OT Automation Engineer

AstraZeneca; England; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading bio-pharmaceutical company in the United Kingdom is seeking an OT Automation Engineer for a 2-year fixed-term contract in Macclesfield. The role involves project management, troubleshooting automation systems, and applying Lean techniques to improve operations. Candidates should have significant experience in delivering automation projects within regulated environments, a background in GAMP 5, and relevant qualifications. The company fosters a collaborative culture and offers competitive benefits.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Benefits package

Flexible work arrangements

Qualifications

• Experience of delivering and validating automation and control system projects in a GxP context.
• Strong proven understanding of GAMP 5 and Data Integrity guidelines.
• Minimum HND/HNC in a related subject area.

Responsibilities

• Manage small projects including qualification and budgetary control.
• Provide support for automation system faults and quality incidents.
• Deliver coaching on automation systems to staff.

Skills

Experience of delivering and validating automation and control system projects

Strong understanding of GAMP 5

Ability to author and review validation documentation

Strong partner management skills

Proficient in regulatory environments

Education

Minimum HND/HNC in a relevant subject

Tools

PLC/SCADA platforms

MES or ERP interfaces

Job description

OT Automation Engineer 2 year Fixed Term Contract

Location: Macclesfield UK

Competitive salary and benefits

At AstraZeneca were redefining what a bio-pharmaceutical company can achieve. Our innovative approach opens up new ways to work pioneering groundbreaking methods and bringing unexpected teams together. Are you ready to turn complex automation challenges into reliable production that keeps lifesaving medicines flowing to patients If you are a self-motivated and expert engineer with a background in automation & control looking for your next challenge this fantastic opportunity to develop within Operations at AstraZeneca could be for you.

As an Automation Engineer you will strengthen the control systems that power our manufacturing network using digitalisation and Lean thinking to increase speed resilience and quality on the expansive Macclesfield campus where were driving ambitious redevelopment grounded in Chemistry Packing and Complex Parenterals. This is a fixed term role to support an exciting ongoing project and longer term the role will provide valuable experience which could lead to a future technical or project role.

Responsibilities:

Project management of small projects including qualification technical and business improvements and budgetary control

Delivering authoritative support to automation system faults and to quality incidents related to automated system functionality leading to Deviation and CAPA ownership

Whilst maintaining Data Integrity generation of data from control systems to support digital transformation and data analytics

Information Technology to Operational Technology interaction & support including patching and vulnerabilities planning and handling IT service weekends

Use of Lean techniques such as problem solving and Tier reporting feeding into Total Productive Maintenance

Delivery of automation system coaching to technical and non-technical staff including Engineering Technicians and Operating Teams. Mentoring of peers in your areas of expertise and being a mentee to learn from others.

Essential Skills/Experience:

• Experience of delivering and validating automation and control system projects in a GxP context
• Strong proven understanding of GAMP 5 21 CFR Part 11EU GMP Annex 11 Data Integrity (ALCOA)
• Ability to author and review high-quality validation documentation independently.
• Strong partner management and interpersonal skills.
• Diligent structured and proficient in working within a highly regulated environment.
• Minimum HND/HNC in a related subject area and meaningful work experience in a similar role or regulated industry

Desirable Skills/Experience:

• Degree or equivalent experience within a relevant field and membership of relevant institution with professional qualifications
• Familiarity with PLC/SCADA platforms (e.g. Siemens COPA Zenon).
• Exposure to MES or ERP interfaces related to packaging operations.
• Knowledge of Agile or risk-based validation approaches.
• Familiarity with lean manufacturing or continuous improvement initiatives
• Experience with serialisation and aggregation systems (e.g. Systech)
• ISA/IEC 62443 Industrial Cybersecurity Qualification
• Understanding of GAMP5 and the impact assessment of Category 1 3 4 5 changes
• Understand IT solutions to vulnerabilities e.g. patching and implement these on OT systems with no production or GMP impact.

When we put unexpected teams in the same room we unleash bold thinking with the power to inspire life-changing -person working gives us the platform we need to connect work at pace and challenge perceptions. Thats why we work five days per week from the office. But that doesnt mean were not flexible. We balance the expectation of being in the office while respecting individual flexibility. Join us in our unique and ambitious world.

At AstraZeneca we re dedicated to being a Great Place to Work. Where you are empowered to push the boundaries of science and unleash your entrepreneurial spirit. Theres no better place to make a difference to medicine patients and society. An inclusive culture that champions diversity and collaboration. Always committed to lifelong learning growth and development.

Interested Come and join our journey!

Date Posted

14-Jan-2026

Closing Date

26-Jan-2026

Our mission is to build an inclusive and equitable environment. We want people to feel they belong at AstraZeneca and Alexion starting with our recruitment process. We welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates regardless of characteristics. We offer reasonable adjustments/accommodations to help all candidates to perform at their best. If you have a need for any adjustments/accommodations please complete the section in the application form.