Engineering Automation Lead

Job description Site Name: UK - County Durham - Barnard Castle Posted Date: Nov 27 2025 Engineering Automation Lead Location - UK County Durham - Barnard Castle We make and supply medicines and vaccines all around the globe and our teams own every production stage, from creating quality products at our manufacturing sites to designing effective supply forecasting and regulatory inspections; all powered by digital, data and analytics. We operate at impressive scale, producing over 2.3 billion packs of medicines and doses of vaccines in 2023. We continue to modernise, so we can launch even more new products at speed whilst continuing to deliver across our entire portfolio through our relentless focus on quality, safety, and service. The way we work will change. For some, the shift in technology and products will be revolutionary. Our R&D pipeline demands a new kind of supply chain, and we need the very best minds and capability to help us on our journey to make more complex products, harnessing the power of smart manufacturing technologies including robotics, digital solutions, and artificial intelligence to deliver for patients. The Engineering Automation Lead will provide strategic input and leadership direction to enable the site to meet its business goals by effectively balancing the management of day-to-day operations with long-term strategic planning. This involves ensuring that advanced instrumentation, automation, and control engineering techniques are implemented across the Barnard Castle Site in a GMP compliant manner to meet both local and global requirements. By integrating robust management practices with strategic initiatives, the site can optimize operational efficiency, maintain regulatory compliance, and achieve sustainable growth. Key Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: Develop and implement a comprehensive operations automation strategy that aligns with the site's business goals and objectives. Team Leadership: Manage and mentor a team of automation engineers and build capability and skills with maintenance technicians, fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment. System Design and Implementation: Lead the design, development, and implementation of advanced automation systems, including PLCs, SCADA, and DCS. GMP Compliance: Ensure all automation systems and processes comply with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and regulatory requirements. Training and Development: Develop and deliver training programs to ensure staff are proficient in the use of automation technologies and best practices. Continuous Improvement: Drive continuous improvement initiatives by staying current with emerging automation technologies and industry trends and integrating them into the site's operations where applicable. Technical Support: Provide technical support and troubleshooting for automation systems to minimize downtime and ensure smooth operations. Provide subject matter expertise to regulatory inspections and interact with auditors as necessary. Why you? Basic Qualifications: Degree in a Science/ Engineering related discipline such as Automation, Control, Electrical or Mechatronic. Six Sigma and Lean Manufacturing experience gained from the pharmaceutical industry.; Black Belt or Green Belt desirable. Technical expertise in several scientific and engineering automation areas including ISA standards (e.g. S88, S95), P&ID nomenclature, Automation architecture, instrumentation and electrical wiring diagrams, communication networks, control panels, HMI, MES, SCADA, PLC and Historians. Broad and in-depth knowledge with practical experience of computer and application validation (preferably using GAMP methodology), cGMPs, and 21 CFR Part 11 in an FDA regulated environment. Proven experience in leading and managing teams effectively, with a strong track record of fostering a high‑performing culture and driving organizational transformation is essential. Strong leadership skills, including the ability to inspire, influence, and collaborate with cross‑functional teams and senior leadership to execute strategic initiatives successfully. Ability to interface with operational and senior management within the organization. Experience gained designing and programming automation applications. May include both firmware and software development. Preferred Skills MEng / MSc in a Science or Engineering related discipline such as Automation, Control, Electrical or Mechatronic. A sound scientific and engineering understanding of pharmaceutical secondary processing. Good knowledge of IT architecture management, data warehousing, virtualization & implementation processes. Practical knowledge of Cybersecurity within an OT space. Demonstrated project management skills. Working knowledge and understanding of EHS Practices and regulations with respect to the installation of automated plant. A good appreciation of FDA PAT initiatives and the impact on the Pharma industry. Proven track record in providing automation support and maintenance for instrumentation, automation and controls. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive. If you are passionate about making a difference and have the skills and experience, we are looking for, we encourage you to apply. Please take a copy of the Job Description, as this will not be available post closure of the advert. When applying for this role, please use the 'cover letter' of the online application or your CV to describe how you meet the competencies for this role, as outlined in the job requirements above. The information that you have provided in your cover letter and CV will be used to assess your application. Why GSK?Uniting science, technology and talent to get ahead of disease together. GSK is a global biopharma company with a purpose to unite science, technology and talent to get ahead of disease together. We aim to positively impact the health of 2.5 billion people by the end of the decade, as a successful, growing company where people can thrive. We get ahead of disease by preventing and treating it with innovation in specialty medicines and vaccines. We focus on four therapeutic areas: respiratory, immunology and inflammation; oncology; HIV; and infectious diseases to impact health at scale. People and patients around the world count on the medicines and vaccines we make, so we're committed to creating an environment where our people can thrive and focus on what matters most. Our culture of being ambitious for patients, accountable for impact and doing the right thing is the foundation for how, together, we deliver for patients, shareholders and our people. GSK is an Equal Opportunity Employer. This ensures that all qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, 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. We believe in an agile working culture for all our roles. If flexibility is important to you, we encourage you to explore with our hiring team what the opportunities are. 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