Automation Engineer

Automation Engineer

Full-Time 60000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Argon Engineering

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Join a new manufacturing facility, focusing on automation and process control.
  • Company: Exciting opportunity with a cutting-edge manufacturing and R&D facility in Manchester.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary of £60,000 plus benefits and career progression.
  • Other info: Dynamic project-led environment with a strong focus on safety and compliance.
  • Why this job: Be part of a greenfield site and work on innovative automation projects.
  • Qualifications: Experience in automation and regulated environments is essential.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 60000 £ per year.

Location: Manchester

Salary: £60,000 + benefits

The Opportunity

We're supporting the build of a brand-new, highly regulated manufacturing and R&D facility in Manchester. This is a genuinely unique opportunity to join a site from the ground up, working in a technical, project-led environment focused on advanced process control, automation and small-batch production. This role is far more than a 'keep the line running' position, it's heavily involved in automation, system setup, validation and continuous improvement within a GMP-regulated setting.

The Role

You'll play a key role in delivering and supporting automated manufacturing systems across the site, working closely with engineering, projects and operations teams. Key responsibilities include:

  • Supporting the design, setup and commissioning of automated process systems
  • Working across PLC, SCADA, DCS and HMI platforms
  • Leading and supporting capital projects from concept through to validation
  • Developing technical documentation including SOPs, specifications and validation protocols
  • Supporting GMP compliance, change control and validation activities (IQ/OQ/PQ)
  • Troubleshooting and resolving process control and automation issues
  • Supporting new product and technology introduction from an engineering perspective
  • Driving improvements in automation performance and system reliability

Technical Environment

You'll be working within a regulated, batch-process manufacturing environment, with exposure to:

  • PLC / SCADA / DCS systems (Rockwell / DeltaV environments)
  • Batch control systems and automation strategies
  • GMP / GAMP / 21 CFR Part 11 compliance
  • Process equipment such as:
    • filtration systems
    • fluid handling systems
    • bioprocess-style equipment
    • Clean utilities and building systems (HVAC, purified water, etc.)

What We're Looking For

  • Strong background in automation, controls or process engineering
  • Experience working in a GMP or regulated manufacturing environment (pharma, biotech, chemical, etc.)
  • Hands-on experience with PLC / SCADA / DCS systems
  • Understanding of validation processes (IQ/OQ/PQ) and compliance frameworks
  • Experience supporting projects, commissioning or system implementation
  • Ability to troubleshoot and improve complex process control systems

Desirable Experience

  • Exposure to platforms such as DeltaV, FactoryTalk or ControlLogix
  • Experience with batch processing and process automation
  • Knowledge of GAMP, 21 CFR Part 11, S88 / S95
  • Experience with:
    • bioprocessing systems
    • CIP / COP / autoclaves
    • cleanroom or controlled environments

Why This Role?

  • Be part of a greenfield site setup
  • Work in a highly technical, automation-led environment
  • Move away from repetitive manufacturing into project-based engineering
  • Gain exposure to advanced regulated manufacturing systems
  • Long-term progression within a growing, specialist operation

Additional Info

  • Permanent position
  • Some flexibility required to support site operations when needed
  • Strong emphasis on safety, compliance and engineering standards

Next Steps

If this looks aligned with your background, I'd be happy to talk you through the role in more detail.

Automation Engineer employer: Argon Engineering

Join a pioneering team at our brand-new manufacturing and R&D facility in Manchester, where you'll be immersed in a dynamic, project-led environment focused on advanced automation and process control. We offer competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, and a culture that prioritises safety, compliance, and continuous improvement, providing you with ample opportunities for professional growth and development in a highly regulated setting.

Argon Engineering

Contact Details:

Argon Engineering Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Automation Engineer

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 Argon Engineering!

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 Argon Engineering, 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 Argon Engineering 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 Argon Engineering!

We think you need these skills to ace Automation Engineer

Automation Engineering
Process Control
PLC Systems
SCADA Systems
DCS Systems
HMI Platforms
GMP Compliance

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 Argon Engineering 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 Argon Engineering

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 Argon Engineering.

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 Argon Engineering, 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.