HPLC On-Site Maintenance Engineer in Reading

Hichrom ACE® Analytical Chromatography, part of Avantor, has been firmly established in the field of chromatography for over 30 years. The manufacturing and R&D sites operate laboratories specialising in the development, manufacture and supply of high-quality chromatography products, servicing global markets in the Life Sciences and other market segments. The ACE® brand has built a strong reputation amongst chromatographers for product performance, technical expertise, speed of delivery and competitive pricing within the analytical chromatography space.

POSITION PROFILE (Main purpose of position and interdependencies)

Responsible for delivering routine maintenance of laboratory instrumentation, with a strong emphasis on HPLC and UHPLC systems, ensuring equipment is fit for purpose across both Manufacturing and R&D laboratories. Maintenance activities are performed on a planned schedule to minimise downtime and maximise instrument availability. The role also requires prompt response to reactive maintenance requests for general laboratory equipment and instruments, providing timely and effective repair solutions to reduce operational disruption. All maintenance, repair, and asset records are managed within asset management systems to maintain compliance with ISO 9001 requirements. Adherence to all site Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) standards is mandatory.

MAJOR JOB DUTIES, RESPONSIBILITIES AND DELIVERABLES (KPIs)

• Own routine and reactive maintenance of HPLC and uHPLC systems across laboratory areas, ensuring optimal performance, reliability, and compliance with quality and regulatory standards. Progress toward qualification for instrument calibration in alignment with validated procedures.
• Plan, schedule, and execute maintenance activities for a broad range of laboratory equipment (including fume hoods, glasswashers, packing pumps, vacuum ovens, furnaces, and benchtop systems), coordinating closely with production to minimise operational disruption.
• Prioritise maintenance interventions based on production demand, equipment criticality, and risk, ensuring maximum uptime and continuity of manufacturing activities.
• Maintain accurate and traceable service records, updating asset management systems and supporting lifecycle management, including replacement justification for end‑of‑life or irreparably failed equipment.
• Monitor and analyse equipment performance and downtime trends, identify root causes of recurring issues, and implement or recommend robust technical and process improvements.
• Develop, maintain, and continuously improve maintenance procedures, SOPs, and best practice documentation to ensure consistent, compliant, and efficient equipment support.
• Prepare and issue calibration documentation, including reports and certificates, ensuring full traceability, accuracy, and adherence to quality system requirements.
• Conduct verification checks and audits on laboratory equipment and instruments to confirm operational integrity and compliance with defined specifications.
• Create clear, practical troubleshooting guides and knowledge resources to support laboratory users in resolving common equipment issues efficiently.
• Define, manage, and optimise critical spare parts inventories based on equipment risk assessments and usage patterns; oversee procurement activities including raising purchase orders, goods receipt, and storage control.
• Triages and resolves technical issues across equipment, quality, applications, and product delivery systems, escalating where necessary and ensuring timely resolution.
• Support installation, commissioning, qualification, and validation (IQ/OQ/PQ) of new or upgraded equipment, providing hands‑on technical support during major breakdowns and escalation events.
• Act as a responsive technical support resource, addressing laboratory enquiries promptly and effectively, ensuring resolution aligns with departmental expectations and operational needs.
• Collaborate with laboratory and production managers to optimise instrument utilisation, improve workflow efficiency, and support capacity planning.
• Ensure full compliance with company procedures and environmental regulations, including WEEE requirements for the safe disposal and decommissioning of equipment.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives and undertake additional responsibilities as required to support laboratory operations and business objectives.

Diploma/Degree in Mechanical/Electrical Engineering or related discipline.

Minimum 3 years' experience repairing Laboratory equipment and instrumentation, specifically HPLC instrumentation.

KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Excellent record keeping in compliance with ISO 9001 for maintenance records
• Experience or awareness of ISO 17025
• Experience with chromatography instrumentation; including Buchi, Amino Acid Analysers, Mass Spec,
• An awareness of COSHH, PUWER and Task Based or Dynamic Risk Assessments
• Good awareness of chemical safety, chemical storage, and segregation
• Competence in asset management software
• Knowledge in electronic measurement, science and statistics
• Fully versed in Manual Handling techniques
• Strong fault-finding ability and inquisitive mindset
• Ability to remain calm while under pressure
• Ability to self‑motivate and manage own time effectively
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ENVIRONMENTAL WORKING CONDITIONS & PHYSICAL EFFORT (Under typical positions)

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of employees assigned to this position.

Avantor is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

Why Avantor? Dare to go further in your career. Join our global team of 14,000+ associates whose passion for discovery and determination to overcome challenges relentlessly advances life‑changing science. The work we do changes people's lives for the better. It brings new patient treatments and therapies to market, giving a cancer survivor the chance to walk his daughter down the aisle. It enables medical devices that help a little boy hear his mom's voice for the first time. Outcomes such as these create unlimited opportunities for you to contribute your talents, learn new skills and grow your career at Avantor. We are committed to helping you on this journey through our diverse, equitable and inclusive culture which includes learning experiences to support your career growth and success. At Avantor, dare to go further and see how the impact of your contributions set science in motion to create a better world.