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- Tasks: Manage automation projects and enhance control systems for life-saving medicine production.
- Company: AstraZeneca, a pioneering bio-pharmaceutical company with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Join a mission-driven team and make a real impact in healthcare innovation.
- Qualifications: Experience in automation projects and strong understanding of regulatory standards.
- Other info: Inclusive environment focused on diversity, learning, and career development.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Location: Macclesfield, UK
Competitive salary and benefits
At AstraZeneca, we are 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 we are 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.
- 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 11, EU 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 solutions. That's why we work five days per week from the office. But that doesn't mean we're 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 are dedicated to being a Great Place to Work, where you are empowered to push the boundaries of science and unleash your entrepreneurial spirit. There's 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.
OT Automation Engineer – 2 year Fixed Term Contract employer: AstraZeneca
Contact Detail:
AstraZeneca Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land OT Automation Engineer – 2 year Fixed Term Contract
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at AstraZeneca on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost our chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to automation and control systems. We should also be ready to discuss how we’ve tackled challenges in previous roles, especially in regulated environments.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off our passion for continuous improvement! Be ready to share examples of how we've used Lean techniques or digitalisation in past projects. This will demonstrate that we’re aligned with AstraZeneca’s innovative approach.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets seen. Plus, it shows we’re serious about joining the AstraZeneca team.
We think you need these skills to ace OT Automation Engineer – 2 year Fixed Term Contract
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the OT Automation Engineer role. Highlight your experience with automation and control systems, especially in a GxP context, to show us you're the right fit!
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t just list your skills; demonstrate them! Use specific examples from your past work that align with the responsibilities mentioned in the job description. This helps us see how you can contribute to our team.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured documents that are easy to read. Avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the role, and make sure to proofread for any typos!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at AstraZeneca!
How to prepare for a job interview at AstraZeneca
✨Know Your Automation Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of automation and control systems, especially in a GxP context. Be ready to discuss your experience with GAMP 5 and 21 CFR Part 11, as well as any specific projects you've worked on that relate to these standards.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
AstraZeneca values Lean thinking and problem-solving techniques. Prepare examples of how you've used these methods in past roles to tackle complex challenges. Think about specific instances where your approach led to improvements in efficiency or quality.
✨Be Ready for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions related to PLC/SCADA platforms and MES or ERP interfaces. Familiarise yourself with the tools mentioned in the job description, like Siemens COPA Zenon, and be prepared to explain how you've used them in your previous roles.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
AstraZeneca emphasises collaboration and mentorship. Be prepared to discuss how you've worked in teams, mentored others, or been mentored yourself. Highlight your interpersonal skills and how they contribute to a positive work environment.
