Automation Engineer

Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH; Ash; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH in the United Kingdom is seeking an Automation Engineer to maintain and improve site automation technologies, including production equipment and building automation systems. The role blends hands-on technical work with project support to ensure continuous production and compliance with internal standards.

The position is a fixed-term contract until 31 December 2027. You will design, program, troubleshoot, and lifecycle-manage control systems, collaborate with

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with PLCs, HMI/SCADA, and building automation in regulated environments.
• Knowledge of GAMP5 methodology and lifecycle management.
• Experience in audits, deviations, and CAPA processes.
• Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and troubleshoot automation systems to minimize downtime.
• Deliver design, programming and implementation of control systems for projects.
• Lead automation projects and contribute to site automation roadmap.
• Ensure compliance with internal procedures, standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with operations, maintenance, validation, IT and vendors.
• Evaluate new technologies and share knowledge within the team.

Skills

Industrial automation

PLC programming

HMI/SCADA

Regulatory compliance

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field

Tools

SCADA platforms

Low voltage control

Networking protocols

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.