Role Profile
Engineering Technician
Typical job description:
Engineering technicians in the pharmaceutical industry work in both primary and secondary production. In primary production they maintain and repair the mechanical, electrical and instrumentation elements of the chemical plant that makes the bulk materials.
In secondary production they maintain and repair the mechanical and computer-controlled manufacturing, filling and packaging equipment used in the production process.
In both roles they work to a planned maintenance schedule and also respond to emergency breakdowns, in order to keep production running with minimum disruption.
Key Processes:
The exact nature of the work will depend on the size of the employing organisation.
However, it will almost certainly involve:
- Deliver planned maintenance and breakdown recovery for all electrical, mechanical and electronic equipment;
- Install and commission new plant technology and machinery;
- Control and instrumentation work - programming PC-based and Programmable Logic Control (PLC) equipment;
- Diagnose and repairing faults;
- Use specialist maintenance scheduling systems and software;
- Work to current company and regulatory good practice and safety standards;
- Act proactively to prevent any future maintenance problems;
- Take part in quality improvement projects.
Entry Level:
Usually through a recognised technical apprenticeship
Search for related degrees or courses:
Industry Standard:
Advanced Apprenticeship Certificate (S/NVQ Level 3, Technical Certificate, Key Skills);
HNC/D Engineering related subject;
CPD – see knowledge.
Competencies:
- Ability to demonstrate a wide range of engineering skills to include mechanical, electrical, instrumentation and control;
- Good communication skills;
- Problem-solving ability under pressure;
- A flexible and adaptable attitude to work;
- Ability to work in a team environment;
- A proactive approach;
- Experience working within a project environment.
Knowledge needed for the role:
- Experience of automated filling and packaging equipment;
- Clean area manufacture;
- Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) and Good Engineering Practice (GEP) standards;
- Programmable Logic Control (PLC) systems;
- Continuous quality improvement systems such as Lean manufacture and Six Sigma;
- Experience and understanding of “Clean” Process Engineering.
Pay and conditions:
Salaries are usually between £28,500 and £32,000 a year.
Technicians work a variety of shift patterns. They mainly work in either a high quality, clean chemical plant environment or in a clean and sterile factory area where they need to wear protective clothing such as caps, safety shoes and white coveralls or gowns.