Principal Automation Engineer

Cytivalifesciences; Portsmouth; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Cytivalifesciences is seeking a Principal Automation Engineer in Portsmouth to spearhead automation solutions that impact human health. This role requires significant experience in automation technologies and is central to supporting clients with innovative solutions that advance life sciences. Join a thriving team dedicated to transforming health with cutting-edge technology.

Qualifications

• 10+ years' experience in automation hardware and software.
• Expert-level experience with PLC/PAC-based controllers.
• Familiarity with industry-recognized DCS systems.

Responsibilities

• Drive standardization of automation technologies.
• Lead teams in developing industrial automation solutions.
• Engage with stakeholders to understand requirements.

Skills

Technical leadership

Automation technologies

Mentoring

Industry trends

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering

Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science

Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Engineering

Tools

PLC/PAC-based controllers

HMI/SCADA development

MS SQL

Python

C#

Git

Azure DevOps

Job description

Be part of something altogether life-changing!

Working at Cytiva means being at the forefront of providing new solutions to transform human health. Our incredible customers undertake life-saving activities ranging from fundamental biological research to developing innovative vaccines, new medicines, and cell and gene therapies.

At Cytiva you will be able to continuously improve yourself and us – working on challenges that truly matter with people that care for each other, our customers, and their patients. With associates across 40+ countries, Cytiva is a place where every day is a learning opportunity – so you can grow your career and expand your skills in the long term.

Forming part of the Biotechnology segment at Danaher, we bring together dedicated technical expertise and talent to develop the next generation of life-changing therapeutics.

The Principal Automation Engineer for Cytiva is responsible for setting the technical direction of Cytiva’s automation platforms for our commercial unit operations and solutions by delivering standard and sustainable industrial automation technology to the business and our customers.

This position is part of Automation Engineering, AD&L located in Harbourgate, Portsmouth, and will be on-site. At Cytiva, our vision is, to advance future therapeutics from discovery to delivery.

What you will do:

• Drive the standardization of technologies across the business, including the definition and implementation of global standards for automation platforms, system architectures and software applications.
• Lead automation engineering teams in the definition, design and development of innovative industrial automation solutions as part of larger global project teams.
• Provide technical leadership, guidance, and mentoring for individuals and teams, ensuring alignment with industry best practices and standards.
• Engage with business stakeholders to understand core value drivers/requirements and apply insights to develop technology roadmaps describing the phased transformation from current to future.
• Drive measurable improvements in internal ways of working and solution delivery by application of modern and innovative engineering tools, procedures and practices.

Who you are:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering or in “STEM” disciplines (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) or equivalent.
• 10 + years’ experience in the design and implementation of automation hardware and software for discrete and process control systems in multiple manufacturing sectors, including life sciences.
• Expert-level experience with PLC/PAC-based controllers, HMI/SCADA development, industry-recognized DCS systems and associated automation hardware/software. Preferred platforms include Siemens, Rockwell and or Inductive Automation.
• Expertise in the full development lifecycle.
• Recognized subject matter expert with knowledge of industry trends and emerging technologies related to automation and digitalization, ideally in life sciences.

Travel Requirements:

• Ability to travel: 10 - 20%

It would be a plus (but not essential) if you also possess previous experience in:

• Use of relational databases like MS SQL, coding in scripting languages like Python or high-level languages such as C#.
• Modern software development tools such as Git for version control or Azure DevOps for task management.
• IT/OT environments, industrial networking concepts, and the use of virtual machines.

Join our winning team today. Together, we’ll accelerate the real-life impact of tomorrow’s science and technology. We partner with customers across the globe to help them solve their most complex challenges, architecting solutions that bring the power of science to life.

For more information, visit www.danaher.com.

At Danaher, we value diversity and the existence of similarities and differences, both visible and not, found in our workforce, workplace and throughout the markets we serve. Our associates, customers and shareholders contribute unique and different perspectives as a result of these diverse attributes.