Job Description: Senior COHE / LOTO Engineer
CAI Overview
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CAI is a professional services company established in 1996 that has grown year over year to nearly 800 people worldwide. For Life Sciences and Mission Critical industries that need to deliver critical solutions in high-stakes environments, we provide accelerated operational readiness and unparalleled performance at the highest standard through our rigorous approach, field-tested processes, and elite expertise developed over 30 years.
Our approach is simple because our Purpose informs everything we do:
- We exist to be the trusted solution for our clients as they strive to build a better working world and improve the human experience.
At CAI, we are committed to living our Foundational Principles, both professionally and personally:
- We act with integrity
- We serve each other
- We serve society
- We work for our future
At CAI, we believe in a relentless dedication to excellence, pushing boundaries and surpassing expectations. From the beginning, we’ve challenged ourselves to do what others wouldn’t. Not just setting industry standards, but redefining them entirely. We are bold in our thinking and creative in our approach. We operate at the intersection of wisdom and technology and thrive when they come together with humanity. For us, operational readiness isn’t simply a goal. It’s a way of life. Because tomorrow demands to be at the forefront of today. We do this through tireless effort, precision, efficiency and an unwavering belief that there is always room for advancement. We’re not interested in how it used to be done. We’re obsessed with how it will be done.
Job Title: Senior COHE / LOTO Engineer
Location: Limerick
Contract Type: Staff or Contract
Job Summary
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.
Key Responsibilities
- 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.
Qualifications
- 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
Other Requirements
- 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.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
