Automation Software Engineer

TTP; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading biotechnology company is seeking a skilled PLC Developer to design and implement advanced control systems using Beckhoff TwinCAT. This full-time position will be based in Melbourn, England, where you will engage with a team to enhance production processes in cell therapies. The ideal candidate will have experience in PLC programming and automation, excelling in problem-solving and debugging complex systems. Employee benefits include an annual bonus, 25 days holiday, and private medical insurance.

Benefits

Annual bonus

25 days holiday

Employer pension contribution of 10%

Free lunch

Private medical insurance

Enhanced family friendly leave

Life insurance worth 6× salary

Electric car leasing scheme

Cycle to work scheme

Season ticket loan

Qualifications

• Experience in PLC software development for industrial automation.
• Track record of delivering control software projects timely.
• Ability to implement testable slices of functionality.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement PLC control systems using Beckhoff TwinCAT.
• Deliver PLC systems integrating with factory software architecture.
• Write modular and maintainable code for process stations.

Skills

PLC programming for industrial automation

Experience with Beckhoff, Rockwell, Siemens

Strong problem-solving skills

Ability to debug complex PLC systems

Tools

Beckhoff TwinCAT

Python

Java

C#

modern C++

Job description

Company Description

Cell therapies have been shown to cure devastating and previously untreatable diseases like cancer by re-programming the patient’s own immune system. Giving more patients access to these life‑saving therapies requires a revolution in manufacturing and process automation.

Cellular Origins, a TTP Company, is enabling scalable, cost‑effective and efficient manufacture of cell and gene therapies. Our technology addresses the challenges associated with manufacturing at scale with an elegant robotic manufacturing automation solution that reduces cost and labour, eliminates human error, and increases efficiency.

Job Description

You will design and implement PLC control systems using Beckhoff TwinCAT. You will be responsible for delivering PLC systems that integrate with Cellular Origins’ factory software architecture to allow remote control of machines used in the production of cell therapies.

This could include motion control for custom pumping systems designed to precisely transfer small quantities of fluid, system monitoring, safety systems for mobile robots or custom test rigs.

Working with software and electrical engineers, you will help to deliver process stations for cell therapy manufacturing. You will write modular and maintainable code and contribute to the continuous improvement of our PLC code base, improving test coverage and maximising code re‑use.

Qualifications

You will have experience of PLC software development for industrial automation, including control of servo motors and other low‑level control systems. You will have a track record of delivering control software projects in a timely manner. You will be able to work in an iterative manner implementing testable slices of functionality to build on.

Essential

• Experience in PLC programming for industrial automation, using Beckhoff, Rockwell, Siemens or similar PLCs
• A proven track record of designing, implementing, validating and maintaining PLC‑driven control system throughout the full engineering lifecycle
• Development using structured text or other IEC 61131‑3 languages
• Familiarity with industrial communication protocols, such as EtherCAT and IO‑Link
• Experience of servomotor control and devices such as load cells and proximity sensors
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and machine layouts
• Strong problem‑solving skills and the ability to debug complex PLC systems
• This role will be a full time on‑site position at our campus in Melbourn.

Desirable

• Experience with Beckhoff TwinSAFE or Safety PLCs.
• Experience with programming languages such as Python, Java, C#, modern C++
• Experience with modern communication protocols (e.g., MQTT, REST APIs, OPC UA) for connectivity with higher‑level systems.

Additional Information

Cellular Origins is based on the TTP Campus, within purpose‑built sustainable offices, labs and green surroundings, 10 miles south of Cambridge. Our working culture encourages entrepreneurship, shared ideas and collaboration, while providing you the freedom to do your best work.

Our employee benefits include:

• Annual bonus
• 25 days holiday
• Employer pension contribution of 10% of salary
• Free lunch and all‑day refreshments
• Private medical insurance for employees and dependants
• Enhanced family friendly leave
• Life insurance worth 6× salary
• Electric car leasing scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Season ticket loan
• Activities and community that supports healthy activities that bring colleagues together; whether it’s lunchtime squash or football, Zumba or our own rock band. Colleagues initiate new clubs and outings whenever they feel there’s something missing!