At a Glance
- Tasks: Take charge of complex control systems in a cutting-edge biotech environment.
- Company: Join a leading biotech and chemical engineering organisation in Slough.
- Benefits: Permanent position with competitive salary and opportunities for growth.
- Other info: Exciting chance to work on innovative projects in a dynamic R&D setting.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of life sciences and automation.
- Qualifications: Experience in automation engineering within regulated manufacturing is essential.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ 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. 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.
- 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
- 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)
Strong background in automation engineering within regulated manufacturing (pharma / biotech / chemical) PLC systems (Rockwell ControlLogix preferred). 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).
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 Job in Slough employer: Oakmont Consulting
Join a pioneering biotech and chemical engineering organisation in Slough, where innovation meets excellence. As an Automation Engineer, you'll thrive in a collaborative work culture that prioritises employee growth and development, offering hands-on experience in a highly regulated environment. With a focus on cutting-edge technology and a commitment to quality, this role provides unique opportunities to contribute to impactful projects that shape the future of life sciences.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Automation Engineer Job in Slough
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the biotech and chemical engineering sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about connecting on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your automation projects, especially those related to GMP environments. We want to see how you’ve tackled complex control systems and made a difference in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge. Be ready to discuss PLC systems, industrial communication protocols, and your experience with bioprocess unit operations. We love candidates who can speak our language!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we’re always on the lookout for passionate individuals who are eager to contribute to our cutting-edge projects in automation.
We think you need these skills to ace Automation Engineer Job in Slough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Automation Engineer role. Highlight your experience with PLC systems, GMP environments, and any relevant projects you've worked on. 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 personal – we love to see your personality!
Showcase Relevant Experience:When filling out your application, be sure to showcase your hands-on experience with control systems and any troubleshooting you've done. We’re keen on seeing how you’ve tackled complex issues in regulated environments, so don’t hold back!
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 keep track of your application status. Plus, we love seeing applications come directly from our site!
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 platforms. Be ready to discuss specific projects where you've designed or configured these systems, as well as any challenges you faced and how you overcame them.
✨Understand GMP Regulations
Since this role is in a highly regulated environment, it's crucial to demonstrate your understanding of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). Prepare examples of how you've managed automation change control processes and validation activities in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Troubleshooting Skills
Be prepared to talk about complex control system issues you've encountered and how you led root cause analysis to resolve them. Highlight your problem-solving approach and any tools or methodologies you used.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Bioprocessing
Get to grips with bioprocess unit operations like bioreactors, chromatography, and filtration. Being able to discuss how these systems integrate with automation will show that you're not just technically savvy but also understand the bigger picture in biotech production.
