Senior Automation Engineer

Unilever; Wirral; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading consumer goods firm is seeking a Senior Automation Scientist based in the UK. The role involves driving product innovation through automation and digital methods within the Beauty & Wellbeing division. Candidates must have a BSc/MSc in physics or engineering and experience in automation, collaborating with teams to transition innovations to market.

Benefits

Flexible working options

Inclusive workplace

Diversity and inclusion programs

Qualifications

• Strong background in automation and digital methods.
• Experience with formulated products in colloid or process science.
• Ability to deliver practical work independently and as part of a flexible team.

Responsibilities

• Drive product innovation using lab and pilot-scale equipment.
• Expand research capabilities focusing on automation and digital methods.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams for new product innovations.

Skills

Automation experience

Machine learning

Excellent communication skills

Education

BSc/MSc or equivalent 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 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 conceptualization to market.
• Leads own project work, delivers results through themselves and others including external parties, proposes next steps and contributes 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 of 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.

NOTES

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, and pregnancy and maternity. We are also more than happy to provide reasonable adjustments during our application and interview process to enable you to present your best self. To find out more, including about our Employee Resource Groups, please click here Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (unilever.com).