Automation Engineer

Boehringer Ingelheim; Knaphill; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Boehringer Ingelheim in the United Kingdom is seeking an Automation Engineer to maintain and improve site automation technologies, including production equipment and building systems. This fixed-term contract supports design, programming, troubleshooting and lifecycle management of control systems in a highly regulated pharmaceutical setting.

The role involves hands-on technical work, project support, audits and continuous improvement, with collaboration across operations, maintenance,

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with industrial automation systems including PLCs, HMI/SCADA and building automation.
• Strong PLC programming knowledge (ladder, function block, structured text) and control architectures.
• Experience supporting full system lifecycle: design, implementation, troubleshooting, upgrades and documentation.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and troubleshoot automation systems to ensure reliability and minimize downtime.
• Lead or contribute to automation projects, coordinating stakeholders and deliverables.
• Ensure regulatory and internal standards compliance; support audits and CAPA actions.
• Collaborate with operations, maintenance, engineering, validation, IT and vendors to support performance and project execution.

Skills

Industrial automation

PLC programming

HMI/SCADA

Low voltage control

Lifecycle management

Cross-functional collaboration

Pharma experience

GAMP5

OT cybersecurity

Communication skills

Engineering degree

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field

Tools

HMI/SCADA platforms

Relays/ drives

Job description

THE POSITION

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

• Maintain and troubleshoot automation systems (including production and building automation) to ensure system reliability and minimize production downtime, while managing documentation, backups and system recordsDeliver
• automation support for engineering and maintenance projects, including design, programming and implementation of control systems, while ensuring alignment with scope, timelines, budgets and global standardsLead or contribute to automation projects and continuous improvement initiatives, coordinating stakeholders, managing deliverables and supporting long-term site automation strategy and roadmapEnsure systems operate in a compliant manner by adhering to internal procedures, industry standards and regulatory requirements, including supporting audits and implementing corrective and preventive actionsCollaborate closely with cross-functional teams (operations, maintenance, engineering, validation, IT) and external vendors to support system performance and project executionEvaluate 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

THIS IS A GREAT PLACE TO WORK

Boehringer Ingelheim has been recognised as a Top Employer in the UK, demonstrating our commitment to building an exceptional workplace through strong people practices and supportive HR policies. To learn more about why BI is a great place to work, visit