What do you do on a typical Day@Work?

Work generally involves two broad categories - (1) overseeing the day to day maintenance pertaining to automation issues and (2) supporting cross-functional projects through design and implementation of automation-related changes. If there are critical automation related issues, me (and/or my team) are expected to be working extra hours to resolve and/or implement the required changes. Otherwise, with only projects on hand and no major day to day hiccups, the day can pass very slowly.

What are the courses or modules you took? Any online tools for them to refer to or start working on from university days?

In University, I took a double degree in Chemical Engineering and Business Administration. It would be good to have some knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP). Some of the practices may seem absurd when you first enter a pharmaceutical manufacturing plant but are critical to ensure high-quality medicines are produced. I do not think that there are any courses/modules that are specifically required to prepare one for a role in automation. Of course, if you have time, it would be good to explore some online courses on topics such as Control Systems and Automation.

How are your mobility options within the industry and outside? Within the country and outside?

Mobility within the industry in and out of Singapore is quite possible. There is a lack of automation engineers in the pharmaceutical arena. However, it also depends on the type of automation system you are familiar with (e.g. PLC, Scada, DSC). As far as mobility outside of the industry in and out of Singapore is concerned, Oil and gas is the other alternative sector which needs automation engineers. Food manufacturing and semiconductors are also possible alternatives.

How transferable are the skill sets to allow an individual to pivot her/his career?

Analytical skills, critical thinking skills, manufacturing plant-related processes and to some extent, the automation systems and knowledge. However, all the systems related knowledge will not be used at all once you move into commercial roles. It is rather difficult to pivot one's career from automation to commercial roles.

Finally, what kind of skills does one have to possess to excel as an automation engineer in the Pharmaceuticals industry?

As far as soft skills are concerned, being meticulous, with an analytical bent of mind and ability to actively interact across departments help. As far as technical skills (that can be picked up as you join the industry/ before you join) are concerned, ability to read P&ID diagrams (Piping and instrumentation diagram), Logic Gates Interactions, and familiarity with SEBOL Language, PLC Database, Scada, etc., are important.

What's your advice for students who aspire to become an automation engineer in the Pharmaceuticals industry?

Due to the absence of degrees in specialisation in Automation in NUS and NTU, I believe that hiring managers are open to employing undergraduates with engineering degrees. Do note that Electrical, Chemical and Mechanical may have some advantage (though very insignificant and can be picked up on-the-job) compared to other engineering degree holders

Depending on the site that you are allocated, you may have to specialise in certain software and programming languages. I was allocated in a plant that utilises DCS (Distributed Control System) for their automation processes. Some plants use Scada or PLC system which requires different skillsets

High attention to detail is critical for this role. Accidentally keying in "79" instead of "70" will have key ramifications on the entire process. Hence, it is imperative always to double or even triple check your work. Your interviewers might even test you on this aspect

It would be good to have a basic understanding of P&ID diagrams, logic gates interactions and a computer language