Automation Engineer

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 TitleAutomation Engineer
Location(s)AZ DISC Cambridge (UK) – Customer Site

We are looking for an Automation Engineer to join the team located at one of our client sites to manage, organize and implement day-to-day Laboratory Automation Support activities. The role provides high quality specialist engineering support to Laboratory Automation. This would include but not be limited to, High Throughput Screening Systems, Compound Management Automated Platforms, Dual Robot Systems, Cell analytical equipment, Liquid Handling devices, microplate imaging and Flow Cytometry. Manufacturers will include High Res Bio, Beckman, Azenta, Agilent, Thermo, Hamilton, Molecular Devices, Matrix and Tecan.

Key Responsibilities:

• Act as 'first-responder' for critical equipment breakdowns, ensuring minimal impact on scientific activity.

• Ensure prompt, flexible, customer focused specialist engineering support whilst maintaining compliance with statutory, regulatory and engineering standards.

• Diagnose faults on complex equipment and systems utilising the multi-disciplinary support internal and external to the team to produce a satisfactory solution.

• Strong understanding of electro-mechanical systems with hands on skills in both engineering terms and system integration terms.

• Understanding of multi axis robots such as Staubli, Denso, Kuka and precise systems.

• Understands automation process: central operating systems/application, communicating to a variety of other (integrated) equipment, unique comms, handshaking, electrical, mechanical and motion process.

• Carries out integration of equipment with a multi axis robots providing labware transfers.

• Create, manage and review supporting documentation e.g. service reports/SOP’s/Maintenance schedules and instructions/relevant safety documentation.

• Plan & carry out engineering maintenance and commissioning work associated with scientific equipment and systems in a safe, cost-effective manner to ensure minimum business disruption.

• Use technical knowledge to identify and source components and services.

• Support users in the preparation/design of operating procedures, SOPs, Change Control.

• Manage the availability of essential spares to support the range of equipment and systems used within the laboratory facilities in a cost-effective manner.

• Establish & maintain strong relationships with the Vendors/Service Organisations.

• Establish & maintain strong relationships with science groups.

• Monitor the performance of the scientific equipment and systems using Key Performance Indicators to instigate improvements and influence changes.

• Acts as an ambassador to PerkinElmer, ensuring a first-class service is delivered at all times.

• Performs other duties as required.

Requirements:

• HNC/HND in relevant engineering discipline.

• 5+ years’ experience within the Laboratory Instrument Support sector across a wide range of scientific and/or automated systems. (This would include but not be limited to, Cell analytical equipment, Liquid Handling devices, Flow Cytometry, Target equipment base Agilent (Velocity11), Thermo, Hamilton, Molecular Devices, Matrix, Tecan, Beckman, Compound Management Storage, Microplate Imaging)

• Advanced Modern Apprenticeship with NVQ 3 in engineering.

• Very strong analytical skills with proven ability to break down and solve complex problems in a logical and structured approach.

• Experience of working in a fast paced, operational environment.

• PC literate in Microsoft packages (Word, Excel, PowerPoint etc).

• Strong relationship management and excellent communication skills/influencing skills.

• Ability to work to own initiative but team orientated and able to work with minimal supervision

• Robust and assertive attitude towards achieving results and motivating team members.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• High customer focus.

Desirable:

• Degree Electrical / Electronic/Science/Engineering

• Pharmaceutical / Regulated working background

• PC hardware/architecture and Communication Systems knowledge (Ethernet/RS232, etc.)

• CMMS experience

Working Environment:

• Role is site based on a customer site.

• Must be able to work in a laboratory, controlled environments requiring personal protective equipment (e.g., lab coat, safety glasses, etc.) in laboratory. 

• Job pace may be fast and job completion demands may be high. 

• Must be able to remain in a stationary position more than 25% of the time 

• The person needs to occasionally move between labs, corridors, adjoining rooms, and buildings onsite Frequently operate on instruments, objects, tools or controls, which will require regularly bending, squatting, stretching and reaching in order to perform in a service function.

• Specific vision abilities required by this position include without limitation, the ability to observe details at close range distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus in order to perform the essential service functions of this position.

• Operates a computer and other office machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine, and computer printer. 

• May be required to complete Medical Clearance, Respiratory Protection Training, and Fit Testing to wear a respirator as protection against hazards present in the laboratory environment.