Automation Software Engineer in Cambridge

Cell therapies have been shown to cure devastating and previously untreatable diseases like cancer by re‑programming the patient's own immune system. Giving more patients access to these life‑saving therapies requires a revolution in manufacturing and process automation. Cellular Origins, a TTP Company, is enabling scalable, cost‑effective and efficient manufacture of cell and gene therapies. Our technology addresses the challenges associated with manufacturing at scale with an elegant robotic manufacturing automation solution that reduces cost and labour, eliminates human error, and increases efficiency.

You will design and implement PLC control systems using Beckhoff TwinCAT. You will be responsible for delivering PLC systems that integrate with Cellular Origins' factory software architecture to allow remote control of machines used in the production of cell therapies. This could include motion control for custom pumping systems designed to precisely transfer small quantities of fluid, system monitoring, safety systems for mobile robots or custom test rigs. Working with software and electrical engineers, you will help to deliver process stations for cell therapy manufacturing. You will write modular and maintainable code and contribute to the continuous improvement of our PLC code base, improving test coverage and maximising code re‑use.

Qualifications

• You will have experience of PLC software development for industrial automation, including control of servo motors and other low‑level control systems.
• You will have a track record of delivering control software projects in a timely manner.
• You will be able to work in an iterative manner implementing testable slices of functionality to build on.

Essential Requirements

• Experience in PLC programming for industrial automation, using Beckhoff, Rockwell, Siemens or similar PLCs.
• A proven track record of designing, implementing, validating and maintaining PLC‑driven control system throughout the full engineering lifecycle.
• Development using structured text or other IEC 61131‑3 languages.
• Familiarity with industrial communication protocols, such as EtherCAT and IO‑Link.
• Experience of servomotor control and devices such as load cells and proximity sensors.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and machine layouts.
• Strong problem‑solving skills and the ability to debug complex PLC systems.

This role will be a full‑time on‑site position at our campus in Melbourn.

Desirable

• Experience with Beckhoff TwinSAFE or Safety PLCs.
• Experience with programming languages such as Python, Java, C#, modern C++.
• Experience with modern communication protocols (e.g., MQTT, REST APIs, OPC UA) for connectivity with higher‑level systems.

Additional Information

Cellular Origins is part of TTP Group, an employee‑owned business. It is based on the TTP Campus, within purpose‑built sustainable offices, labs and green surroundings, 10 miles south of Cambridge. TTP Group takes a long‑term approach to investment and has been at the forefront of bioprocess automation for over 20 years. Our working culture encourages entrepreneurship, shared ideas and collaboration, while providing you the freedom to do your best work.

Employee Benefits

• Annual profit‑related bonus.
• 25 days holiday.
• Employer pension contribution of 10% of salary.
• Free lunch and all‑day refreshments.
• Private medical insurance for employees and dependants.
• Enhanced family friendly leave.
• Life insurance worth 6x salary.
• Electric car leasing scheme.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Season ticket loan.
• An activities and community fund that supports healthy activities that bring colleagues together; whether it’s lunchtime squash or football, Zumba or our own rock band. Colleagues initiate new clubs and outings whenever they feel there’s something missing!
• Local sports facilities and theatre discounts and memberships.

Seniority level: Mid‑Senior level

Employment type: Full‑time

Job function: Engineering and Information Technology