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: Make an impact in a cutting-edge environment while mastering complex automation systems.
- Qualifications: Relevant engineering qualification and experience in regulated industries required.
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.
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.
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.
Closing Date for applications: Friday 15th of May 2026 (COB).
Automation Engineer - 12-month Secondment / Fixed Term Contract (FTC) in Barnard Castle 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) in Barnard Castle
✨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 tips and might even refer you directly, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your technical knowledge. Make sure you can discuss automation systems confidently, especially SCADA, PLC, and HMI. We want to see that you're not just familiar but passionate about these technologies!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your problem-solving skills! Be ready to share examples of how you've tackled complex automation challenges in the past. 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, it shows you’re serious about joining the GSK team and ready to contribute to our exciting projects.
We think you need these skills to ace Automation Engineer - 12-month Secondment / Fixed Term Contract (FTC) in Barnard Castle
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Automation Engineer role. Highlight your relevant experience in automation systems and any specific projects you've worked on that align with GSK's needs. We want to see how your skills match up with 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 you can contribute to our team at GSK. Be sure to mention any experience in the pharmaceutical industry, as it’s a big plus for us.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Don’t forget to highlight your technical expertise in automation systems like SCADA, PLC, and HMI. If you have experience with Siemens equipment, make sure to mention it! We love seeing candidates who are well-versed in the tools we use.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it’s super easy!
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 drive efficiency.
✨Understand the Company Culture
Familiarise yourself with GSK's commitment to innovation and compliance. Show enthusiasm for their focus on emerging technologies and how you can contribute to their goals, particularly in the context of industry 4.0.
✨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 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.