STADA UK Thornton & Ross is on an exciting growth journey with more than 700 employees being fully committed to our purpose of Caring for People’s Health as a Trusted Partner. Together we are shaping the future of Thornton & Ross by living our values of Integrity, Entrepreneurship, Agility and One STADA.
STADA UK Thornton & Ross - Automation Engineer
Huddersfield | United Kingdom (GB) | Full-time | Permanent
Are you passionate about automation and solving complex engineering challenges? We’re looking for an Automation Engineer to support and enhance our manufacturing operations through innovative solutions, hands-on troubleshooting, and continuous improvement.
How You Will Make An Impact:
- Troubleshoot and resolve PLC issues on the front line, performing root cause analysis to support manufacturing uptime.
- Respond promptly to equipment issues, logging work orders to maintain plant history and lifecycle data.
- Identify skills gaps and deliver hands-on training, coaching, and documentation to enhance team capability.
- Develop and maintain standard operating procedures and one-point lessons for rapid issue resolution.
- Perform regular software backups and hardware maintenance, including PLC battery replacements and panel inspections.
- Proactively manage obsolescence risks by coordinating with Stores and the Automation Lead to ensure availability of alternatives.
- Keep the plant maintenance system and document library up to date, including PLC ladder logic, manuals, and drawings.
- Administer and uphold quality-controlled change processes for PLC software modifications in line with compliance standards.
What We Are Looking For:
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field (or equivalent experience).
- Proven experience in maintaining automation equipment and performing advanced system troubleshooting.
- Strong understanding of computer programming and software development, particularly in industrial automation contexts.
- Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills with a high attention to detail.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills; able to clearly document and share technical information.
- Ability to work collaboratively across engineering and production teams.
- Creative and critical thinking skills with a proactive approach to continuous improvement.
- Experience with robotics, AI, machine learning, or project management is a plus.
How We Care For You:
At Thornton & Ross our purpose “Caring for people’s health as a trusted partner” motivates us every day. And what would be a better place than starting with our own employees. Which is why we give much in return:
💸 Competitive salary, 17% shift allowance and annual bonus scheme.
🗝 Salary Sacrifice Pension Scheme offering 6% employer contribution rates.
🌴 25 days of annual leave plus bank holidays with the potential to buy up to 5 additional days.
🥗 On-site subsidised canteen.
🏥 Health benefits provided through our Medicash Healthcare Cash Plan.
💉 Free winter flu jab.
🧠 Wellbeing support through our Employee Assistance Programme and KYAN Wellbeing – offering free coaching and counselling services for you and your family.
⚡ Electric Car Scheme through Octopus Energy, plus free on-site EV charging.
🚲 Cycle to Work Scheme.
👪 Enhanced Family Leave.
🎉 Plus, many more employee benefits & celebration events.
STADA Group values and promotes its diverse culture, regardless of gender, age, social or ethnic origin, disabilities, religion, ideology, or sexual orientation. We use the strength of our uniqueness to develop creative ideas, expand our experience and increase innovative strength. Our focus is on equal opportunities, respectful cooperation, and the promotion of an inclusive working environment. We are looking forward to your application and welcome applications without a pharmaceutical background.
