At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design and evolution of cutting-edge Manufacturing Execution Systems.
- Company: Join GSK, a global biopharma leader committed to innovation and health.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative culture focused on inclusion and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in smart manufacturing and AI-driven solutions.
- Qualifications: Degree in tech-related field and experience with MES platforms required.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
We are looking for a Technical Specialist (Senior MES Platform Engineer) to join our Global Supply Chain (GSC) Digital and Technology function. The GSC Digital and Technology function spearheads the implementation of integrated digital solutions and AI into the supply chain, including Smart Manufacturing, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Evolution and broader supply chain technology and data capabilities.
Job Purpose: The Senior MES Platform Engineer provides technical expertise for the lifecycle, reliability, compliance and continuous evolution of global Manufacturing Execution System (MES) platforms and associated manufacturing data technologies. The role turns the technical roadmap and platform backlog into robust designs and executable delivery plans for upgrades, vendor releases, infrastructure changes, remediation and standardisation. It assesses technical options, defines reusable engineering patterns, reviews contractor designs and ensures that solutions are secure, scalable, validated, supportable and aligned with enterprise architecture and manufacturing technology standards.
The position works across several platforms, including Siemens Opcenter, AspenTech manufacturing solutions, Emerson Syncade, and Aspen IP.21. Working closely with the Global MES Platform Manager, MES Platform Manager, Product Owners, Architects, Infrastructure and Cloud teams, Computer System Validation, Quality, Cyber Security, Service Management, vendors and delivery partners, the role provides hands-on technical leadership to coordinate complex engineering activities and lead technical troubleshooting. This includes ensuring effective documentation and knowledge transfer from external contractors to the internal organisation.
Key Responsibilities:
- Translate the MES technical roadmap and platform backlog into solution designs, engineering work packages, implementation plans and technical acceptance criteria. Manage technical assessment of vendor releases, patches, support requirements, infrastructure dependencies and obsolescence risks.
- Design and review platform upgrades and major changes across application, database, operating system, integration and hosting layers. Define and maintain reusable platform configurations, engineering standards, reference patterns, installation approaches and technical documentation.
- Provide senior engineering expertise across Azure, virtual machines, on-premises hosting, Windows Server, databases, networks, backup, recovery, monitoring and platform integrations.
- Partner with Solution and Enterprise Architects to ensure designs are integrated, scalable, resilient, secure, supportable and aligned with enterprise standards. Work with Computer System Validation and Quality teams to assess validation impact and ensure that design, build, test and release evidence supports GxP, Good Automated Manufacturing Practice (GAMP) and applicable quality requirements.
- Ensure platform changes follow required controls for cyber security, data protection, change management, service readiness, operational resilience and records management.
- Manage technical delivery performed by contractors, system integrators and specialist suppliers, including design reviews, quality checks, issue resolution, documentation and knowledge transfer. Act as a technical interface with software vendors and delivery partners, challenge proposed solutions and clarify product behaviour, defects, limitations and upgrade requirements.
- Manage complex troubleshooting across application and infrastructure layers, identify root causes and drive sustainable remediation. Support release planning, environment readiness, installation, configuration, testing, cutover, hypercare and transition into support.
- Maintain visibility of technical risks, dependencies, technical debt, supportability and lifecycle status, and escalate material issues to the MES Platform Manager.
- Coach the MES Platform Engineer and contractor resources, sharing knowledge and promoting consistent engineering practices. Identify opportunities for standardisation, automation, simplification and reuse across MES, historian and manufacturing data platforms.
- Use approved AI tools in day-to-day work to improve personal productivity and the team’s ways of working, sharing effective practices and applying sound judgement, including validating outputs and following GSK’s Responsible AI, privacy and security requirements. Automate and version-control installation, configuration and environment builds, and test upgrades and patches before release.
- Protect site operations through platform availability, upgrade success and inspection readiness, measured by uptime and reduced obsolescence risk.
About You: This role would suit a highly motivated person who has strong experience of designing, developing, and validating AI-enabled digital solutions and Smart Manufacturing capabilities within complex manufacturing and business environments. You will have strong technical knowledge obtained from working in a highly-regulated industry. You will have demonstrably strong people skills, be resilient and calm under pressure, have a strong continuous improvement mindset, and a proven ability to drive performance while managing multiple stakeholders.
Basic Qualifications:
- Relevant Degree (e.g., Computer Science, Software Engineering, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Engineering, Information Technology, Manufacturing Systems, or related technical discipline).
- Strong experience in manufacturing technology, Manufacturing Execution System (MES), industrial software, platform engineering, infrastructure and/or a related discipline.
- Experience with MES, historian or manufacturing data technologies (e.g., Siemens Opcenter, AspenTech manufacturing solutions, Emerson Syncade, Aspen IP.21 or comparable platforms).
- Experience operating within regulated manufacturing environments and applying GxP, GAMP, computer system validation and change-control expectations.
- Experience working directly with business stakeholders to identify, shape, and deliver technology solutions.
- Practical experience using approved AI tools to improve productivity and ways of working, with sound judgement in validating outputs and compliance with Responsible AI, privacy and security requirements.
We welcome people who bring curiosity, humility and a practical approach. We are committed to inclusion and to creating a supportive environment where everyone can grow. If you enjoy solving real problems, delivering measurable results, and helping teams succeed, we encourage you to apply.
Senior MES Platform Engineer (Manufacturing Execution System) employer: GSK
GSK is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation in the heart of Stevenage. With a strong commitment to employee growth, you will have access to extensive development opportunities while working on groundbreaking medicine projects. The hybrid work model and future relocation to Cambridge provide a unique advantage, ensuring a vibrant environment for both personal and professional advancement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior MES Platform Engineer (Manufacturing Execution System)
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
Getting involved in local manufacturing groups or associations can seriously boost your visibility. These groups often have insider info on job openings and networking events, plus they help you connect with like-minded folks in the industry. Check out what's happening in your area!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Practical Spaces
Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!
✨Leverage the Power of Internships
While you're looking for full-time positions, don't underestimate the power of internships! Even if you don't see a direct role, securing an internship at a company can open doors to future jobs. Many manufacturing firms prefer to hire from their intern pool, so it's definitely worth considering.
✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like GSK, apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior MES Platform Engineer (Manufacturing Execution System)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to GSK specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at GSK
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with GSK, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like GSK value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.
