Technical Support Engineer - Operations

Description

The company makes pharmaceutical products and has over $40 billion in annual revenue with significant R&D investment. The team is based on site and is focused on keeping the production area healthier, cleaner and safer.

This is a technical leadership role managing the full lifecycle of production equipment in one designated area of the site. You will improve equipment reliability, support maintenance, lead investigations and fixes, drive equipment upgrades and keep work compliant with GMP and engineering standards.

You will work independently while coordinating with engineering, operations, quality and external suppliers. The job is roughly 60% desk work and 40% hands-on on the production floor, including cleanroom work that requires GMP gowning.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical support across Operations, including preventive maintenance and equipment inspections.
• Lead fault diagnosis and deliver right-first-time fixes with the maintenance team.
• Improve equipment reliability, availability and performance using root cause analysis and continuous improvement methods.
• Spend about 40% of your time hands-on.
• Coordinate engineering work with the maintenance planner and shift coordinator.
• Work with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality and Validation to reduce downtime.
• Become the primary engineering subject matter expert for your designated area.
• Provide second line support alongside the maintenance team.
• Guide and mentor the maintenance team technically.
• Help build training and knowledge sharing across the department.
• Manage external vendors and contractors on specific tasks.
• Respond quickly and effectively to breakdowns, deviations and emergencies.
• Take part in shift handovers to keep engineering support continuous.
• Make sure all maintenance meets GMP, safety and quality standards.
• Review maintenance records in the CMMS and improve their content.
• Escalate technical, safety or quality issues according to site procedures.
• Coach and develop people in your team.
• Promote a strong safety culture and safe working methods.
• Support the installation, commissioning and upgrade of production equipment.
• Make sure equipment meets GMP, safety and engineering standards.
• Find ways to improve equipment performance and bring in new technology where it fits.
• Keep equipment records accurate in the CMMS.
• Track equipment performance and carry out improvements.
• Help develop and refine preventive maintenance strategies.
• Support audits, inspections, risk assessments and CAPA activities.

Requirements

• An HNC Level 3 or equivalent in a relevant engineering discipline, or an apprenticeship to Level 3 NVQ in mechanical or electrical engineering.
• English and Maths at GCSE Grade 4 or higher.
• Proficiency with Microsoft applications and manufacturing quality software.
• Experience using a Computerised Maintenance Management System.
• Good awareness of process safety management systems such as PTW, LOTO, confined spaces and working at height.
• 3-5 years of experience in a maintenance engineering role, ideally in pharmaceutical or other regulated manufacturing.
• Good understanding of GMP, pharmaceutical processing equipment and maintenance best practice.
• Strong working knowledge of GMP, health and safety and compliance requirements.
• Demonstrated leadership of teams in an engineering setting.
• Pharmaceutical or other highly regulated manufacturing experience.
• Knowledge of facility equipment such as HVAC and water systems.
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to read electrical and P&ID drawings.
• Desirable: exposure to cleanrooms.
• Desirable: completion of an engineering apprenticeship or comparable experience.
• Desirable: experience with CMMS and reliability improvement techniques.
• You are positive, resilient and solution-focused, with a can-do attitude.
• You stay calm, practical and organised under pressure.
• You are self-motivated and flexible in how you work.
• You manage competing priorities and meet critical deadlines.
• You are a strong team player who can influence and motivate others.
• You are committed to continuous improvement and to developing others.

Conditions

Standard Monday to Friday schedule.

Office-based desk work alongside production floor and cleanroom work.

Able to lift 40 lbs without help.

Follow all GMP safety standards.

Cleanroom rules apply: no hair products, jewelry, makeup, nail polish, perfume, exposed piercings or facial hair.

Wear PPE as required, such as safety glasses, gowning, gloves, lab coat or ear plugs.

The company is an equal opportunity employer.

Benefits

• Competitive salary, shift allowance and bonus package.
• Leadership development and ongoing technical training.
• Clear career progression within a global pharmaceutical organisation.