Cuan Robertson discusses his career at biotechnology company Amgen and what people can expect from a role in the automation space.

Hailing from a family of engineers, Cuan Robertson, a principal manufacturing systems engineer at Amgen was “fortunate to be exposed to innovative thinking” from a young age. An experience that inspired him to seek a career that put problem-solving at its core.

“I studied electrical engineering and during my final year, I specialised in controls,” Cuan told SiliconRepublic.com. “I was also drawn to process optimisation and system design. Essentially, these are areas where small improvements can have a huge impact on efficiency and quality.

“Working in manufacturing environments reinforced my passion for bridging the gap between traditional engineering and modern digital systems.”

What brought you to your current job?

I was drawn to the role because of Amgen’s focus on digital transformation in manufacturing and its commitment to innovation in life sciences. Working on high-impact automation initiatives isn’t just about using the latest technology, it requires cutting-edge problem-solving to deliver the future of smart manufacturing.

It also gives me the opportunity to apply my technical and strategic skills to support meaningful projects. I’m contributing to system integration and automation, which will allow us to remove any room for error in manufacturing, guaranteeing customers and regulators consistent quality. Additionally, we are aiming to streamline manufacturing processes and to develop predictive models that address challenges before they arise.

What are some of the challenges you have encountered on your career path?

One of the biggest surprises has been how much success in automation depends on people skills and not just technology. You could be technically skilled and have a great work ethic, but you also need soft skills to succeed in smart manufacturing. Implementing new systems often requires navigating organisational change, aligning cross-functional teams, and ensuring user adoption, so good communication and a collaborative mindset are key.

As I work in a regulated industry, it’s also important to keep pace with the rapid evolution of automation technology and ensure that solutions remain robust, validated and compliant.

What is the most exciting aspect of a career in automation currently?

The convergence of AI, digital technology and automation is exciting. Smart manufacturing is moving from systems that simply execute predefined logic to intelligent platforms that can learn, adapt and predict outcomes. This development creates possibilities for predictive maintenance, adaptive control, and fully integrated digital manufacturing ecosystems. Working in automation at Amgen is particularly rewarding for me because I set up and run systems that aren’t pieces of code that sit on a server, rather they are high-functioning machines that produce vital medicine for patients.

What aspects of your personality do you feel make you suited to this job?

I have always enjoyed solving complex problems and learning about new technology and thankfully Amgen provides me with ample opportunities to do both. I also love working with other people and automation is a true team sport. What we do affects everything around us, so we are deeply embedded in their ways of working. We work with the IT, QC and QA departments as well as validation, engineering and process development teams. And as projects can take unexpected turns, we are adaptable and flexible.

What can people expect from career progression in this industry?

Automation offers a dynamic career path and rewarding progression. The entry roles in the sector typically focus on hands-on system design, programming and troubleshooting. As you build up experience, there are pathways to progress into project leadership, architecture or even strategic roles that influence digital transformation. Automation also offers the opportunity to become a subject matter expert and specialise in data integration, AI, robotics or manufacturing execution systems.

How have careers in the automation space changed since you first began?

The scope of an automation engineer has expanded dramatically. When I started, automation largely focused on PLCs, a controller with a specific automation function and the early conversion of hardwired logic into software-controlled systems. In the modern manufacturing environment, the role comprises cloud integration, machine learning, digital twins and cybersecurity. The focus has shifted from isolated control systems to holistic digital ecosystems, where data and connectivity drive continuous improvement and innovation.

What advice would you give to those considering a career in this area, or just starting out in one?

Stay curious and build a strong foundation in controls and data. Learn how automation fits into the bigger picture of manufacturing and business operations. Don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty with real systems early on. Finally, make sure to cultivate soft skills – communication, adaptability and teamwork are just as important as technical expertise.

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