Automation Engineer

PerkinElmer; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking an Automation Engineer to join their technical services team. This role involves providing on-site support for automated laboratory equipment, ensuring optimal performance and reliability. Ideal candidates will have a strong background in field service engineering, along with a passion for robotics and automation systems. You'll collaborate with a dedicated team to deliver exceptional support and training, making a tangible impact on scientific activities. If you are ready to contribute to a healthier world through innovation and teamwork, this opportunity is for you!

Qualifications

• 4+ years in biopharmaceutical/pharmaceutical industry or equivalent education.
• Strong understanding of automation principles and practices.

Responsibilities

• Provide first-line support for automated platforms and liquid handlers.
• Develop and implement proactive maintenance for key equipment.
• Train scientists on best practices for automated equipment.

Skills

Troubleshooting

Technical writing

Interpersonal skills

Coaching skills

Microsoft Suite (Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel)

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, robotics, mechatronics, or related field

Job description

When joining PerkinElmer, you select an experienced and trusted leader in scientific solutions, with the support of a global service network and distribution centers, providing the right solution, at the right time, to meet critical customer needs. With over an 80+ year legacy of advancing science and a mission of innovating for a healthier world, our dedicated team collaborates closely with commercial, government, academic and healthcare customers to deliver our broad portfolio of analytical solutions, and OneSource services.

Job Title

Location(s)

We are looking for Automation Engineer with experience in servicing laboratory equipment to join our PerkinElmer team.

In this role you will provide crucial on-site support at the Customer location in Stevenage. As an integral part of our technical services team, you will be embedded within the department, delivering first-line software, technical, and hardware support for automated platforms and benchtop liquid handlers to ensure optimal system reliability.

This role is ideal for a candidate with a background in field service engineering who has a strong interest or educational background in robotics and automation systems.

Additionally, you will collaborate with the broader Scientific Services team to support various automation platforms as needed.

Job Responsibilities:

1. Act as a first point of contact for critical equipment breakdowns, ensuring minimal impact on scientific activity.
2. Carry out on-going system performance analysis based upon error logs, live run interventions and root-cause analysis & trending of errors to mitigate their re-occurrence.
3. Provide technical mediation in the event of long running equipment issues involving multiple vendors.
4. Assist in developing training packages tailored to the automation platforms, intended for both LIS Engineers & the client’s scientific workforce.
5. Develop and implement a proactive maintenance regime for key equipment.
6. Oversee & participate in equipment support activities.
7. Train scientists on best practices for the use of automated equipment, ensuring optimal routine and operation.
8. Develop support solutions built around department requirements to enhance service delivery.
9. Establish & maintain strong relationships with the Vendor Service Organization.
10. Maintain awareness of new developments in their field of Laboratory Automation.

Qualifications:

1. Solid understanding of core competencies involved with liquid handling automation.
2. Experience working in a Pharmaceutical environment.
3. A minimum of 4 years of experience in a biopharmaceutical or pharmaceutical industry, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
4. Strong understanding of automation principles and practices.
5. Bachelor’s degree or higher in engineering, robotics, mechatronics, or a related field is preferred.
6. Previous experience in a Field Service Engineer or Application Specialist role is a plus.
7. Having leadership experience is advantageous for this role.

Critical Skills:

1. Ability to troubleshoot and problem-solve when training is limited.
2. Technical writing.
3. Exceptional interpersonal and coaching skills.
4. Experience using Microsoft Suite (i.e. Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel).
5. Effective communicator (ex. Audits, speaking with leadership).
6. Self-motivated and ability to work under pressure to prioritize conflicting deadlines.
7. Ability to work collaboratively with international counterparts to achieve global objectives.
8. Strong interest in robotics and automation, with a passion for applying technical knowledge in real-world lab environments.

Join our Team!

We are strongly committed to the development of your career and giving you opportunities to learn and grow.

We make a difference for you while you make a difference in the world!

About Us

Are you ready to help improve the lives of millions of people and create a healthier world? When you work at PerkinElmer, that’s exactly what you’ll do. From our dedicated scientists and world-class operations employees to our innovative R&D professionals and committed sales and service groups, we’re a unique team of 5,000+ global colleagues who come to work every day knowing we’re making a difference. Through innovation, collaboration, and believing in our mission, we strive to create an inspiring and inclusive culture for our employees, so that they can be their best and, together, create a better tomorrow. Join us today.