Senior Automation Engineer

To carry out improvement activities and provide maintenance support for existing Manufacturing Process Control Systems and to support new Process Control and Safety Systems deployments across Kent Science Park.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES/ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Ensure that deployed systems are available for Manufacturing, maintained, and their qualified status is not compromised.

• Design and implement Hardware and Software solutions in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures and the site Automation Policy.

• Collaborate with the wider Engineering department, stakeholder departments and mentor team members

• Actively identify & pursue process quality, efficiency, and safety improvements.

• Seeking out opportunity to improve understanding and to raise the profile of the Automation team.

• Ensure all Quality & Compliance tasks are completed on time and as priority.

• Carryout all responsibilities as detailed within site SOPs

• The job holder is responsible for maintaining cGxP and H&S knowledge applicable to the job.

• Manage third party vendors to the interest of GW and GW’s patients.

DETAILED RESPONSIBILITIES/ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Write and update SOPs and other Process Control System associated documentation as part of the operational lifecycle.

• Be available and maintain a close relationship with the Manufacturing team, particularly Manufacturing Senior Manager and Supervisors ensuring all system changes are communicated ahead of time and that production schedule is accounted for.

• React quickly to reports of Manufacturing system faults, trouble shoot in collaboration with Manufacturing and the other Engineering disciplines.

• Assist in the development software and hardware configuration to remediate system faults or errors, improve efficiency and safety, as requested and in response to CAPA or Error report actions. Development is done such that any Automation team member or equivalent can understand and implement the design and in keeping with GAMP.

• Carry out preventative and planned maintenance activities on time and suggests/identifies maintenance requirements where needed.

• Carry out system modifications in accordance with the appropriate Change Control procedure.

• Collaborate with QA and I.S. Compliance departments to ensure tasks such as audits, CAPAs and validation testing are completed on time successfully and as priority.

• Set clear expectations when dealing with third parties.

• Ensures that activities under their control are carried out in ways to minimise risks to health, safety, security and the environment.

• Carries out their work in a way that will not adversely affect their own, or others’, health, safety and security or the environment and reports any shortcomings in GW arrangements.

• Executes additional tasks in order to meet departmental or company objectives.

KEY ATTRIBUTES/SKILLS/EDUCATION - ESSENTIAL

Knowledge:

• University Degree  or  HND in an relevant Engineering discipline experience.

• Advanced  knowledge of Distributed Control and Safety Systems and/or PLC applications.

• Good demonstratable knowledge of Batch process.

• Working knowledge of GAMP and GEP

Experience:

• Experience of PLC based unit operation including graphical interface and data collection. Awareness of integrated process control (batch processing / continuous production).

• Experience of Siemens OR Rockwell products (PCS7, Win CC, Studio 5000, FT View SE etc.)

• Experience in maintaining and upgrading PLC or DCS control systems.

• Experience in maintaining and upgrading network infrastructure.

• Completed structured system testing and documentation such as FAT/SAT/OQ protocols.

• Followed system maintenance programmes.

• Completed system version upgrades.

• Experience in projects defining /reviewing technical specifications.

Essential Skills:

• Good oral, written and presentation skills essential.

• Can Install, configure, and update Process Control System software from major vendors (Siemens, Emerson, Rockwell etc.)

• Can setup, use and interrogate: Version control, Asset Management and Database software and other Process Control System add on expansions.

• Write software in accordance with GAMP from Functional Specifications or other design documents

• Demonstrates logical thinking process and is able to trouble shoot and to identify root causes effectively.

• Document and Annotate software in detail.

Attributes and Behaviours:

• Able to form long term relationships with key support groups, QA, engineering, CSV group and senior managers across the site.

• Shares ideas and information and acts in a transparent manner

• Demonstrates a ‘can do’ approach

• Willing to learn new technologies and their application relevant to the job.

KEY ATTRIBUTES/SKILLS/EDUCATION – DESIRABLE

• Experience of regulated industry (Aerospace, Chemical, Nuclear, Oil & Gas etc.)

• Experience of Safety Instrumented Systems

• Experience of commissioning activities

• Database administration experience (SQL)

• Advanced PLC programming skills (eg STL,SCL)

• High level programming eg: C, C++, VB etc