Job Introduction

Thanks for checking out our vacancy, we’re delighted you want to learn more about Dechra.

Dechra are a growing, global specialist within the world of veterinary pharmaceuticals. Our expertise is in the development, manufacture, marketing and sales of high quality products exclusively for veterinarians worldwide.

Here at Dechra, our values are embedded within our culture and thrive within our family of almost 2000 colleagues globally. From manufacturing to marketing, (D)edication, (E)njoyment, (C)ourage, (H)onesty, (R)elationships and (A)mbition are at the heart of our everyday operations and the way we do business.

The Opportunity 

As a Controls and Automation Engineer, you will be responsible for the design, development, implementation and maintenance of site control systems and automation solutions for our pharmaceutical manufacturing processes.

You will work closely with cross-functional teams, including Health & Safety, Quality, Manufacturing and Packing Operations, to ensure our production processes are optimized for safety, quality, reliability, and efficiency.

Role Responsibility

So, what will you be doing? This role has a broad and varied remit and the successful candidate will have responsibility for duties including:

• Design and implement control systems and automation solutions for pharmaceutical manufacturing processes.
• Develop and maintain automation standards, best practices, and documentation.
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues related to control systems and automation equipment.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements including cGMP and safety standards.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify opportunities for process optimization and automation.
• Provide technical support for automation equipment and software.
• Create a maintenance plan for manufacturing and packing equipment software.
• Perform system upgrades and modifications as needed.
• Keep up to date with the latest trends and advancements in automation technology and industry regulations.
• Sharing knowledge, as the site subject matter expert, with colleagues across all functions to improve understanding, capabilities, and performance.
• Create and implement clear and defined task instructions for Controls and Automation (C&A) tasks.
• Participate in design and commissioning of new production facilities and equipment.
• Ensure all program data is stored and accessible only by authorised individuals in accordance with Computer system validation (CSV) requirements.
• Create and maintain the database of “good program settings” to revert to in case of catastrophic machine failure for all assets.
• Amend, design and write PLC, HMI and SCADA control system software.
• Liaise with third party specialist or equipment manufacturers to implement safeguarding and best practice for machine software.
• Develop and execute validation protocols for control systems and automation equipment.

The Ideal Candidate

Here at Dechra we pride ourselves on being an inclusive employer and we embrace candidates from all walks of life. We’re particularly keen to hear from those who have/are:

• ‘Due to the nature of our business, all successful candidates will be required to complete a basic DBS check (Disclosure and Barring Service check) before employment can commence, and at regular intervals during employment. This check will be paid for by Dechra.’ 
• You will have experience in proactive maintenance approaches, through Condition Based Maintenance (CBM), Planned Preventive Maintenance (PPM) and Operator Asset Care (OAC), working with Maintenance & Operational teams to deliver this and ensuring assets are maintained to deliver availability and reliability.
• You will have experience in troubleshooting, diagnostic interrogation, and resolution of issues on control and automation systems, with in-depth knowledge of using one or more of the main PLC/HMI systems - Siemens, Allen Bradley or Mitsubishi.
•  You will be able to demonstrate a continuous improvement activity that have been led by yourself and included the engagement of both your team and cross functional members.
•  Relevant previous experience in a pharmaceutical (or similar) background would be advantageous however not essential as this can be developed.
• Good Knowledge of Health and Safety Compliance
• Ability to manage time and workload effectively.
• Ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders on all levels.
• Proven industry experience from a regulated GMP manufacturing environment
• Interrogation of multiple OEM software packages.
• Ability to amend and improve process controls.
• Experience of driving continuous improvement projects

Desirable but not essential skills to have would be:

• RCA (Root cause analyses techniques)
• Previous experience in a Pharma environment
• Exposure to QMS – CAPA’s, CC, RCA etc
• Experience on all mainstream software packages including but not limited to Siemens, Allen Bradley and Mitsubishi.
• Medium to High manufacturing environment
• Demonstratable ability of implementation of improvement activities
• Time-served engineer, with high level of skills and experience in Controls and Automation
• Experience of working in a high care environment (pharmaceuticals, food, personal care, cosmetics etc)
• Experience of delivering a proactive maintenance approach through CBM, PPM, OAC

Package Description

• Average 36-hour working week (with a day off every other Friday!!)
• 8am - 4:30pm shift
• Plenty of training and development opportunities
• 22.5 days annual leave + Bank holidays
• Option to buy a week's holiday each year
• 8% Employer Pension Contribution
• Free access to the Headspace App
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Free on-site parking

About the Company

Dechra is a global specialist in veterinary pharmaceuticals and related products business. Our expertise is in the development, manufacture, marketing and sales of high quality products exclusively for veterinarians worldwide.

We are a global leader in veterinary endocrinology and topical dermatology, have a broad portfolio of analgesia, anaesthetics and products for the treatment of pain, and are also recognised as innovators in other specialisations such as the treatment of equine lameness, nutrition and differentiated generics. 

We deliver high quality products and services to veterinarians worldwide through our employees and a network of third parties to sustainably improve global animal health and welfare.

Everything we do is underpinned by our Culture and Values. They are important to us and have helped drive the Group’s success. 

Dechra Pharmaceuticals PLC