Automation Support Engineer

AstraZeneca; Macclesfield; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading pharmaceutical company is seeking an Automation Support Engineer to join their dynamic team in Macclesfield. This role involves providing 24/7 support for manufacturing and packaging systems. You will troubleshoot automation equipment, perform maintenance, and implement improvements. Ideal candidates will have experience with electrical systems, PLCs, and automation technology. This opportunity offers a chance to contribute to life-changing medicines in a supportive environment.

Qualifications

• Recognised Engineering Apprenticeship or equivalent.
• Experience with Electrical and instrumentation systems.
• Experience with PLC, HMI, Robotic and Automation systems.

Responsibilities

• Deliver and sustain business objectives and provide engineering expertise.
• Resolve problems and implement improvements; maintain electrical and control systems.
• Respond to critical breakdowns in a timely manner.

Skills

Experience with Electrical and instrumentation systems

Experience with PLC, HMI, Robotic and Automation systems

Recognised Engineering Apprenticeship or equivalent

Education

ONC/HNC or equivalent in a relevant engineering field

Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or equivalent professional qualification

Tools

Siemens S7

TIA

WinCC

Robotics systems

Job description

Automation Support Engineer

Macclesfield

Permanent early/late shift position working a mixture of early shifts (5:45am - 2pm), late shifts (1:45pm - 10pm) and 1 in 3 weekends.

Introduction to role

Join our dynamic shift-team at AstraZeneca Macclesfield. As an Automation Engineer you will play a crucial part in our manufacturing and sterile packaging systems, providing 24/7 support to ensure smooth operation of automated and computerised systems. Your role will involve troubleshooting and resolving issues with automation equipment and control systems, performing proactive and reactive maintenance, and implementing technical solutions to optimise production efficiency and ensure compliance with regulatory and quality standards.

Accountabilities

• Delivering and sustaining business objectives and providing engineering and automation expertise to maintain equipment and systems.
• Resolving problems and implementing improvements; planning, coordinating, and undertaking electrical and control system maintenance activities.
• Responding to critical breakdowns in a timely manner and maximizing equipment availability.
• Driving continuous improvement by conducting and coordinating investigations identifying root cause analysis and implementing effective containments and countermeasures.
• Working closely with plant maintenance technicians and supporting their knowledge uplift of automated systems.

Essential Skills/Experience

• Recognised Engineering Apprenticeship or equivalent.
• ONC/HNC or equivalent in a relevant engineering field.
• Experience with Electrical and instrumentation systems.
• Experience with PLC, HMI, Robotic and Automation systems (e.g. Siemens S7, TIA, WinCC, Schneider, Staubli).

Desirable Skills/Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or equivalent professional qualification.
• PLC programming certification.
• Experience with Windows O/S and SQL.
• Experience with industrial networks (e.g. Industrial Ethernet / PROFINET).
• Previous pharmaceutical industry experience and understanding of cGMP maintenance practices.
• Member of a relevant professional body.

At AstraZeneca, we are driven by innovation and our commitment to deliver life-changing medicines. With constant new products and launches, there’s never been a better time to join our Supply Chain team. We thrive on challenges and continuously seek new and better ways to deliver medicines all the way to our patients. Our resilience helps us to innovate and evolve in rapidly changing markets. We foster a safe and positive space where ideas are welcomed and rewarded. If you are driven, take smart risks and are able to act quickly, then this is the place for you.

Ready to make a difference? Apply now to join our team!