At a Glance
- Tasks: Strengthen cyber security and support daily automation operations at our Bray site.
- Company: Join a leading company focused on innovation and engineering excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and a dynamic work environment.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in cyber security and automation engineering.
- Qualifications: Degree in Engineering and 5+ years in automation engineering required.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
Nicholas Howard are delighted to be recruiting for an Automation Engineer. The Automation Engineer will play a key role in strengthening OT cyber security posture and recovery readiness across our client's Bray site, while supporting daily automation operations. The role is focused on:
- Execution of the OT Cyber Security Remediation Program.
- Implementation of backup, restore, and disaster recovery practices.
- Deployment and integration of the Octoplant platform.
- Establishment of standardised processes for patching, recovery, and system lifecycle management.
In addition, the contractor will contribute to day-to-day automation support to ensure system stability, availability, and compliance within a GMP environment. This role aligns with the site’s strategic focus on system availability, recovery readiness, and cyber security discipline as core engineering responsibilities.
Key Responsibilities:
- OT Cyber Security & Remediation
- Support execution of the OT Cybersecurity Remediation Program, including vulnerability remediation and patching activities.
- Drive site-level implementation of cyber security controls and best practices for OT systems.
- Backup, Restore & Disaster Recovery
- Define and implement structured backup and restore strategies for OT systems.
- Execute and document disaster recovery (DR) tests for critical automation systems.
- Octoplant Implementation & Lifecycle Management
- Support deployment and configuration of Octoplant for:
- Centralised backups and version control.
- Vulnerability and configuration monitoring (where applicable).
- Patching & Standard Process Implementation
- Define and implement a controlled patching process for OT systems.
- Coordinate patching activities across PLCs, SCADA, and supporting infrastructure.
- Automation Engineering (Day-to-Day Support)
- Oversee automation systems to ensure maximum uptime and performance.
- Collaborate with vendors and technical support on issue resolution.
- Project & Engineering Contribution
- Support automation-related projects with focus on system stability and risk control.
- Contribute to documentation, testing (FAT/SAT/IQ/OQ), and validation deliverables.
- Ensure all work complies with site Quality Systems and regulatory standards.
Your Profile:
- Degree in Engineering (Automation, Electrical, Computer Science, or equivalent).
- 5+ years experience in automation engineering in GMP manufacturing environment.
- Strong experience in OT systems (PLC, SCADA, HMI, infrastructure).
- Demonstrated experience in at least one of the following:
- OT Cyber Security / remediation programs.
Technical Skills:
- Automation platforms (e.g., Siemens, Rockwell, Mitsubishi, Wonderware, iFix).
- Understanding of OT architectures and industrial networks.
- Knowledge of: GAMP5, ISA/IEC standards, 21 CFR Part 11, Annex 11, GxP / QA requirements.
Capabilities & Behaviours:
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to balance project work and operational support.
- Clear communication with technical and non-technical stakeholders.
Should you wish to be considered for this position, please apply below.
Automation Engineer employer: Nicholas Howard Ltd.
At Nicholas Howard, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, particularly for the Automation Engineer role at our Bray site. Our commitment to fostering a collaborative work culture is complemented by robust employee growth opportunities, including training in cutting-edge technologies like the Octoplant platform. With a focus on OT cyber security and system stability, we offer a meaningful and rewarding environment where your contributions directly impact operational excellence and compliance within a GMP setting.
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 Nicholas Howard Ltd.!
✨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 Nicholas Howard Ltd., 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 Nicholas Howard Ltd. 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 Nicholas Howard Ltd.!
We think you need these skills to ace Automation Engineer
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 Nicholas Howard Ltd. 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 Nicholas Howard Ltd.
✨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 Nicholas Howard Ltd..
✨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 Nicholas Howard Ltd., 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.
