Shibu Kaithalamattathil, a senior engineering technician for MSD, explores the day to day as an engineer in the biopharma space and having the opportunity to watch his son enter the industry.

“I work in engineering at MSD Biotech, Dublin,” said senior engineer Shibu Kaithalamattathil, who added, “In this role, I oversee the day-to-day engineering activities that support manufacturing, ensuring that equipment, processes and systems operate safely, reliably and in full compliance with site standards.”

If there is such a thing, can you describe a typical day in the job?

A typical day begins with a shift handover where I review ongoing tasks and any issues from the previous shift. I then plan and prioritise work, assign tasks to team members and monitor progress. Throughout the shift, I support troubleshooting, ensure safety procedures are followed and coordinate with other departments as required. So, all in all, I suppose that means there isn’t really a typical day per se, the structures are similar every day, but the issues, challenges and opportunities that come at me are different every single day. It helps keep things interesting and also means you’re constantly learning new things too. 

I think the team and the culture on site also helps keep things interesting and ensure no two days feel alike. You’re genuinely excited to go to work every morning. For me personally, this was never truer than last year when I had quite a unique opportunity. My son Alan joined MSD Biotech, Dublin as an intern and worked on site alongside me. Alan is studying chemical engineering in college and to be able to work alongside him for that period of time was amazing, not just because of the feeling of pride I got knowing my son was following in my footsteps, but also the sense that he’s taking his first professional steps in what will be a hugely exciting and rewarding career. With the way science is advancing, I think it’s safe to say his day-to-day will eventually look very different to my own, but there’s so much excitement in that. 

What skills do you use on a daily basis?

One of the things I enjoy most about my role is that every day I have to use both technical and non-technical skills alike. My role is as much about dealing with machinery, systems and equipment as it is about dealing with people, so it’s a mix of very technical troubleshooting skills as well as communications, teamwork and project management. And at the heart of it, the biggest skill I think is problem-solving, whether looking at equipment or looking at our ways of working, it’s about being able to adapt and solve any issues or challenges as they arise. That is something I think Alan experienced first-hand during his internship as well. While at university, you’re so focused on the technical side of things with the science, the engineering and chemistry. Across STEM, softer skills can sometimes be an afterthought. But on a day-to-day basis, whatever area you end up specialising in, the skills that will come in handy are usually communication and problem-solving.

What is the hardest part of your working day?

The most challenging part of the day is dealing with the unexpected. It creates a sense of excitement and learning, but at the same time it is always a challenge to manage unexpected breakdowns or issues, all while ensuring that planned work is completed on time no matter what is going on. That requires quick decisions and effective prioritisation, as well as a real passion for problem solving. Whatever issue is in front of you, it’s really about just stepping back, looking at it holistically and then figuring out what the best way to fix or address it is. It’s about not just finding a solution, but making sure you’re finding the best solution.

Do you have any productivity tips that help you through the working day?

I start my day by taking a few minutes to prioritise my workload, focusing on key tasks and then I get working on the to do list. Engineering roles can be fast-paced and unpredictable, so having a clear structure helps me stay focused and calm, even when challenges arise. I tend to break tasks into smaller, manageable steps, which keeps me organised and makes it easier to maintain momentum throughout the day. I also make a point of taking short breaks to reset, especially during busy periods. Staying refreshed helps me think more clearly and safely, both are essential in a biotech environment. And finally, I’ve learned the value of leaning on the team.

When you first started this job, what were you most surprised to learn was important in the role?

I was struck by the importance of adaptability. Even with years of experience, I quickly learned that continuous learning is part of daily life here. The facility is equipped with modern, cutting‑edge technology and the systems evolve regularly as the industry advances. Being open to new tools, new processes and new ideas has been just as important as any technical skill I brought with me. Having my son on site with me, I tried to encourage those same habits and behaviours for him too as I really do think they make a difference. And it’s been brilliant to see him taking them on, both in his academic and professional development.

How has this role changed as this sector has grown and evolved?

The biopharmaceutical sector is expanding rapidly and with that growth has come significant technological advancement. My role has evolved from focusing mainly on hands-on engineering tasks to now also incorporating more data-driven decision making and working with highly sophisticated equipment, which has been very exciting. Automation, digital systems and advanced monitoring tools have become part of our daily operations, allowing us to work more efficiently while maintaining the highest standards of safety and quality. I’m also sure that by the time Alan finishes university and moves fully into the workforce, the role will have evolved even further, given the pace at which technology, automation and digital systems continue to develop across the sector. However, although the tools and processes have evolved, what hasn’t changed is the purpose behind the work. We’re producing medicines that make a real difference to people’s health and you can really feel how much that sense of responsibility guides everything our team does.

What do you enjoy most about the job?

What I enjoy most is the atmosphere on site. There’s a real sense of community at MSD Biotech, Dublin. People are friendly, supportive and proud of the work they do. It genuinely feels like a home away from home in a way and that makes a huge difference in an industry where teamwork and trust are so important. Every day, I also get to work with colleagues who share the same commitment to quality and the same passion for improving patients’ lives. That always feels very powerful too. Seeing Alan walk into the same site where I work and watching him experience the same warm, welcoming environment was such a proud moment. It just reinforced everything I love about this job, the strong culture, the sense of belonging and the meaningful work we do every day.

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