Senior Automation Engineer

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.; England; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading scientific solutions company in the UK is seeking a Senior Automation Engineer to coordinate automation systems for pharmaceutical manufacturing. This role involves developing, optimizing, and implementing automation solutions, mentoring junior engineers, and ensuring compliance with safety standards. Candidates should have a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering and a passion for automation in a regulated environment.

Qualifications

• A passion for automation engineering, preferably within a pharmaceutical or regulated manufacturing industry.
• Proven experience in project management.
• Solid understanding of automation systems, PLCs, SCADA, and HMI.

Responsibilities

• Specify, develop, and implement automation systems for pharmaceutical manufacturing processes.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to optimize automation effectiveness and standardization.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives and stay updated with the latest industry trends.

Skills

Project management

Problem-solving

Effective communication

Automation systems knowledge

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering, or a related field

Tools

PLCs

SCADA

HMI

Data analysis tools

Job description

Adherence to all Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) Safety Standards, Cleanroom: no hair products, jewelry, makeup, nail polish, perfume, exposed piercings, facial hair etc. allowed, Office, PPE required (safety glasses, gowning, gloves, lab coat, ear plugs etc.). The Senior Automation Engineer is responsible for working within a team of automation engineers within our pharmaceutical manufacturing facility. This includes coordinating fault finding activities, system maintenance, system improvement projects, driving standardization and process control, and analysing equipment data to improve performance. This would also include acting as technical mentor to more junior members of the team.

Responsibilities

• Specify, develop, and implement automation systems for pharmaceutical manufacturing processes, typically on the site standard Rockwell platform.
• Optimize solutions using an appropriate combination of SCADA networks, PLCs, IPCs, and HMI interfaces.
• Collaborate with the Site Shift Engineering Teams, Project Engineering Team, MSAT Function, and clients to optimize automation effectiveness and standardization.
• Identify and resolve technical issues related to automation systems.
• Prepare and maintain documentation for automation systems and processes.
• Ensure safety protocols are followed and integrate safety features into automation systems.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives and stay updated with the latest industry trends and technologies.
• Provide training and support to shift engineering staff on the function and fault finding of site automation systems.
• Monitor and analyze system performance to identify areas for improvement.
• Develop and implement a departmental roadmap for automation strategy, in collaboration with relevant managers and department heads.
• Act as the client liaison when required, working closely with counterparts at client sites to align processes to client expectations.
• Handle critical metric measures and ensure actions are completed on target.
• Provide insight and guidance for new product introductions on automation topics to define required activities for the best future state.
• Lead all aspects of project timelines, budgets, and resources to ensure successful implementation.
• Ensure compliance with cGMP, GAMP, and site SOPs. Promote standard processes across all automation activities while ensuring regulatory requirements are met.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering, or a related field.
• A passion for automation engineering, preferably within a pharmaceutical or regulated manufacturing industry.
• Proven experience in project management.
• Solid understanding of automation systems, PLCs, SCADA, and HMI.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Effective communication and social skills.
• Familiarity with GMP, FDA regulations, and other industry standards.
• Experience with data analysis tools and techniques.

Working Conditions

The position involves working in an office and manufacturing environment. Occasional travel may be required for training and conferences. The ability to respond to emergency situations outside of regular working hours is vital.

Benefits

When you're part of Thermo Fisher Scientific, you'll do challenging work, and join a team that values performance, quality and innovation. As part of a successful, growing global organization you will be encouraged to perform at your best. With revenues of more than $40 billion and the largest investment in R&D in the industry, we give our people the resources and chances to create significant contributions to the world. At Thermo Fisher Scientific, each one of our 120,000 extraordinary minds has a unique story to tell. Join us and contribute to our singular mission-enabling our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer.