Technical Support Engineer - Operations

LabRulez

Swindon

Hybrid

GBP 42,000 - 62,000

Full time

8 hours ago

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Benefits offered by this job

Shift allowance

Bonus package

Career progression and training

Job summary

Thermo Fisher Scientific in Swindon is seeking a Technical Support Engineer to lead lifecycle management of production equipment in a GMP environment. You will improve equipment reliability, support maintenance, investigations and upgrades, and ensure compliance with GMP and engineering standards.

The role involves strong collaboration with engineering, operations, quality and external suppliers in a 60/40 desk/hand-on split, including cleanroom areas with strict gowning requirements.

Qualifications

Experience in pharmaceutical or highly regulated manufacturing environments.
Strong leadership of engineering teams.
Good knowledge of GMP, health & safety, and compliance requirements.

Responsibilities

Provide technical support within Operations, including preventive maintenance and inspections.
Lead fault diagnosis and implement robust, right-first-time solutions with the maintenance team.
Drive improvements in equipment reliability, availability and performance via root cause analysis.
Hands-on work level around 40% on the production floor.
Coordinate engineering activities with the maintenance planner and shift coordinator.
Work with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality and Validation to minimise downtime.
Escalate safety, quality or technical issues per site procedures.

Skills

Leadership

GMP knowledge

CMMS

Troubleshooting

Maintenance planning

Analytical skills

Communication

Problem solving

Education

HNC Level 3 in engineering

GCSE English & Maths (4+)

Tools

CMMS

Microsoft Office

Quality software systems

Job description

As the world leader in serving science, our work is more than something that fills our days – what we do has great purpose. Our industry-leading scale means unparalleled commercial reach, unique customer access and a global footprint. Our broad customer base, from research to clinical to commercial production means you can have a broad and meaningful impact here at Thermo Fisher Scientific. All while working in an environment where you will be supported, valued and rewarded for your performance.

Technical Support Engineer - Operations

Work Schedule

Standard (Mon-Fri)

Environmental Conditions

Able to lift 40 lbs. without assistance, 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, Some degree of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) required (safety glasses, gowning, gloves, lab coat, ear plugs etc.)

Job Description

Position Summary

At Thermo Fisher Scientific, you'll join a collaborative team dedicated to making the world healthier, cleaner, and safer. With over $40 billion in annual revenue and significant investment in R&D, we provide the resources and opportunities to help you succeed.

We are looking for an experienced Engineer to provide technical leadership for the lifecycle management of production equipment within a designated area of the site. You'll be responsible for improving equipment reliability, supporting maintenance activities, investigations and resolutions, leading equipment upgrades, and ensuring compliance with GMP and engineering standards.

The role requires strong technical knowledge of pharmaceutical manufacturing equipment and the ability to work independently while collaborating with engineering, operations, quality, and external suppliers. The role includes activities focused on the production around the production floor that is typically a 60/40 desk/hand-on split that includes clean room environments with specific GMP gowning.

Key Responsibilities

Provide technical support within the Operations environment, including preventive maintenance and equipment inspections.
Lead fault diagnosis and implement robust, right-first-time solutions with the maintenance team.
Drive improvements in equipment reliability, availability, and performance using root cause analysis and continuous improvement techniques.
Hands on, typically 40%.
Coordinate engineering activities with the maintenance planner and shift coordinator.
Work closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, and Validation to minimise downtime.
Become the primary engineering SME for a designated area.
Working in collaboration with the maintenance team to provide second line support.
Provide technical guidance and mentoring to the maintenance team.
Support the development of training and knowledge-sharing across the department.
Managing external vendors and contractors for focused tasks.
Ensure rapid and effective response to equipment breakdowns, deviations, and emergencies.
Participating in shift handovers to ensure continuity of engineering support.
Ensure all maintenance activities comply with GMP, safety, and quality standards.
Review maintenance work within our CMMS making improvements to the content.
Escalate technical, safety, or quality issues in accordance with site procedures.
Coach, mentor, and support the development of people.
Promote a strong safety culture and adherence to safe systems of work.

Experience & Knowledge

Pharmaceutical or other highly regulated manufacturing environments.
Demonstrated strong leadership of teams within an engineering environment.
Strong working knowledge of GMP, health & safety, and compliance requirements.
Experience using Computerised Maintenance Systems and maintenance planning tools.
Exposure to cleanrooms (desirable).
Knowledge of facility equipment such as HVAC and Water Systems
Strong analytical and troubleshooting capabilities.
Good understanding of reading electrical and P&ID drawings.

Personal Attributes

Positive, resilient, and solution-focused with a “can-do” attitude.
Calm, pragmatic, and well-organised under pressure.
Self-motivated with a proactive and flexible approach to work.
Able to manage competing priorities and deliver within critical timelines.
Strong team player with the ability to influence and motivate others.

Equipment

Support the installation, commissioning, and upgrade of production equipment.
Ensure equipment complies with GMP, safety, and engineering standards.
Identify opportunities to improve equipment performance and introduce new technologies where appropriate.
Maintain accurate equipment records within the CMMS.
Monitor equipment performance and implement improvements.
Support the development and improvement of preventive maintenance strategies.

Safety and Compliance

Promote safe working practices and ensure compliance with Health & Safety, GMP, and company standards.
Support audits, inspections, risk assessments, and CAPA activities.

Qualifications and Experience

HNC Level 3 (or equivalent) in a relevant engineering discipline.
- English, Maths to GCSE Grade 4 or higher
- Proficiency with Microsoft application and manufacturing quality software systems.
- Experience of using a Computerised Maintenance Management System
- Good awareness Process Safety Management Systems e.g. PTW, LOTO, Confined Spaces, Working at Height
- Mechanical or Electrical based Engineering Apprenticeship to Level 3 NVQ
3-5 years experience in a maintenance engineering role, ideally within pharmaceutical or other regulated manufacturing.
Good understanding of GMP, pharmaceutical processing equipment, and maintenance best practices.
Completion of an engineering apprenticeship or comparable experience is desirable.
Experience with CMMS and reliability improvement techniques is desirable.