Senior Automation Engineer

Unilever Brazil; Bebington; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A global consumer goods company in the United Kingdom is looking for a Senior Automation Scientist. The role involves driving product innovation through data-driven models and collaborating with cross-functional teams. Candidates should have a BSc/MSc in physical sciences or engineering and experience in automation and machine learning. The company values diversity and offers flexible working options.

Benefits

Flexible working options

Inclusive workplace

Diversity initiatives

Qualifications

• Experience in automation, machine learning, and/or other modelling techniques.
• Proven track record in the development and application of digital methods.
• Knowledge of formulated products from a colloid science or process science perspective.
• Experience building and exploiting an external network.
• Ability to deliver practical work to deadlines, both independently and in teams.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and team-working skills.

Responsibilities

• Drive product innovation using lab or pilot-scale equipment.
• Expand research capabilities with automation and digital methods.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams on new product innovations.
• Lead projects and workstreams to deliver results.

Skills

Automation

Machine learning

Data management

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Team working

Education

BSc/MSc in physical sciences or engineering

PhD or EngD (desirable)

Job description

Senior Automation Scientist

Location: Unilever R&D Port Sunlight (close to Liverpool and Chester) & Materials Innovation Factory (University of Liverpool), UK.

Travel: 5% of the time.

Work Level: WL1 B5

The role of the Science & Technology team is to deliver breakthrough technologies and differentiated innovations to meet the needs and preferences of our consumers around the world. Within the Beauty & Wellbeing division, we are building new, world‑class capability to help us develop innovations that out‑perform the competition and build equity for our leading brands. An opportunity has arisen for a degree qualified automation scientist or engineer to join the Science & Technology Physical and Chemical Sciences team at Port Sunlight and the Materials Innovation Factory (Liverpool). The successful candidate will join us at an exciting time, with the opportunity to influence and lead within an environment benefitting from existing state‑of‑the‑art digital facilities, such as the Materials Innovation Factory, built in partnership with Liverpool University, as well as significant investment in automated laboratories across our Global sites.

In this dynamic role, you will:

• Drive product innovation through the utilisation of lab and/or pilot‑scale equipment to generate data sets, test hypotheses, and build robust, data‑driven models.
• Expand our research capabilities, focusing on the application of automation, digital methods, and innovative in‑silico approaches.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to ensure the seamless transition of new product innovations from conceptualisation to market.
• Lead own project work, deliver results through yourself and others including external parties, propose next steps and contribute to workstream technical strategy.

EXPERIENCE, SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS

• A BSc/MSc or equivalent research background in physical sciences or engineering, with experience in automation, machine learning and/or other modelling techniques. A PhD or EngD is desirable.
• Proven track record in the development and application of digital methods, especially in the domain of automation, HTE or advanced data management.
• Knowledge of formulated products, from either a colloid science or process science perspective is desirable.
• Experience building and exploiting an external network (academia, SMEs and large‑scale partners) is desirable.
• Experience delivering practical work to deadlines, independently and as part of an agile, flexible team.
• Excellent communication (written and verbal), interpersonal and team‑working skills are a prerequisite.

Please apply via this portal as e‑mail applications may not be processed and include your Future Fit Plan if possible.

By applying for this vacancy, you are confirming that you have made your Line Manager aware of your application and that you are at a point in your career with Unilever where it is appropriate for you to be applying for other positions.

What we offer

Whilst the role is advertised on a full‑time basis, we would be happy to discuss possible flexible working options and what this may look like for you. We strive to achieve a family‑friendly and inclusive workplace and to, above all, create possibilities for all.

Diversity at Unilever is about inclusion, embracing differences, creating possibilities and growing together for better business performance. We embrace diversity in our workforce. This means giving full and fair consideration to all applicants and continuing development of all employees regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity. We are also more than happy to provide reasonable adjustments during our application and interview process to enable you to be present your best self. To find out more, including about our Employee Resource Groups, please click here

Notes

We are happy to discuss flexible working options and the arrangement that may suit you best.