Principal Automation Engineer
Principal Automation Engineer

Principal Automation Engineer

Portsmouth Full-Time 54000 - 84000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead automation engineering teams to develop innovative solutions for life-changing therapeutics.
  • Company: Cytiva is a global leader in biotechnology, transforming human health through innovative solutions.
  • Benefits: Enjoy continuous learning opportunities and a supportive work culture with a focus on personal growth.
  • Why this job: Join a mission-driven team making a real impact in life sciences and healthcare.
  • Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in STEM and 10+ years of automation experience required.
  • Other info: On-site position in Portsmouth with occasional travel (10-20%).

The predicted salary is between 54000 - 84000 £ per year.

Be part of something altogether life-changing! Working at Cytiva means being at the forefront of providing new solutions to transform human health. Our incredible customers undertake life-saving activities ranging from fundamental biological research to developing innovative vaccines, new medicines, and cell and gene therapies. At Cytiva you will be able to continuously improve yourself and us - working on challenges that truly matter with people that care for each other, our customers, and their patients. With associates across 40+ countries, Cytiva is a place where every day is a learning opportunity - so you can grow your career and expand your skills in the long term.

The Principal Automation Engineer for Cytiva is responsible for setting the technical direction of Cytiva's automation platforms for our commercial unit operations and solutions by delivering standard and sustainable industrial automation technology to the business and our customers. This position is part of Automation Engineering, AD&L located in Harbourgate, Portsmouth, and will be on-site. At Cytiva, our vision is to advance future therapeutics from discovery to delivery.

What you will do:

  • Drive the standardization of technologies across the business, including the definition and implementation of global standards for automation platforms, system architectures and software applications.
  • Lead automation engineering teams in the definition, design and development of innovative industrial automation solutions as part of larger global project teams.
  • Provide technical leadership, guidance, and mentoring for individuals and teams, ensuring alignment with industry best practices and standards.
  • Engage with business stakeholders to understand core value drivers/requirements and apply insights to develop technology roadmaps describing the phased transformation from current to future.
  • Drive measurable improvements in internal ways of working and solution delivery by application of modern and innovative engineering tools, procedures and practices.

Who you are:

  • Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering or in "STEM" disciplines (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) or equivalent.
  • 10 + years' experience in the design and implementation of automation hardware and software for discrete and process control systems in multiple manufacturing sectors, including life sciences.
  • Expert-level experience with PLC/PAC-based controllers, HMI/SCADA development, industry-recognized DCS systems and associated automation hardware/software. Preferred platforms include Siemens, Rockwell and or Inductive Automation.
  • Expertise in the full development lifecycle.
  • Recognized subject matter expert with knowledge of industry trends and emerging technologies related to automation and digitalization, ideally in life sciences.

Travel Requirements:

  • Ability to travel: 10 - 20%

It would be a plus (but not essential) if you also possess previous experience in:

  • Use of relational databases like MS SQL, coding in scripting languages like Python or high-level languages such as C#.
  • Modern software development tools such as Git for version control or Azure DevOps for task management.
  • IT/OT environments, industrial networking concepts, and the use of virtual machines.

Join our winning team today. Together, we'll accelerate the real-life impact of tomorrow's science and technology. We partner with customers across the globe to help them solve their most complex challenges, architecting solutions that bring the power of science to life. At Danaher, we value diversity and the existence of similarities and differences, both visible and not, found in our workforce, workplace and throughout the markets we serve. Our associates, customers and shareholders contribute unique and different perspectives as a result of these diverse attributes.

Principal Automation Engineer employer: Cytiva

Cytiva is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Harbourgate, Portsmouth, where innovation meets purpose. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, associates are encouraged to expand their skills while contributing to life-changing solutions in the biotechnology sector. The collaborative culture fosters meaningful connections among colleagues, ensuring that every day presents new learning opportunities and the chance to make a real impact on human health.
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Contact Detail:

Cytiva Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Principal Automation Engineer

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in automation technology, especially those relevant to life sciences. This will not only help you understand the industry better but also allow you to engage in meaningful conversations during interviews.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with professionals in the field of automation engineering, particularly those who work in life sciences. Attend industry conferences or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and learn about their experiences at Cytiva.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss your experience with PLC/PAC-based controllers and HMI/SCADA development in detail. Be ready to provide examples of how you've implemented these technologies in past projects, as this will demonstrate your expertise.

✨Tip Number 4

Showcase your leadership skills by preparing examples of how you've mentored teams or led projects in the past. Cytiva values collaboration and guidance, so highlighting your ability to lead and inspire others will set you apart.

We think you need these skills to ace Principal Automation Engineer

Expertise in PLC/PAC-based controllers
HMI/SCADA development
Industry-recognized DCS systems
Automation hardware/software knowledge
Full development lifecycle experience
Technical leadership and mentoring
Understanding of industry trends in automation
Knowledge of digitalization in life sciences
Ability to drive standardisation of technologies
Experience with relational databases (e.g., MS SQL)
Proficiency in scripting languages (e.g., Python)
High-level programming skills (e.g., C#)
Familiarity with modern software development tools (e.g., Git, Azure DevOps)
Understanding of IT/OT environments
Industrial networking concepts
Use of virtual machines

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure to thoroughly read the job description for the Principal Automation Engineer position at Cytiva. Understand the key responsibilities and required qualifications to tailor your application accordingly.

Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your 10+ years of experience in automation hardware and software design. Be specific about your expertise with PLC/PAC-based controllers and any relevant projects you've led or contributed to.

Showcase Technical Skills: Clearly outline your technical skills related to automation and digitalisation, especially in life sciences. Mention any experience with industry-recognised DCS systems, HMI/SCADA development, and modern software development tools like Git or Azure DevOps.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only summarises your qualifications but also conveys your passion for advancing human health through technology. Discuss how your values align with Cytiva's mission and how you can contribute to their goals.

How to prepare for a job interview at Cytiva

✨Showcase Your Technical Expertise

As a Principal Automation Engineer, it's crucial to demonstrate your deep understanding of automation technologies. Be prepared to discuss your experience with PLC/PAC-based controllers and HMI/SCADA development, as well as any specific projects where you've implemented these systems.

✨Highlight Leadership Experience

This role involves leading teams and providing technical guidance. Share examples of how you've successfully led engineering teams in the past, focusing on your ability to mentor others and drive projects to completion.

✨Understand the Company's Vision

Cytiva is focused on transforming human health through innovative solutions. Familiarise yourself with their mission and be ready to discuss how your skills and experiences align with their goals, particularly in the life sciences sector.

✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions

Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and decision-making skills. Prepare to discuss specific challenges you've faced in automation projects and how you overcame them, especially in relation to standardising technologies and improving internal processes.

Principal Automation Engineer
Cytiva
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