About the Role
The Senior Automation Engineer will join the Plant Automation Team and play a key role in supporting manufacturing operations, maintaining critical automation systems, and delivering optimisation and continuous improvement initiatives across the site.
This position will act as System Owner for key automation assets, leading troubleshooting activities, lifecycle management, system reliability improvements, and automation project support within a GMP-regulated manufacturing environment.
Key Responsibilities
Act as System Owner for critical automation systems, overseeing lifecycle maintenance, upgrades, and validation activities
Manage Change Controls, Deviations, and CAPAs associated with automation systems
Maintain system documentation, configuration management, and software version control
Support long-term system reliability and performance initiatives
Support & Troubleshooting
Provide technical support to manufacturing and engineering teams during production activities, shutdowns, and technology transfers
Lead or support root cause investigations and troubleshooting of automation-related issues
Assist with resolving system faults and minimising downtime within manufacturing operations
Implement CAPAs including software modifications and updates to SOPs and technical documentation
Review existing automation system designs and recommend improvements aligned with industry best practices and regulatory requirements
Support digitalisation and Industry 4.0 initiatives including data integration and advanced automation technologies
Support new product introductions and technology transfer activities through engineering assessments and automation system modifications
Collaborate with cross-functional teams, stakeholders, and external vendors to deliver projects successfully
Support engineering trials, commissioning, and implementation activities
Safety & Compliance
Promote a strong culture of safety and compliance across all activities
Ensure adherence to GMP, EHS, and site quality standards
Support validation and compliance activities in line with regulatory expectations
Requirements
Bachelor’s Degree in Automation Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology Engineering, or related discipline
Minimum 5 years’ experience within a manufacturing or operations environment, ideally within pharmaceutical or biotech industries
Strong background in automation system design, installation, validation, testing, programming, and lifecycle management
Experience with one or more of the following:
Biopharmaceutical formulation or vial/syringe filling systems
Inspection or packaging automation systems
Siemens or Rockwell PLC/HMI platforms
SCADA systems including iFix, InTouch, Zenon, PCS, or Rockwell FTView
Industrial fieldbus technologies such as ControlNet, DeviceNet, Profibus, ProfiNet, AS‑I, or BACnet
Knowledge of GAMP lifecycle methodology, ANSI/ISA‑S88 and S95 standards, 21 CFR Part 11, and Annex 11
Understanding of industrial networking technologies including TCP/IP and Firewalls
Strong problem-solving, communication, and stakeholder management skills
Self‑motivated with the ability to work independently and within cross‑functional teams
Experience working within GMP‑regulated manufacturing environments preferred
Flexibility to travel occasionally for vendor support and training activities
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