Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide technical expertise for automation and control systems in manufacturing.
- Company: Join GSK, a leading pharmaceutical company with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Flexible working, external training, and opportunities for personal development.
- Other info: 12-month contract with excellent career growth potential.
- Why this job: Be part of a team driving industry 4.0 advancements in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Relevant engineering qualification and experience in regulated industries.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
At GSK's Barnard Castle site, we are looking to recruit an Automation Engineer to join our team. GSK Barnard Castle is a key secondary manufacturing site and has invested heavily in industry 4.0 state‑of‑the‑art, bespoke equipment to support sustained new product introductions and volume increases. The automation engineering team provides technical expertise to support the manufacturing automation and control systems for all production operations across the manufacturing site. This role would predominantly be site‑based (although there are flexible working policies in place). We provide external training where required and support personal development and progression alongside opportunities for further education and professional registration.
Job Purpose
As an Automation Engineer you will provide technical expertise for all automation and control system activities on new and existing equipment and facilities across the site. This will include providing support to members of the team, and making strategic decisions on situations within areas of expertise.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide technical expertise on advanced automated manufacturing/packaging processes, inputting into user requirement specifications and signing off automation elements of capital projects as system owner.
- Work alongside cross‑functional groups through complex technical challenges and improvement initiatives, ensuring alignment with engineering standards and guides.
- Ensure compliance of owned areas with internal and external standards, including OT Security Standards, and build cybersecurity awareness within engineering/production teams.
- Review and assess obsolescence risks for the allocated Production Business Unit, collaborating with the Capital Projects team to drive facility improvements.
- Maintain and manage the site asset register for automation equipment within the allocated Production Business Unit.
- Liaise with central teams to develop new automation technologies and standards, and review supplier performance on costs, compliance, and milestone delivery.
- Provide technical expertise to engineering technicians, including assisting with complex equipment failures, CAPA implementation and improvement activities.
- Act as the point of contact for production automation support, focusing on equipment performance, with flexibility in working hours as required.
- Participate in Continuous Improvement activities, including DMAIC, RCA, and CAPA processes and input into deviations as automation SME.
Please Note
This secondment / Fixed Term Contract (FTC) is expected to last circa 12 months in duration. Please ensure you have spoken with your line‑manager to ensure they are supportive of your application (this includes a timely‑release from your current responsibilities should you be offered the Secondment).
About You
This role is suited to a motivated person with good influencing, communication, and teamworking skills. A successful candidate will have a passion for understanding and mastering a variety of complex automation systems and must have a keen interest in the development and deployment of emerging technologies into beneficial use.
Closing Date for applications Friday 15th of May 2026 (COB).
Basic Qualifications / Skills
- Relevant engineering qualification (e.g.; Recognised Apprenticeship in Electrical, Instrumentation/Controls Engineering or Computer Science discipline (or similar) or Engineering degree).
- Experience working in a Pharmaceutical or highly regulated industry including Manufacturing Environments.
- Technical and operational knowledge of Automation systems (SCADA, PLC, HMI, Servo, Vision, Field Instrumentation) for off‑the‑shelf and bespoke process and production equipment.
Preferred Qualifications / Skills
- Knowledge / experience of Siemens equipment including S5, S7, PCS7, TIA portal and WinCC.
- Appreciation of Operational Technology Cyber Security.
GSK is an Equal Opportunity Employer. This ensures that all qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), military service or any basis prohibited under federal, state or local law.
Contact for adjustments: UKRecruitment.Adjustments@gsk.com
Automation Engineer - 12-month Secondment / Fixed Term Contract (FTC) employer: WISE Campaign
Contact Detail:
WISE Campaign Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Automation Engineer - 12-month Secondment / Fixed Term Contract (FTC)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at GSK, especially those in automation roles. They can give you insider info on the company culture and what it’s really like to work there.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your technical knowledge. Make sure you can discuss automation systems like SCADA and PLC confidently. We want to see your passion for these technologies shine through!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your problem-solving skills during interviews. Think of examples where you've tackled complex automation challenges. We love candidates who can think on their feet and come up with innovative solutions!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we’re always looking for motivated individuals who are eager to join our team at GSK.
We think you need these skills to ace Automation Engineer - 12-month Secondment / Fixed Term Contract (FTC)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Automation Engineer role. Highlight your relevant engineering qualifications and experience in automation systems, especially in a pharmaceutical or regulated environment. 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 and how your background makes you a great fit for our team. Don’t forget to mention any specific projects or technologies you've worked with that relate to the job description.
Showcase Your Teamwork Skills: Since this role involves working alongside cross-functional groups, make sure to highlight your teamwork and communication skills in your application. Share examples of how you've collaborated on complex technical challenges in the past – we love to see that!
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, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team at GSK!
How to prepare for a job interview at WISE Campaign
✨Know Your Automation Systems
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of automation systems like SCADA, PLC, and HMI. Be ready to discuss your experience with these technologies and how you've applied them in previous roles, especially in regulated environments.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of complex technical challenges you've faced and how you resolved them. GSK values continuous improvement, so highlight any experiences with DMAIC or CAPA processes that demonstrate your ability to enhance operational efficiency.
✨Understand the Company Culture
Familiarise yourself with GSK's commitment to innovation and compliance. Show enthusiasm for their focus on industry 4.0 and how you can contribute to their goals, particularly in terms of cybersecurity and automation technology advancements.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the role and the team dynamics. Inquire about the specific automation projects you'll be involved in and how the engineering team collaborates with other departments. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.