Manufacturing Automation & Systems Engineering

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a team of Automation Engineers supporting both project and operational activities.
• Serve as the site automation subject matter expert and primary point of contact.
• Support facility design, commissioning, qualification, and operational readiness activities.
• Deliver process automation solutions and other control system technologies.
• Oversee automation system administration, maintenance, upgrades, and lifecycle management.
• Provide technical leadership for troubleshooting, investigations, change controls, and process improvements.
• Drive continuous improvement projects focused on safety, reliability, efficiency, and sustainability.
• Support regulatory inspections and ensure compliance with GMP and industry standards.
• Manage automation budgets, resource planning, and contractor/vendor relationships.
• Provide strategic leadership to ensure reliable 24/7 plant operations.

Requirements

• Degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Biotechnology, or a related discipline (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
• Significant automation engineering experience within a pharmaceutical, biotechnology, life sciences, or regulated manufacturing environment.
• Previous people management and leadership experience.
• Strong knowledge of process control systems, automation infrastructure, and manufacturing operations.
• Experience supporting commissioning, qualification, validation, and start-up activities.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and team development skills.

Preferred Experience

• Distributed Control Systems (DCS).
• Process control networks, virtualised environments, and system integration technologies.
• Process Analytical Technology (PAT) tools.
• Biopharmaceutical manufacturing processes, including upstream operations such as seed trains, bioreactors, and harvest systems.
• Knowledge of GMP, GAMP, 21 CFR Part 11, S88, S95, and related regulatory standards.
• Experience with technical transfer, process design, and commissioning & qualification programmes.