Automation Engineer

TN United Kingdom; Liverpool; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 80,000

Job description

At Elanco (NYSE: ELAN) – it all starts with animals! As a global leader in animal health, we are dedicated to innovation and delivering products and services to prevent and treat disease in farm animals and pets. We’re driven by our vision of ‘Food and Companionship Enriching Life’ and our approach to sustainability – the Elanco Healthy Purpose – to advance the health of animals, people, the planet and our enterprise. At Elanco, we pride ourselves on fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. We believe that diversity is the driving force behind innovation, creativity, and overall business success. Here, you’ll be part of a company that values and champions new ways of thinking, work with dynamic individuals, and acquire new skills and experiences that will propel your career to new heights. Making animals’ lives better makes life better – join our team today!

Description:

Provide Automation support for manufacturing processes at the Speke site. Implement, support and optimise automation systems across the Speke site, including Rockwell FTView - PLC, DeltaV and Historian (OSI PI) systems. This role takes responsibility for delivery of all automation system lifecycle activities, including requirements generation, system configuration, system administration, architecture development, validation and maintenance. The Senior Automation Engineer supports the site production teams by providing technical leadership and applying expertise to meet the following commitments:

1. Lead other automation engineers and influence operational/functional leaders
2. Develop and improve process/functional technical knowledge
3. Provide process and equipment automation support
4. Support process optimisation and continuous improvement activities – leading on automation aspects
5. Provide System Custodian oversight for automation systems (as directed by line manager) – be accountable for ensuring these systems are delivered/maintained in a qualified state.

Functions, Duties, Tasks

Develop Technical Knowledge

1. Develop a technical understanding of the manufacturing processes supported including awareness of good manufacturing practices, customer requirements, process flow, safety critical operations and control strategies.
2. Develop and maintain expertise and knowledge across the different automation platforms used at Speke.
3. Provide SME support in integrating business systems using an array of technologies – these may include middleware integration technologies, OPC, XML, BatchML, SQL and industry standards such as ISA S88, S95.
4. Document work and learning in technical documents (specifications, standards).

Process Support

1. Represent the Technical Operations function at Process Team huddles, Technical Operations huddles and accountability meetings.
2. Investigate and complete deviation investigations, using root cause analysis and other relevant investigative techniques.
3. Coach and mentor other Technical Operations members.
4. Partner with QCL, QA, engineering, operations, and scheduling to deal with day-to-day issues that impact production, supply or product SISPQ.
5. Support internal, external and customer audits as a technical SME.
6. Complete periodic reviews and updates of technical documents.
7. Provide technical coaching to Technical Operations and Process Team members.
8. Promote and demonstrate safe working practices on site.

Process Improvement / Capital Projects

1. Work with site functions and Process Teams to identify process improvement/optimisation opportunities.
2. Implement (and own where appropriate) automation changes designed to maintain or enhance safety, product quality, yield and throughput in line with business needs, whilst ensuring no detrimental impact to SISPQ or regulatory commitments. Ensure changes meet user requirements.
3. Work with the PMO to identify and prioritise change activity.
4. Provide SME input and support for delivery of capital project work.

System Lifecycle Activities

1. Manage security administration activities for systems, including provision of physical and logical security measures.
2. Maintain configuration management and backup/restoration of systems.
3. Carry out Periodic Reviews to ensure that systems continue to operate in a validated/qualified state.
4. Train users in the effective use of site automation systems.
5. Author and update/maintain system lifecycle documentation.

Decision Making and Influencing (Automation Advisor)

1. Influence business, regulatory and technical design for automation solutions.
2. Provide data in order to inform decisions on selection, design, validation and operating strategy for automation systems.
3. Develop understanding in order to implement/deliver new technologies. As necessary, develop design and technology standards and provide cost estimates for project delivery.
4. Make decisions that impact project outcomes and add value.
5. Provide a strong link into the global automation community. Influence corporate strategy in the automation field.

Training Coaching (Automation Advisor)

1. Develop/facilitate training to increase user knowledge of Automation owned systems.
2. Provide technical coaching to junior members of the Automation Team and peers within the global company automation community.

Establish External Contacts and Develop Professional Expertise

1. Manage and maintain the relationship with automation vendors necessary for the ongoing support of site systems.
2. Participate in and contribute to the Process Automation Community of Practice.

Minimum Qualification:

Technical degree or equivalent (time-served engineer with significant Automation experience).

Elanco is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status.