PLC Automation Engineer

Contract

6-12 months

Outside IR35

c£55p/h

Role Overview

Our client is seeking a versatile and proactive Automation Engineer to join their team. You will oversee the technical lifecycle of critical assets—from the decommissioning and relocation of equipment at existing sites to the commissioning and integration within a new, agile, smaller-scale Oral Solid Dose (OSD) facility.

This is a hands-on role requiring a practitioner comfortable reviewing, reading, and writing PLC code, while also leading the writing and execution of validation packs for new and upgraded equipment being deployed to a new building.

Key Responsibilities

PLC Programming & Review: Act as the hands-on technical expert responsible for reviewing, reading, and writing PLC code to ensure equipment functionality.

Asset Relocation & Integration: Lead the strategic move of existing equipment from decommissioned facilities into a new OSD environment.

Commissioning & Validation: Oversee the installation and commissioning phases, ensuring all assets meet stringent pharmaceutical standards and operational requirements.

Validation Protocols: Lead the authoring and execution of validation packs for all relocated and upgraded equipment.

Stakeholder Coordination: Act as the technical bridge between decommissioning teams, equipment vendors, and the new facility's operational staff.

Project Governance: Maintain strict timelines and budgets, ensuring minimal disruption to production schedules during equipment transitions.

What We're Looking For

Hands-on Technical Expertise: A proven track record of delivering projects within a pharmaceutical or highly regulated manufacturing environment.

Integration Mindset: Ability to understand how to integrate varied packaged equipment into a cohesive manufacturing stream.

Asset & Legacy Knowledge: Specific experience with commissioning and working with existing assets and legacy equipment is highly desirable.

OSD Familiarity: Experience within secondary manufacturing (Oral Solid Dose) is a significant advantage.

Adaptability: The ability to manage a "mixed bag" of technologies rather than following a single vendor blueprint