1. What do you do at SL Controls?
I am a Validation Engineer working on projects for large multinational pharmaceutical companies. My role involves creating and reviewing documentation for the validation of utilities and equipment, procuring and setting up Linux servers, and completing various tasks on different servers to ensure they are set up correctly as part of IO (input/output) and PV (product verification) testing.
The documents I create and review include user requirements, design specifications, performance qualifications, etc.
2. Describe your job without using the words engineer or engineering.
I take on various tasks, known in my team as enablers, during an iteration period. With the completion of these enablers, my team can complete a feature that has been created by the project manager to meet the requirements of our client. In the completion of these enablers, I always work to ensure they meet quality requirements.
3. What made you want to build your career in engineering?
I didn’t set out to go into quality and validation. Being a validation engineer is not something I chose, but it is something I have become.
I started in quality control for pharmaceutical and biopharma companies before moving to equipment qualification. As part of this role, I became heavily involved with validation. I completed various testing validations in the lab to qualify methods on new instruments and products. This move increased my knowledge and experience in the validation world. I then got an opportunity as a validation engineer when I joined SL Controls.
4. What is it about engineering that gives you the most satisfaction or that you are proudest of?
Definitely the most satisfying part of my job is seeing and hearing about all the products the companies make and the lives those products have changed for the better. Working as part of a team is rewarding, too, and working with different departments with everyone aiming towards the same goal.
5. What was your first day working at SL Controls like?
That was one-and-a-half years ago, post-pandemic, so my induction was all online. I split my time working from the SL Controls Limerick offices and at home. Within a week of onboarding, I was working on my first team and contributing to my team’s goals, which was great.
With SL Controls, getting settled into the new job was very easy. I had everything laid out in front of me, and everything was well explained. I also got a feeling for the team culture straight away, and I quickly got to meet people from different areas and different sites.
6. Is there anything about SL Controls that makes it stand out from working at other companies?
Compared to other companies, there is more of a family feel to working here at SL Controls. Everyone knows each other and is treated with respect. SL Controls isn’t afraid to change with the times and is supportive of everyone.
7. What advice would you give to people interested in joining SL Controls?
My advice would be to grab it with both hands and never be afraid to ask any questions. There is always an answer and what you will find is that most things are achievable. Help is always just a call away.
