Automation Engineer

Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH; Aberdeen City, Pirbright; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Boehringer Ingelheim is seeking an Automation Engineer to maintain and enhance production and building automation systems. The role blends hands-on engineering with project support, covering design, programming, troubleshooting and lifecycle management of control systems in a highly regulated setting.

The position requires strong PLC programming skills, experience with HMI/SCADA platforms and knowledge of GAMP5.

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with industrial automation systems including PLCs, HMI/SCADA, and building automation.
• Strong PLC programming skills (ladder, function block, structured text) and understanding of control architectures.
• Experience in design, implementation, troubleshooting and lifecycle management of control systems.
• Familiarity with GAMP5 methodology and regulatory expectations in pharma/regulated environments.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and troubleshoot automation systems to ensure reliability and minimize downtime.
• Deliver automation support for engineering and maintenance projects, including design and programming of control systems.
• Lead or contribute to automation projects and continuous improvement initiatives with stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with internal procedures, industry standards and regulatory requirements including audits.
• Collaborate with operations, maintenance, validation, IT and vendors to support performance and project execution.
• Evaluate new technologies and share knowledge within the team.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI/SCADA platforms

Industrial automation

Control architectures

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field

Tools

HMI/SCADA software

Job description

The Automation Engineer is responsible for maintaining and improving site automation technologies, including production equipment and building automation systems. The role combines hands-on technical work with project support, covering design, programming, troubleshooting and lifecycle management of control systems. The position contributes to production continuity, supports engineering and maintenance activities, and ensures that automation systems operate in line with regulatory and internal standards while enabling future site development.

This is a fixed-term contract until 31st December 2027.

Tasks and Responsibilities

The person in this role will support both day-to-day operations and project activities related to automation systems. In particular, they will:

• Maintain and troubleshoot automation systems (including production and building automation) to ensure system reliability and minimize production downtime, while managing documentation, backups and system records
• Deliver automation support for engineering and maintenance projects, including design, programming and implementation of control systems, while ensuring alignment with scope, timelines, budgets and global standards
• Lead or contribute to automation projects and continuous improvement initiatives, coordinating stakeholders, managing deliverables and supporting long-term site automation strategy and roadmap
• Ensure systems operate in a compliant manner by adhering to internal procedures, industry standards and regulatory requirements, including supporting audits and implementing corrective and preventive actions
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams (operations, maintenance, engineering, validation, IT) and external vendors to support system performance and project execution
• Evaluate and implement new technologies, build internal expertise and provide knowledge sharing and training within the team

Requirements

• Hands-on experience with industrial automation systems, including PLCs, HMI/SCADA, building automation and control systems
• Strong knowledge of PLC programming (e.g. ladder, function block, structured text) and industrial control architectures
• Understanding of low voltage control systems (relays, safety circuits, drives) and industrial devices and interfaces (sensors, I/O, fieldbus, networking)
• Experience supporting the full system lifecycle (design, implementation, troubleshooting, upgrades and documentation)
• Familiarity with HMI/SCADA platforms and building automation systems
• Experience working in a pharmaceutical environment or another highly regulated industry
• Knowledge of GAMP5 (Good Automated Manufacturing Practice) methodology
• Understanding of project delivery and ability to manage priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Awareness of operational technology cybersecurity principles
• Strong communication and collaboration skills
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Control Systems or a related field

A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check will be required for the successful candidate. Any offer of employment will be subject to satisfactory DBS certificate.

WHY THIS IS A GREAT PLACE TO WORK

Boehringer Ingelheim has been recognised as aTop Employer in the UK, demonstrating our commitment to building an exceptional workplace through strong people practices and supportive HR policies.