing COHE/LOTO programmes within regulated biopharma or pharmaceutical facilities.

· Develop comprehensive COHE plans for all in-scope equipment prior to and during commissioning activities.
· Identify, assess, and document hazardous energy sources including electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, chemical, and thermal systems.
· Conduct field verification of all LOTO procedures to ensure accuracy, compliance, and site applicability.
· Maintain and manage all LOTO devices, tags, hasps, and lockout kits across the facility.
· Support commissioning and start-up teams to ensure strict adherence to hazardous energy control procedures at all times.
· Coordinate COHE/LOTO requirements with the main contractor, Emerson Automation, vendor teams, and Utilities.
· Serve as the site SME for hazardous energy control, providing technical guidance and oversight to all personnel.
· Maintain up-to-date COHE documentation aligned with site EHS requirements and the Permit to Work system.
· Support risk assessments and updates to COHE documentation in line with evolving system configurations during commissioning.
· Ensure all activities are executed in compliance with applicable safety legislation and site-specific procedures.

• Degree in Engineering, Biotechnology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or related discipline
• 10+ years’ experience in Commissioning & Qualification / CQV / Validation
• Strong working knowledge of GMP requirements, FDA and EMA regulations
• Strong hands-on upstream and downstream bioprocess knowledge
• Extensive experience working with Bioreactors, Filtration and concentration systems
• Excellent documentation, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills

• This is a site-based role. Must be able to commit to a minimum 40-hour work week, with flexibility based on project needs.
• Willingness to travel within Ireland and internationally, if required.
• Eligible to work full-time in Ireland.