It's no secret that the pharmaceutical industry is regulated and complex - but it's also one of its greatest strengths. For automation engineers used to the traditional process industry, entering the life sciences sector can feel like a big step. At the same time, many testify that it is precisely the structure, clarity and meaningful purpose that make the job so rewarding. One of them is our senior consultant Christofer Funke.
"You can feel that you are actually doing good. It's an industry that is successful and growing all the time," says Christofer.
From uncertainty to insight
For Christofer, as a senior automation and validation consultant, the journey in Pharma started without any previous experience in the Life Science industry. But it was a natural start - and an eye-opener.
"I was attracted by the fact that working in Pharma felt much more structured. The documentation is more detailed and therefore more useful," he says.
But the transition wasn’t entirely without challenges. Working in a validated environment means that every change must be handled systematically and approved by the quality department. The freedom to quickly “just fix” something doesn’t exist in the same way as it does in less regulated environments—but this is precisely what, in the long run, ensures safety, traceability, and quality.
"The most important thing to realize is that everything in GMP is based on patient safety - there is an important point to all the rules," Funke notes.
The structure as an enabler
What may initially seem like cumbersome bureaucracy often turns out to be a catalyst for innovation. The pharmaceutical industry has a strong foundation to build upon—something that becomes particularly clear in projects involving digital twins and simulations. When all components of an automation system are well documented, it’s possible to create digital environments that not only streamline testing but also facilitate training and future changes.
"Building a virtual production facility to run batches fully digitally is made much easier thanks to rigorous documentation," says Christofer.
It also gives a taste of the industry's next steps - where digitalization and automation go hand in hand with patient safety.
A growing need for skills
The need for technical skills in the pharmaceutical industry is extensive - at both junior and senior levels. Automation specialists with experience in simulation, digital tools and systems understanding are particularly sought after. For those who are curious about changing industries, this could be the perfect opportunity to take the plunge.
"Once you've gained experience in Pharma , it's a great advantage. Few people have it, which makes it a competitive advantage," Christofer explains.
At the same time, lack of the right skills poses major risks. In an industry where quality, safety and traceability are crucial, staffing gaps or skills gaps can lead to delayed production starts, uncertain validation and ultimately delays in the supply of medicines. When every day counts for patients, access to the right technical skills becomes not only a matter of efficiency - but of responsibility.
But there are also challenges. Many technicians are hesitant about an industry that can be perceived as strict or restrictive. However, this perception is often wrong - many things work just like in other industries, just with a clearer framework.
An industry on the move - and in need of movement
For Sweden to strengthen its competitiveness and increase domestic pharmaceutical manufacturing, a sustainable supply of skills is needed. This means that the industry must become better at attracting new talent - especially from neighboring areas.
There is great value here in communicating not only the challenges, but above all the opportunities. Life sciences are not a dead end—they are a path to the future for those who want to combine technological development with societal benefit.
A strategic location - a strategic opportunity
Sweden has a strong international reputation in the life sciences—in terms of research, innovation, and production quality. We are home to several global pharmaceutical companies, have world-leading universities, a growing startup scene, and a political climate that increasingly prioritizes supply security and domestic production.
In recent years, the government has launched several initiatives to strengthen Swedish pharmaceutical production, including efforts in the areas of strategic workforce development, digitalization, and sustainability. Taken together, these initiatives give Sweden a unique opportunity to take a leading role in Europe’s future pharmaceutical supply—provided we have the right skills at Location.
For those who are curious
For those thinking of switching tracks and entering the pharmaceutical industry, the advice is clear: it's not that bad. Much of the work flows in the same way as in other industries. The key is to see the benefits of the extra work and realize that it is actually useful. Entering the world of life sciences doesn't just mean a new professional role - it means becoming part of a wider context where technology, societal benefit and innovation meet.
It's a step into a high-impact industry of the future - where every new idea, every improved process and every increased batch capacity can ultimately help save lives. This is where technical expertise finds perhaps its most important purpose: making a difference, for real.
So, maybe your future - and a new journey - is in Life Science?