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Throughout the pharmaceutical industry, mechanical engineers are likely to be involved in a wide range of tasks requiring a professional (i.e. Chartered or Incorporated) level of competence. The structure of pharmaceutical companies has been changing rapidly in recent years and the introduction of various types, levels and grades of engineer has arisen out of many factors; for example, new company structures, new methods of working, new product introductions, novel drug delivery systems/devices, improved speed to market, new technology and the global pressures demanding ever more efficient facilities and production processes. In short, the emphasis on constant change throughout industry is a major factor in the changing responsibilities of a professional engineer working within pharmaceuticals.
These changes in direction, products, technology, working practices and levels of activity in many companies now mean that an engineer’s professional development is far from straightforward. For example, an engineer may move from directing many subordinates on a large design and development project, to working alone on a quality system (e.g. to satisfy new business requirements) and then on to training or support duties for a shop-floor operation. Another significant factor governing engineers’ functions and activities in pharmaceuticals is that of scale.
In its early stages a potential new drug will involve the use of laboratory scale equipment, if the product potential is realized then it must be “scaled-up” for routine manufacture using much larger scale equipment, typically involving batch production, although in some circumstances continuous production methods are used.
Increasing specialization within pharmaceuticals has brought about legitimate new employment opportunities for the chartered and incorporated mechanical engineer, where unlikely-sounding job titles may conceal solid engineering activity. For example, in the past it was relatively rare for packaging to be a function associated with sustained formal engineering duties. This is no longer true, with packaging (as with many other functions) requiring a detailed, in-depth engineering knowledge of materials, control systems and opto-electronics, as well as complex mechanics. Engineers working with packaging often lead aspects associated with the introduction of a new delivery device, these devices are often highly complex assemblies which require specialist engineering knowledge in order to achieve viable manufacturing operations.
 There is a notion that engineers can operate in cross-disciplinary roles nowadays. These can embrace mechatronic system approaches (i.e. integrated mechanical and
electrical/electronic structures and devices, under microprocessor control) and have particular validity in the use of robotic and automated systems. For example: R&D functions developing products, devices and specialist facilities, pharmaceutical production processes, assembly of the drug delivery devices/systems, maintenance of highly specialized facilities, construction of production facilities and associated service/support facilities, continuous improvement of process operations, etc.
It follows that the professional mechanical engineer in the pharmaceutical industry requires a good knowledge of all relevant aspects from development to manufacturing to enable his or her engineering expertise to be deployed effectively and to ensure that patient safety remains paramount in the face of development, manufacturing and supply chain cost pressures.
Key Facts
- Pharmaceutical industry exports in 2005 were £12.2 billion, creating a trade surplus of £3.4 billion
- The industry employs around 73,000 people and generates another 250,000 jobs in related industries
- Nearly 20 per cent of the world's top medicines were discovered and developed in Britain
- Twelve out the top 25 medicines prescribed by GPs on the NHS are British
- A quarter of the world's top 100 medicines were discovered and developed in Britain, more than any country except the USA
Source: ABPI - Facts and Statistics From the Pharmaceutical Industry
- The pharmaceutical industry is the biggest sector investor in R&D in the UK accounting for around 25% of total investment by business, valued at £3.3bn, about £9m a day in 2005
- In world terms, the UK industry has 9% of pharmaceutical R&D expenditure: only the USA (49%) and Japan (15%) are ahead
Source: DTI - The Pharmaceutical sector in the UK
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