At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead automation projects and optimise control systems in a cutting-edge biotech environment.
- Company: Innovative biotech and chemical engineering organisation in Slough.
- Benefits: Competitive salary of £70,000 plus benefits and career growth opportunities.
- Other info: Hands-on role with exposure to advanced technologies and processes.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of biotech and chemical production.
- Qualifications: Experience in automation engineering within regulated manufacturing environments.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 70000 £ per year.
An advanced R&D and manufacturing environment within a biotech & chemical engineering-focused organisation is building out a next-generation automation capability at its Slough facility. They are seeking an Automation Engineer to take ownership of complex control systems across a highly regulated GMP production environment.
This is a hands-on technical role sitting at the core of process automation, supporting the design, build, validation, and optimisation of automated manufacturing systems used in high-value life science production.
What they are working on:
They operate in a highly regulated bioprocessing and pharmaceutical manufacturing environment, supporting the development and production of complex biological and chemical products. Automation sits at the heart of ensuring scalability, compliance, and product quality across R&D and production systems.
Core technical responsibilities:
- Lead automation input into capital engineering and R&D facility projects
- Design, configure, and support process control systems across PLC, DCS, HMI, and SCADA platforms
- Develop and maintain automation solutions for GMP manufacturing environments
- Configure and support systems using Emerson DeltaV (v11+) and Rockwell ControlLogix / FactoryTalk
- Produce and maintain technical documentation including URS, SDS, IQ, OQ, VSR
- Support batch control systems aligned with S88 / S95 standards
- Manage automation change control processes and validation activities (cGMP)
- Troubleshoot and lead root cause analysis on complex control system issues
- Support automation integration across process equipment and utilities (bioreactors, chromatography, filtration systems, CIP/SIP, autoclaves)
- Interface with building systems and industrial control networks (OPC, Profibus, DeviceNet, Foundation Fieldbus, HVAC, WFI systems)
Technical requirements:
- Strong background in automation engineering within regulated manufacturing (pharma / biotech / chemical)
- Hands-on experience with:
- PLC systems (Rockwell ControlLogix preferred)
- DCS platforms (Emerson DeltaV preferred)
- SCADA / HMI systems
- Experience in cGMP environments
- Working knowledge of:
- Batch control standards (S88 / S95)
- Validation frameworks (IQ/OQ/PQ, GAMP)
- Change control, CAPA, and nonconformance processes
- Ability to produce and interpret engineering and validation documentation
- Exposure to pharmaceutical or bioprocess unit operations (e.g. bioreactors, filtration, chromatography)
- Understanding of industrial communication protocols (OPC, Profibus, DeviceNet)
Why this role stands out:
This is a rare opportunity to step into a core automation role within a high-investment R&D manufacturing site, supporting cutting-edge biotech and chemical production systems. The work directly impacts how new products are developed, scaled, and brought into regulated manufacturing environments.
Automation Engineer in Reading employer: Oakmont Consulting
As an Automation Engineer at our Slough facility, you will be part of a pioneering team in a dynamic biotech and chemical engineering environment, where innovation meets compliance. We offer a collaborative work culture that prioritises employee growth through continuous learning and hands-on experience with advanced automation technologies. With competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits, this role provides a unique opportunity to contribute to meaningful projects that shape the future of life sciences.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Automation Engineer in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can refer you directly.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to automation engineering. Think about your hands-on experience with PLCs and DCS platforms, and be ready to discuss specific projects you've worked on.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills through a portfolio! If you’ve got documentation or examples of your work in automation, bring them along to interviews. It’s a great way to demonstrate your expertise and stand out from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’re always looking for talented individuals like you, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge. Plus, it’s super easy to keep track of your applications that way!
We think you need these skills to ace Automation Engineer in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Automation Engineer role. Highlight your experience with PLC, DCS, and SCADA systems, and don’t forget to mention any hands-on work in cGMP environments. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about automation in biotech and how your background makes you a perfect fit for our team. Keep it engaging and relevant to the job description.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In your application, be sure to showcase your technical skills clearly. Mention specific projects or experiences where you've designed or supported automation solutions, especially in regulated environments. We love seeing real-world examples!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s super easy, and you’ll be able to submit all your documents in one go. Plus, it helps us keep track of your application!
How to prepare for a job interview at Oakmont Consulting
✨Know Your Automation Systems
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of PLC, DCS, HMI, and SCADA systems. Be ready to discuss your hands-on experience with Rockwell ControlLogix and Emerson DeltaV, as well as how you've applied these in a GMP environment.
✨Understand Regulatory Standards
Familiarise yourself with cGMP regulations and batch control standards like S88/S95. Be prepared to explain how you've navigated these in past roles, especially in relation to validation frameworks and change control processes.
✨Showcase Problem-Solving Skills
Think of specific examples where you've troubleshot complex control system issues. Highlight your approach to root cause analysis and how you’ve implemented solutions in a regulated setting.
✨Prepare Technical Documentation Insights
Be ready to discuss your experience in producing and interpreting technical documentation such as URS, SDS, IQ, OQ, and VSR. This will demonstrate your attention to detail and understanding of the documentation process in automation engineering.
