Automation Engineer

We are seeking a highly motivated Automation Engineer to deliver essential on-site support as a member of our PerkinElmer team at a customer site. This role is a key component of our technical services support team, embedded within the department and tasked with providing first-line software, technical & hardware support for their automated platforms and bench top liquid handlers with the primary objective of maximizing system reliability. The role will also work with the wider Scientific Services team to support on a variety of additional automation platforms when required and will be based at Stevenage,

• Act as 'first-responder' for critical equipment breakdowns, ensuring minimal impact on scientific activity.
• Carryout on-going system performance analysis based upon error logs, live run interventions and root-cause analysis & trending of errors to mitigate their reoccurrence.
• Provide technical mediation in the event of long running equipment issues involving multiple vendors.
• Assist in developing training packages tailored to the automation platforms, intended for both LIS Engineers & the client's scientific workforce.
• Develop and implement a proactive maintenance regime for key equipment.
• Oversee & participate in equipment support activities.
• Train scientists on best practices for the use of automated equipment, ensuring optimal routine and operation.
• Develop support solutions built around department requirements to enhance service delivery
• Establish & maintain strong relationships with the Vendor Service Organization.
• Maintain awareness of new developments in their field of Laboratory Automation.
• Help develop best-practice and facilitate knowledge sharing between automation SME's at GSK., 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.
• Occasionally move or lift up to 25 pounds (potential for occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds).
• 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.
• Occasionally operates a computer and other office machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine, and computer printer.
• Employee may be required to handle hazardous waste according to local, state, or federal regulations. Duties may include identifying, handling, generating, accumulating, storing and labeling hazardous waste.
• Potential risk to lab-based hazards including but not limited to extreme temperature, biological materials, and hazardous chemicals.
• 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.
  
  Ability to troubleshoot and problem-solve when training is limited.
• Technical writing
• Exceptional interpersonal and coaching skills
• Experience using Microsoft Suite (i.e. Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel)
• Effective communicator (ex. Audits, speaking with leadership)
• Self-motivated and ability to work under pressure to prioritize conflicting deadlines.
• Ability to work collaboratively with international counterparts to achieve global objectives., Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in Engineering, Technical, or Sciences with 3+ year(s) servicing laboratory equipment OR
• Higher National Diploma (HND) (or equivalent) in Engineering, Technical, or Sciences with 4+ year(s) of experience servicing laboratory equipment OR
• A Level (or equivalent) in Engineering, Technical, or Sciences with 5+ year(s) of experience servicing laboratory equipment OR
• General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) with 6+ years of experience serving laboratory equipment.
Preferred Qualifications:
• Solid understanding of core competencies involved with liquid handling automation.
• Experience working in a Pharmaceutical or regulated environment.
• Having leadership experience is advantageous for this role.