At a Glance
- Tasks: Maintain and improve automation systems, ensuring reliability and minimising downtime.
- Company: Join Boehringer Ingelheim, a Top Employer in the UK with a supportive culture.
- Benefits: Fixed-term contract until 2027, competitive salary, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborate with cross-functional teams and support exciting projects in a regulated industry.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment while working with cutting-edge automation technologies.
- Qualifications: Hands-on experience with industrial automation systems and strong PLC programming skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 55200 £ per year.
The Automation Engineer is responsible for maintaining and improving site automation technologies, including production equipment and building automation systems. The role combines hands-on technical work with project support, covering design, programming, troubleshooting and lifecycle management of control systems. The position contributes to production continuity, supports engineering and maintenance activities, and ensures that automation systems operate in line with regulatory and internal standards while enabling future site development. This is a fixed-term contract until 31st December 2027.
Tasks and Responsibilities
- Maintain and troubleshoot automation systems (including production and building automation) to ensure system reliability and minimize production downtime, while managing documentation, backups and system records.
- Deliver automation support for engineering and maintenance projects, including design, programming and implementation of control systems, while ensuring alignment with scope, timelines, budgets and global standards.
- Lead or contribute to automation projects and continuous improvement initiatives, coordinating stakeholders, managing deliverables and supporting long-term site automation strategy and roadmap.
- Ensure systems operate in a compliant manner by adhering to internal procedures, industry standards and regulatory requirements, including supporting audits and implementing corrective and preventive actions.
- Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams (operations, maintenance, engineering, validation, IT) and external vendors to support system performance and project execution.
- Evaluate and implement new technologies, build internal expertise and provide knowledge sharing and training within the team.
Requirements
- Hands-on experience with industrial automation systems, including PLCs, HMI/SCADA, building automation and control systems.
- Strong knowledge of PLC programming (e.g. ladder, function block, structured text) and industrial control architectures.
- Understanding of low voltage control systems (relays, safety circuits, drives) and industrial devices and interfaces (sensors, I/O, fieldbus, networking).
- Experience supporting the full system lifecycle (design, implementation, troubleshooting, upgrades and documentation).
- Familiarity with HMI/SCADA platforms and building automation systems.
- Experience working in a pharmaceutical environment or another highly regulated industry.
- Knowledge of GAMP5 (Good Automated Manufacturing Practice) methodology.
- Understanding of project delivery and ability to manage priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Awareness of operational technology cybersecurity principles.
- Strong communication and collaboration skills.
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Control Systems or a related field.
A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check will be required for the successful candidate. Any offer of employment will be subject to satisfactory DBS certificate.
WHY THIS IS A GREAT PLACE TO WORK
Boehringer Ingelheim has been recognised as a Top Employer in the UK, demonstrating our commitment to building an exceptional workplace through strong people practices and supportive HR policies.
Automation Engineer employer: Boehringer Ingelheim
Boehringer Ingelheim in Pirbright offers a dynamic work environment where innovation and compliance are at the forefront of our operations. As a leading player in the pharmaceutical industry, we provide our employees with robust growth opportunities, a supportive culture that values teamwork, and a commitment to quality that empowers you to make a meaningful impact. Join us and be part of a company that prioritises your professional development while contributing to the health and well-being of communities worldwide.
