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Engineering Automation Lead

TN United Kingdom

Barnard Castle

On-site

GBP 60,000 - 100,000

Full time

Yesterday
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Job summary

An established industry player is seeking an Engineering Automation Lead to drive innovation in automation strategies at their Barnard Castle site. This role is crucial in optimizing operations through advanced technologies, ensuring compliance with GMP standards, and leading a team of skilled engineers. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in automation engineering and leadership, with a passion for continuous improvement. Join this forward-thinking company and make a significant impact on the future of pharmaceutical manufacturing, leveraging cutting-edge technologies and fostering a collaborative work environment.

Qualifications

  • Degree in a Science/Engineering related discipline such as Automation.
  • Proven leadership skills in a cGMP environment with hands-on programming.

Responsibilities

  • Develop and implement an operations automation strategy.
  • Manage and mentor a team of automation engineers.
  • Ensure compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices.

Skills

Automation Engineering
Leadership Skills
GMP Compliance
Six Sigma
Lean Manufacturing
Technical Support
Continuous Improvement

Education

Degree in Science/Engineering
MEng/MSc in Science/Engineering

Tools

PLC
SCADA
DCS
HMI
MES

Job description

Social network you want to login/join with:

Engineering Automation Lead, Barnard Castle

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Client:

GSK

Location:
Job Category:

-

EU work permit required:

Yes

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Job Reference:

e8b205665501

Job Views:

4

Posted:

24.04.2025

Expiry Date:

08.06.2025

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Job Description:

Job description
Site Name: UK - County Durham - Barnard Castle
Posted Date: Apr 8 2025

Engineering Automation Lead

Location - UK County Durham - Barnard Castle

We make and supply medicines and vaccines all around the globe and our teams own every production stage, from creating quality products at our manufacturing sites to designing effective supply forecasting and regulatory inspections; all powered by digital, data and analytics. We operate at impressive scale, producing over 2.3 billion packs of medicines and doses of vaccines in 2023.

We continue to modernise, so we can launch even more new products at speed whilst continuing to deliver across our entire portfolio through our relentless focus on quality, safety, and service. The way we work will change. For some, the shift in technology and products will be revolutionary. Our R&D pipeline demands a new kind of supply chain, and we need the very best minds and capability to help us on our journey to make more complex products, harnessing the power of smart manufacturing technologies including robotics, digital solutions, and artificial intelligence to deliver for patients.

The Engineering Automation Lead will provide strategic input and direction to enable the site to meet its business goals by effectively balancing the management of day-to-day operations with long-term strategic planning. This involves ensuring that advanced instrumentation, automation, and control engineering techniques are implemented across the Barnard Castle Site in a GMP compliant manner to meet both local and global requirements. By integrating robust management practices with strategic initiatives, the site can optimize operational efficiency, maintain regulatory compliance, and achieve sustainable growth.

Key Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Develop and implement a comprehensive operations automation strategy that aligns with the site’s business goals and objectives.
  • Team Leadership: Manage and mentor a team of automation engineers and build capability and skills with maintenance technicians, fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment.
  • System Design and Implementation: Lead the design, development, and implementation of advanced automation systems, including PLCs, SCADA, and DCS.
  • GMP Compliance: Ensure all automation systems and processes comply with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and regulatory requirements.
  • Training and Development: Develop and deliver training programs to ensure staff are proficient in the use of automation technologies and best practices.
  • Continuous Improvement: Drive continuous improvement initiatives by staying current with emerging automation technologies and industry trends and integrating them into the site’s operations where applicable.
  • Technical Support: Provide technical support and troubleshooting for automation systems to minimize downtime and ensure smooth operations.
  • Provide subject matter expertise to regulatory inspections and interact with auditors as necessary.
Why you?
Basic Qualifications:

We are looking for professionals with these required skills to achieve our goals:

  • Degree in a Science/ Engineering related discipline such as Automation, Control, Electrical or Mechatronic.
  • Six Sigma and Lean Manufacturing experience gained from the pharmaceutical industry.; Black Belt or Green Belt desirable.
  • Technical expertise in several scientific and engineering automation areas including ISA standards (e.g. S88, S95), P&ID nomenclature, Automation architecture, instrumentation and electrical wiring diagrams, communication networks, control panels, HMI, MES, SCADA, PLC and Historians.
  • Broad and in-depth knowledge with practical experience of computer and application validation (preferably using GAMP methodology), cGMPs, and 21 CFR Part 11 in an FDA regulated environment.
  • Proven Leadership Skills in a cGMP environment gained from hands-on programming and troubleshooting for Automation, Instrumentation and IT systems.
  • Ability to interface with operational and senior management within the organization.
  • Experience gained designing and programming automation applications. May include both firmware and software development.
Preferred Skills

If you have the following characteristics, it would be a plus:

  • MEng / MSc in a Science or Engineering related discipline such as Automation, Control, Electrical or Mechatronic.
  • A sound scientific and engineering understanding of pharmaceutical secondary processing.
  • Good knowledge of IT architecture management, data warehousing, virtualization & implementation processes
  • Practical knowledge of Cybersecurity within an OT space.
  • Demonstrated project management skills.
  • Working knowledge and understanding of EHS Practices and regulations with respect to the installation of automated plant.
  • A good appreciation of FDA PAT initiatives and the impact on the Pharma industry.
  • Proven track record in providing automation support and maintenance for instrumentation, automation and controls.
Closing Date for Applications: 22nd April 2025 (EOD)

Please take a copy of the Job Description, as this will not be available post closure of the advert.When applying for this role, please use the ‘cover letter’ of the online application or your CV to describe how you meet the competencies for this role, as outlined in the job requirements above. The information that you have provided in your cover letter and CV will be used to assess your application.

Why GSK?

Uniting science, technology and talent to get ahead of disease together.

GSK is a global biopharma company with a special purpose – to unite science, technology and talent to get ahead of disease together – so we can positively impact the health of billions of people and deliver stronger, more sustainable shareholder returns – as an organisation where people can thrive. We prevent and treat disease with vaccines, specialty and general medicines. We focus on the science of the immune system and the use of new platform and data technologies, investing in four core therapeutic areas (infectious diseases, HIV, respiratory/ immunology and oncology).

Our success absolutely depends on our people. While getting ahead of disease together is about our ambition for patients and shareholders, it’s also about making GSK a place where people can thrive. We want GSK to be a place where people feel inspired, encouraged and challenged to be the best they can be. A place where they can be themselves – feeling welcome, valued, and included. Where they can keep growing and look after their wellbeing. So, if you share our ambition, join us at this exciting moment in our journey to get Ahead Together.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we are open to all talent. In the US, we also adhere to Affirmative Action principles. This ensures that all qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to neurodiversity, race/ethnicity, colour, national origin, religion, gender, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, age, disability, genetic information, military service, covered/protected veteran status or any other federal, state or local protected class*(*US only).

We believe in an agile working culture for all our roles. If flexibility is important to you, we encourage you to explore with our hiring team what the opportunities are.

Should you require any adjustments to our process to assist you in demonstrating your strengths and capabilities contact us on [emailprotected] or 0808 234 4391. The helpline is available from 8.30am to 12.00 noon Monday to Friday, during bank holidays these times and days may vary.

Please note should your enquiry not relate to adjustments, we will not be able to support you through these channels. However, we have created a UK Recruitment FAQ guide. Click the link and scroll to the Careers Section where you will find answers to multiple questions we receive

As you apply, we will ask you to share some personal information which is entirely voluntary. We want to have an opportunity to consider a diverse pool of qualified candidates and this information will assist us in meeting that objective and in understanding how well we are doing against our inclusion and diversity ambitions. We would really appreciate it if you could take a few moments to complete it.Rest assured, Hiring Managers do not have access to this information and we will treat your information confidentially.

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