Automation Engineer – PLC/SCADA for Pharma (Fixed-Term)

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

Job summary

Boehringer Ingelheim in the United Kingdom seeks an Automation Engineer to maintain and improve site automation technologies, including production equipment and building controls. The role blends hands-on engineering with project support, covering design, programming, troubleshooting and lifecycle management of control systems at the Pirbright site.

You will work with operations, maintenance, validation and IT, ensure compliance with GMP and internal standards, support audits, and contribute to

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with industrial automation systems including PLCs, HMI/SCADA, building automation and control systems.
• Strong knowledge of PLC programming (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.

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 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.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI/SCADA

Building automation

Industrial control architectures

Low-voltage controls

Sensors & I/O

Lifecycle documentation

GAMP5 knowledge

OT cybersecurity

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Control Systems or related field

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.

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

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 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:
https://www.boehringer-ingelheim.co.uk/careers/uk-careers/why-great-place-work

Our Company Boehringer Ingelheim is a biopharmaceutical company active in both human and animal health. As one of the industry's top investors in research and development, the company focuses on developing innovative therapies that can improve and extend lives in areas of high unmet medical need. Independent since its foundation in 1885, Boehringer takes a long-term perspective, embedding sustainability along the entire value chain. Our approximately 54,300 employees serve over 130 markets to build a healthier and more sustainable tomorrow. Learn more at www.boehringer-ingelheim.com. Why Boehringer Ingelheim?

With us, you can develop your own path in a company with a culture that knows our differences are our strengths - and break new ground in the drive to make millions of lives better.

Here, your development is our priority. Supporting you to build a career as part of a workplace that is independent, authentic and bold, while tackling challenging work in a respectful and friendly environment where everyone is valued and welcomed.

Alongside, you have access to programs and groups that ensure your health and wellbeing are looked after - as we make major investments to drive global accessibility to healthcare. By being part of a team that is constantly innovating, you'll be helping to transform lives for generations.

Want to learn more? Visit https://www.boehringer-ingelheim.com