At a Glance
- Tasks: Support automated manufacturing systems and troubleshoot equipment issues in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join a leading company in the automation and controls sector with a commitment to innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hours, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative team culture with excellent career advancement opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a regulated industry while working with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: Degree in Automation Engineering or related field; hands-on troubleshooting experience required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
The Automation Engineer provides technical support for automated manufacturing and inspection systems in a regulated environment. This role serves as a key escalation point for automation and controls issues, supports continuous operation of syringe filling and inspection equipment, and contributes to system enhancements, troubleshooting, validation, and compliance activities.
Key Responsibilities
- Automation & Operational Support
- Serve as the primary escalation point for automation and equipment control issues during syringe filling, inspection engineering activities, and manufacturing operations.
- Rapidly respond to alarms, equipment faults, and automation-related process deviations to minimize downtime and production impact.
- Monitor automated system performance, trends, and logs to proactively identify reliability or control-related concerns.
- Collaborate with engineering peers to meet project deliverables and mitigate schedule risks.
- Partner with manufacturing operators to ensure safe, compliant, and efficient automated production.
- Troubleshooting, Controls, and Maintenance
- Perform first-line troubleshooting of PLCs, HMIs, servo systems, robotics, sensors, vision systems, pneumatics, and other control components.
- Implement minor PLC and HMI code modifications following established engineering change control procedures.
- Support deployment of automation updates, patches, and configuration changes.
- Work closely with maintenance and engineering teams on complex repairs, advanced diagnostics, and planned shutdowns.
- Document issues, corrective actions, and code changes in compliance with cGMP and site procedures.
- Automation Development & System Enhancements
- Assist in the development, testing, and implementation of new PLC logic, HMI screens, alarms, and control strategies.
- Support automation upgrades, including hardware replacements, system migrations, and new equipment integrations.
- Identify and recommend improvements to enhance equipment reliability, process robustness, and operational efficiency.
- Participate in engineering design reviews and provide automation-related technical input.
- Commissioning, Qualification & Validation
- Support commissioning activities for new or upgraded automated systems, including I/O checks, sequence testing, and functional verification.
- Execute qualification and validation protocols such as FAT, SAT, IQ, and OQ in collaboration with engineering and quality teams.
- Assist in the development of validation documentation, including test scripts, traceability matrices, and configuration records.
- Ensure all automation changes comply with change control, risk assessment, and documentation requirements.
- Compliance, Documentation & Technical Support
- Maintain accurate and timely automation documentation, including code revisions, configuration backups, logbooks, and CMMS records.
- Ensure compliance with cGMP, safety, environmental, and corporate engineering standards.
- Support internal and external audits, inspections, and quality investigations.
- Assist in training operations and maintenance personnel on updated automation systems, troubleshooting methods, and best practices.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s or Associate degree in Automation Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Engineering Technology, or a related discipline; or equivalent relevant experience.
- Strong hands-on troubleshooting experience with PLCs, HMIs, motion control systems, pneumatics, and automated inspection systems.
- Experience supporting automated systems in a regulated manufacturing environment (pharmaceutical, biotech, medical device, food/beverage, or similar).
- Ability to interpret electrical schematics, P&IDs, machine drawings, and control system documentation.
- Hands-on experience with Rockwell PLC and HMI platforms.
- Flexibility to work extended hours as required to meet operational and project objectives.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with syringe filling equipment, aseptic manufacturing operations, or automated visual inspection systems.
- Experience with Siemens, Beckhoff, or similar PLC/HMI platforms.
- Knowledge of cGMP requirements, data integrity principles, and change control processes.
- Experience executing or developing commissioning and validation protocols.
- Strong communication, documentation, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
Automation Engineer / Automation & Controls Specialist in Durham employer: Mentor Technical Group
Mentor Technical Group is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture, particularly for Automation Engineers in the regulated manufacturing sector. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we offer extensive training opportunities, hands-on experience with cutting-edge automation technologies, and a supportive environment that encourages continuous improvement and compliance. Located in a dynamic industry, our team enjoys the unique advantage of working on impactful projects that enhance operational efficiency while ensuring safety and quality standards are met.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Automation Engineer / Automation & Controls Specialist in Durham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the industry, attend meetups, and connect with automation engineers on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can refer you directly.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your projects, troubleshooting successes, and any automation systems you've worked on. This gives potential employers a tangible look at what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on common automation scenarios and troubleshooting questions. Practice explaining your thought process clearly, as communication is key in this field. We want to see how you tackle real-world problems!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search. Let’s get you that Automation Engineer role!
We think you need these skills to ace Automation Engineer / Automation & Controls Specialist in Durham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in automation and controls. We want to see how your skills match the job description, so don’t be shy about showcasing your hands-on troubleshooting experience with PLCs and HMIs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about automation engineering and how your background makes you a perfect fit for our team. Keep it concise but impactful!
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In your application, give examples of how you've tackled automation-related issues in the past. We love candidates who can think on their feet and come up with effective solutions, especially in a regulated environment.
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 the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Mentor Technical Group
✨Know Your Automation Systems
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of PLCs, HMIs, and other control systems relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss specific experiences where you've troubleshot or enhanced automated systems, especially in regulated environments.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare to share examples of how you've rapidly responded to equipment faults or process deviations. Highlight your ability to minimise downtime and ensure compliance, as this will demonstrate your value in a fast-paced manufacturing setting.
✨Understand Compliance and Documentation
Familiarise yourself with cGMP requirements and the importance of documentation in automation. Be prepared to discuss how you've maintained accurate records and supported audits in previous roles, as this is crucial for the position.
✨Collaborate and Communicate
Emphasise your experience working with cross-functional teams, including engineering and manufacturing operators. Share instances where your communication skills helped resolve issues or improve processes, as teamwork is key in this role.
