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- Tasks: Lead automation projects using robotics and AI to enhance pharmaceutical manufacturing.
- Company: Global pharmaceutical leader committed to innovation and quality.
- Benefits: Great salary, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in healthcare by driving smart manufacturing strategies.
- Qualifications: Degree in relevant engineering field and experience in automation within pharmaceuticals.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team focused on cutting-edge technology and continuous improvement.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
A global pharmaceutical leader is seeking an experienced Engineering Automation Lead to join its state-of-the-art manufacturing site in Barnard Castle. This facility is central to producing life-changing medicines and vaccines for worldwide distribution, operating with a strong commitment to quality, safety, innovation, and technological advancement.
As the organisation accelerates its smart manufacturing strategy, this role will play a key part in deploying cutting-edge automation technologies—including robotics, digital systems, and AI—to enhance operational efficiency and support the development and delivery of complex pharmaceutical products.
Role Overview
The Engineering Automation Lead will provide strategic direction and hands-on technical leadership across all site automation, instrumentation, and control engineering activities. This position combines day-to-day operational oversight with long-term strategic planning in a highly regulated, GMP-compliant environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and implement a site-wide automation strategy aligned with business and operational objectives.
- Lead, mentor, and develop a team of automation engineers while supporting upskilling of maintenance technicians.
- Design, configure, and deploy automation systems including PLCs, SCADA, and DCS.
- Ensure full compliance with GMP, regulatory standards, and data integrity requirements.
- Deliver training programmes to strengthen automation capability across the site.
- Drive continuous improvement and integrate new digital, robotic, and automation technologies.
- Provide expert technical support to minimise downtime and optimise system performance.
- Serve as a subject matter expert during regulatory inspections and audits.
Required Qualifications & Experience
- Degree in Automation, Control, Electrical, Mechatronics Engineering or related discipline.
- Experience with Six Sigma/Lean methodologies within the pharmaceutical sector (Green/Black Belt desirable).
- Strong knowledge of ISA standards (S88, S95), automation architecture, instrumentation, P&IDs, HMI, MES, SCADA, PLCs, and Historians.
- Hands-on experience with GAMP, CSV, cGMPs, and 21 CFR Part 11 in FDA-regulated environments.
- Proven leadership experience with a history of building high-performing teams and driving transformation.
- Strong stakeholder engagement and cross-functional collaboration skills.
- Experience designing and programming firmware/software for automation applications.
Preferred Skills
- MEng/MSc in an engineering or scientific discipline.
- Understanding of pharmaceutical secondary processing.
- Knowledge of IT architecture, data warehousing, and virtualisation.
- Familiarity with OT cybersecurity.
- Project management experience.
- Awareness of EHS requirements for automated plant installations.
- Understanding of FDA PAT initiatives.
- Experience in automation support and maintenance for instrumentation and controls.
Automation Lead - Engineering in Barnard Castle employer: SRG
Contact Detail:
SRG Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Automation Lead - Engineering in Barnard Castle
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the pharmaceutical and automation sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio or a personal website showcasing your projects and achievements in automation and engineering. This is a great way to demonstrate your expertise and passion for the field beyond just your CV.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and soft skills. Practice common interview questions related to automation and leadership. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or using online platforms to get comfortable.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, you can tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Engineering Automation Lead. Let’s get you that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace Automation Lead - Engineering in Barnard Castle
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Automation Lead role. Highlight your experience with automation technologies, regulatory compliance, and team leadership. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about automation in the pharmaceutical sector and how you can contribute to our smart manufacturing strategy. Let us know what makes you tick!
Showcase Relevant Experience: When detailing your experience, focus on specific projects or achievements that demonstrate your expertise in automation and engineering. We love seeing concrete examples of how you've driven transformation and improved efficiency.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it reaches the right people!
How to prepare for a job interview at SRG
✨Know Your Automation Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of automation systems like PLCs, SCADA, and DCS. Be ready to discuss how you've implemented these technologies in past roles, especially in a GMP-compliant environment. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the theory but have practical experience too.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As an Engineering Automation Lead, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead and mentor a team. Prepare examples of how you've developed high-performing teams in the past, and be ready to discuss your approach to stakeholder engagement and cross-functional collaboration.
✨Be Ready for Technical Questions
Expect some deep dives into technical topics during the interview. Brush up on ISA standards, Six Sigma methodologies, and any relevant regulatory requirements. Being able to articulate your understanding of these areas will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Think about potential challenges you might face in this role and how you would tackle them. For instance, how would you drive continuous improvement or integrate new automation technologies? Having clear, structured responses will demonstrate your strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.