At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to develop automation solutions in the pharmaceutical manufacturing sector.
- Company: ALTEN, a global engineering consultancy with a focus on innovation and sustainability.
- Benefits: Personalised career path, private medical insurance, flexible working, and team-building events.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with opportunities for growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on cutting-edge projects that shape the future of technology.
- Qualifications: Degree in Engineering and experience in industrial automation required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
ALTEN is a global engineering and technology consultancy operating across over 35 countries worldwide. We partner with industry leaders across sectors including Aeronautics, Aerospace, Defence, Naval, Automotive, Energy, Rail, IT and many more to deliver innovative engineering solutions that drive technological advancement and support sustainable transformation.
As an Automation Engineer, you will join our Durham team to support our activities within the pharmaceutical manufacturing sector. You will support the expansion of a sterile manufacturing facility, contributing to the delivery of automation systems across process equipment, cleanroom environments, and site infrastructure. Working as part of a multidisciplinary project team, you will play a key role in ensuring automation solutions are designed, integrated, tested, and commissioned in compliance with quality, regulatory, and data integrity requirements.
Location: Durham
On Site: Full-time on site
Clearance: Eligibility to work in the UK required
Experience Level: Mid to Senior Level
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop automation strategies aligned with site and digital standards
- Produce and review Functional Design Specifications (FDS) and System Design Specifications (SDS)
- Support PLC, SCADA, and DCS configuration activities and system integration
- Integrate automation systems with site infrastructure, historians, alarm systems, and MES platforms
- Support commissioning, qualification, and validation activities, including automation testing execution
- Participate in FAT and SAT reviews and approvals
- Verify user requirements and support alarm management activities
- Review vendor and EPCM design deliverables, technical specifications, and datasheets
- Contribute to design reviews, including safety reviews, FMEA, RTM, and Design Qualification (DQ)
- Support the delivery of as-built documentation and project handover packs
- Provide automation support for systems including autoclaves, small parts washers, UDAF units, and DF booths
Required Skills:
- Strong experience in industrial automation within a regulated manufacturing environment
- Knowledge of PLC, SCADA, and/or DCS systems
- Experience supporting commissioning, qualification, and validation (CQV) activities
- Understanding of automation system integration and lifecycle management
- Ability to review technical documentation, specifications, and engineering deliverables
- Strong stakeholder management and communication skills
- Experience working within multidisciplinary project teams
Required Qualifications:
- A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, or equivalent military experience.
- Experience delivering automation projects within pharmaceutical, life sciences, biotechnology, or other regulated industries
- Understanding of engineering documentation, testing, and system validation processes
Desirable Skills:
- Experience with Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES)
- Knowledge of GxP, Data Integrity, and Computer System Validation (CSV)
- Familiarity with MHRA and EU GMP Annex 1 requirements
- Experience supporting sterile manufacturing or cleanroom environments
- Knowledge of FMEA, FAT, SAT, IQ, and OQ methodologies
- Experience working on facility expansion or capital project programmes
Why join us?
We bring together entrepreneurial, tech-driven people to deliver innovative solutions for leading companies. At ALTEN, you’ll work on exciting projects, supported by ongoing learning, mentoring, and clear career development tailored to your goals. Join a passionate team and help build tomorrow, today.
In short you get:
- A personalised career path and a rewarding management style
- A huge diversity of engineering projects and industries
- Private Medical Insurance
- Cycle & Tech Scheme
- Employee assistance programme
- Life insurance & Pension Scheme
- Social atmosphere, regular gatherings & team buildings
- Flexible way of working (role dependent)
We are proud to support the Armed Forces Covenant and actively encourage applications from members of the Armed Forces community, including veterans, reservists, service leavers, and military spouses/partners. We recognise the value of military skills and experience and are committed to ensuring that no applicant is unfairly disadvantaged during our recruitment and selection processes. ALTEN is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and values the strength that comes from a global mix of backgrounds and perspectives. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates, regardless of background or protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010.
If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know. This role may require you to have or be willing to go through Security Clearance. As part of the onboarding process candidates will be asked to complete a Baseline Personnel Security Standard; details of the evidence required to apply may be found on the government website Gov.UK. If you are unable to meet this and any associated criteria, then your employment may be delayed, or rejected. Details of this will be discussed with you at interview.
Automation Engineer in Durham employer: ALTEN
ALTEN is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration in the heart of London. Employees benefit from opportunities for professional growth through engaging projects in the space industry, alongside a supportive environment that values creativity and technological advancement. Join us to be part of a team that not only drives significant impact but also prioritises your career development and well-being.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Automation Engineer in Durham
✨Get Involved in Local Automation Meetups
We can’t stress this enough – getting your face out there in the automation and control systems community can really set you apart. Look for local meetups or workshops where you can chat with industry professionals, learn about what’s trending, and even discover hidden job gems. Who knows, you might meet someone from a company like ALTEN!
✨Show Off Your Projects
Make sure you have a portfolio of your work ready to roll. Whether it’s academic projects, internships or personal experiments, showcase how you’ve tackled automation challenges. When you apply for the Automation Engineer position at ALTEN, linking your portfolio gives your application that extra oomph and demonstrates your practical knowledge.
✨Leverage Your Uni Career Services
If you’re fresh out of uni, don’t forget about your career services! Many universities have established connections with companies in the automation field. They may know when ALTEN is looking for fresh talent or even have internships that lead to full-time positions. So, hit them up!
✨Keep an Eye on Industry Certifications
While hunting for roles, consider getting certified in relevant automation technologies. It shows dedication and gives you a leg up in the job market. Plus, many organisations offer job boards or networking events to certified professionals. This might just lead you to that coveted Automation Engineer role at ALTEN!
We think you need these skills to ace Automation Engineer in Durham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for an automation-control-systems role, it’s crucial to highlight your technical skills. Whether it's your proficiency in programming languages like Python or understanding control systems, make sure your CV showcases these prominently. Don't forget to mention any specific software or tools you're experienced with – that’s music to the ears of hiring managers!
Tailor Your Projects to Automation:If you've worked on any relevant projects, especially those involving automation or control systems, make them stand out in your CV. Use a dedicated section to highlight these projects, explaining your role and the impact of your contributions. This could be the difference between getting noticed and getting overlooked!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tell us why you’re passionate about automation-control-systems! Discuss specific experiences that sparked your interest in this field. Maybe it's a university project or a previous job that truly got you hooked. We love seeing that spark! Make sure to reference how you can contribute to ALTEN and its goals.
Quantify Your Achievements:In the world of automation, results matter. When listing your experiences, quantify your achievements wherever possible. Did you improve system efficiency by a percentage? Did you reduce downtime? Putting numbers to your successes not only demonstrates your impact but also lets us see the tangible outcomes of your efforts. It makes your application pop!
How to prepare for a job interview at ALTEN
✨Master Your Technical Knowledge
In the automation control systems field, you need to brush up on your technical know-how. Be prepared to talk about specific control systems you’ve worked with, such as PLCs or SCADA systems, and expect technical questions or even hands-on problem-solving scenarios during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Whether it's freelance projects or your academic work, come ready to showcase your portfolio of automation projects. Bring along any diagrams, code samples, or automation solutions you’ve implemented—these can really set you apart and demonstrate your applied skills to ALTEN.
✨Understand Industry Trends
Stay updated on the latest trends in automation technologies and methodologies, like Industry 4.0 or IIoT. We'll want to discuss how these concepts may affect the role and future projects at ALTEN, so showing that you're knowledgeable about current and emerging technologies can give you an edge.
✨Commit to Continuous Learning
As this is a full-time role, it's essential to express your eagerness for continuous improvement and learning. Share how you plan to enhance your skills and keep pace with the evolution of automation in the workforce – companies love candidates who are committed to growth and adaptability.
