At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the evolution of a software-defined laboratory platform using AWS and Kubernetes.
- Company: High-growth pioneer in life sciences automation with a focus on robotics and AI.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, dynamic work environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a team that values operational excellence and strategic leadership.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by defining the foundations of innovative life sciences technology.
- Qualifications: 12-18 years in platform engineering with expertise in hybrid cloud and mission-critical systems.
The predicted salary is between 130000 - 190000 £ per year.
A high-growth pioneer in life sciences automation is seeking a Head of Platform Engineering to lead the evolution of their software-defined laboratory platform. Operating at the intersection of robotics and AI, this organization orchestrates complex, mission-critical workflows across regulated labs and semi-air-gapped customer sites. As they scale into a multi-product and multi-region entity, they are seeking a strategic leader to move their platform from a reactive state to a hardened, world-class foundation.
The Head of Platform Engineering's role: This is a senior, high-impact permanent hire responsible for taking full ownership of the platform foundations across cloud and on-prem environments. Replacing a more reactive model, this individual will act as the final authority over platform architecture, tooling, and standards. The Head of Platform Engineering will define the long-term technical roadmap, drive a culture of "ruthless simplification," and lead a small, high-performing group of staff-level engineers. While this is a strategic leadership position reporting to senior leadership, you will remain a hands-on technical contributor, leading by example and inspiring excellence across the engineering function.
Key Responsibilities:
- Platform Unification: Define and own a unified AWS and on-prem platform architecture that spans hybrid and customer-hosted deployments.
- Automation Strategy: Lead full platform automation using Infrastructure as Code (IaC), GitOps, and CI/CD to ensure environments are reproducible and auditable.
- Operational Excellence: Own availability targets across 20+ clusters and 4 regions, designing systems to maintain 99.99% uptime in highly constrained environments.
- People Leadership: Lead and inspire a team of Staff and Senior-level Platform Engineers, setting high execution standards and technical expectations.
- Security & Governance: Embed security deeply into the architecture, ensuring platform alignment with ISO 27001 and GxP regulatory requirements.
- Cost Management: Continuously optimize infrastructure spending by removing wasteful tooling, over-provisioning, and unnecessary platform complexity.
Requirements:
- Experience: 12–18 years of experience in platform, infrastructure, or SRE-focused engineering roles, with deep experience in mission-critical, 24/7 systems.
- Technical Mastery: Strong hands-on experience with Kubernetes, containerization, CI/CD, and GitOps, primarily in non-Windows environments.
- Hybrid Cloud Expertise: A proven track record of running hybrid cloud and on-prem platforms in both startup and enterprise contexts.
- Strategic Leadership: A "hands-on" leader comfortable moving between high-level architectural strategy and operational discipline.
- Stakeholder Management: Confident communicating with senior leadership and product teams to translate business intent into technical roadmaps.
- Mindset: An outcome-driven leader who obsesses over reliability and believes the best platform is often the simplest possible one.
Are you a senior platform leader ready to define the foundations for a leader in life sciences? Do you excel at bringing structure to complex environments and driving a culture of execution excellence? Please apply below!
Head of DevOps employer: Burns Sheehan
As a high-growth pioneer in life sciences automation, this company offers an exceptional work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration. Employees benefit from a culture of 'ruthless simplification' and operational excellence, with ample opportunities for professional growth and leadership development. Located at the forefront of technology, team members are empowered to make impactful contributions while working alongside a talented group of engineers in a mission-driven setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of DevOps
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend meetups, and engage in online forums. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio or GitHub repository showcasing your projects and contributions. This is especially important for technical roles like Head of Platform Engineering, where hands-on experience speaks volumes.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios related to platform engineering. Be ready to discuss your past experiences with Kubernetes, CI/CD, and hybrid cloud environments in detail.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of DevOps
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the job description. Highlight your experience with AWS, Kubernetes, and hybrid cloud environments. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for the Head of Platform Engineering role. Share specific examples of your leadership and technical achievements that relate to our mission.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Don’t just list your skills; demonstrate them! Include projects or experiences where you’ve successfully implemented IaC, CI/CD, or managed complex systems. We love seeing hands-on experience in action!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Let’s get started on this journey together!
How to prepare for a job interview at Burns Sheehan
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in AWS, Kubernetes, and hybrid cloud environments. Brush up on your Infrastructure as Code (IaC) and CI/CD practices, as these will be crucial topics during the interview. Be ready to discuss specific projects where you've implemented these technologies.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a Head of Platform Engineering, your leadership approach is key. Prepare examples that highlight how you've inspired teams, set high standards, and driven operational excellence. Think about how you can demonstrate your ability to lead by example while still being hands-on.
✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions
Expect to engage in conversations about long-term technical roadmaps and platform unification. Be ready to articulate your vision for simplifying complex systems and ensuring security compliance. This is your chance to show how you can align technical strategies with business goals.
✨Understand Their Business Context
Research the company’s role in life sciences automation and their mission-critical workflows. Understanding their challenges and how your experience can address them will set you apart. Tailor your responses to reflect how you can contribute to their specific needs and objectives.
