At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and design GMP-compliant control systems while managing multiple projects.
- Company: Join SEKISUI Diagnostics, a leader in innovative healthcare solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, diverse workplace, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Engage in continuous improvement and support site digitalisation initiatives.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in automation and compliance within a dynamic team.
- Qualifications: Experience in GMP environments and advanced PLC/SCADA expertise required.
The predicted salary is between 54450 - 66550 £ per year.
- Senior Controls System Engineer
- 07/08/2026
Sekisui Diagnostics is in need of a Senior Controls Systems Engineer for its’ team in Maidstone, Kent.
You will bring your experience in leading and contributing to the Design, delivery, compliance and lifecycle management of GMP-compliant control systems.
You will serve as a technical lead within the team for any process control issues generated by Programmable Logic Control (PLC), Environmental Monitoring systems, Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA), and Human Machine Interface (HMI) systems.
You will lead factory acceptance testing (FAT) and site acceptance testing (SAT).
To be successful you will have previous experience in a GMP environment with a strong understanding of validation and data integrity, Advanced PLC/SCADA expertise (Alan Bradley and/or Siemens).
Ability to control several projects at the same time in a fast paced environment.
You must have the ability to read piping and instrumentation diagram (P&ID) drawings/specifications and challenge vendor approach.
In addition, you will
- Automation Strategy & System Design
- Define and approve system architectures and standards
- Ensure full traceability from URS → FDS → SDS → code
- Lead PLC/SCADA development and configuration activities
- Review and approve software design and implementation
- Ensure robust alarm management, interlocks, and fail-safe design
- Commissioning, Qualification & Validation Leadership
- Define validation approach in collaboration with QA/Validation
- Ensure systems meet regulatory requirements and validation standards
- GMP Compliance & Data Integrity Ownership
- Ensure systems remain in a validated state
- Lead audit readiness and interface with regulators/vendors
- Lead Engineering Change Control for automation systems
- Perform impact assessments for complex system changes
- Ensure lifecycle management of automation assets
- Provide technical guidance to engineers and technicians
- Support development of site automation capability
- Act as SME for control systems across the site
- Lead automation workstreams in capital projects
- Manage system integrators and vendors
- Interface with senior stakeholders across Engineering, QA, and Operations
- Define and drive automation improvement initiatives
- Support site digitalisation and integration strategies (EMS, historians, etc.)
- Improve system performance, reliability, and compliance
- Lead or participate in safety reviews, Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEAs), HAZOPS, or similar
- Maintain records for regulatory purposes to current legislation, including Current Good Manufacturing Practice (c GMP) where required
- Support vendor cost negotiations/ challenge cost increases/ scope
- Ensure the maintenance team are educated on new equipment and involved to ensure successful handover of projects
- Facilitate continuous improvement workshops involving cross sectional teams
- Support regulatory and customer audits
If this sounds like you, please apply for immediate consideration.
Equal Opportunities
As an equal opportunity employer, SEKISUI Diagnostics is committed to a diverse workforce.
Employment decisions will be made without discrimination based on race, colour, religion, national origin, gender, age, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, genetic information or characteristic, gender identity and expression, veteran status, other non‑job related characteristics or other prohibited grounds specified in applicable country and local laws.
It is also SEKISUI Diagnostics policy to comply with all applicable country and local laws respecting consideration of unemployment status in making hiring decisions.
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Senior Controls System Engineer in Maidstone employer: Sekisui Diagnostics GmbH
Sekisui Diagnostics is an exceptional employer located in Kent, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation meets collaboration. As a Cleaning Specialist, you will benefit from a competitive compensation package, opportunities for professional growth, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion within the workforce. Join us in our mission to improve patient outcomes while working alongside a dedicated team that values your contributions and fosters a culture of excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Controls System Engineer in Maidstone
✨Get Involved in Local Automation Meetups
We can’t stress this enough – getting your face out there in the automation and control systems community can really set you apart. Look for local meetups or workshops where you can chat with industry professionals, learn about what’s trending, and even discover hidden job gems. Who knows, you might meet someone from a company like Sekisui Diagnostics GmbH!
✨Show Off Your Projects
Make sure you have a portfolio of your work ready to roll. Whether it’s academic projects, internships or personal experiments, showcase how you’ve tackled automation challenges. When you apply for the Senior Controls System Engineer position at Sekisui Diagnostics GmbH, linking your portfolio gives your application that extra oomph and demonstrates your practical knowledge.
✨Leverage Your Uni Career Services
If you’re fresh out of uni, don’t forget about your career services! Many universities have established connections with companies in the automation field. They may know when Sekisui Diagnostics GmbH is looking for fresh talent or even have internships that lead to full-time positions. So, hit them up!
✨Keep an Eye on Industry Certifications
While hunting for roles, consider getting certified in relevant automation technologies. It shows dedication and gives you a leg up in the job market. Plus, many organisations offer job boards or networking events to certified professionals. This might just lead you to that coveted Senior Controls System Engineer role at Sekisui Diagnostics GmbH!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Controls System Engineer in Maidstone
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for an automation-control-systems role, it’s crucial to highlight your technical skills. Whether it's your proficiency in programming languages like Python or understanding control systems, make sure your CV showcases these prominently. Don't forget to mention any specific software or tools you're experienced with – that’s music to the ears of hiring managers!
Tailor Your Projects to Automation:If you've worked on any relevant projects, especially those involving automation or control systems, make them stand out in your CV. Use a dedicated section to highlight these projects, explaining your role and the impact of your contributions. This could be the difference between getting noticed and getting overlooked!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tell us why you’re passionate about automation-control-systems! Discuss specific experiences that sparked your interest in this field. Maybe it's a university project or a previous job that truly got you hooked. We love seeing that spark! Make sure to reference how you can contribute to Sekisui Diagnostics GmbH and its goals.
Quantify Your Achievements:In the world of automation, results matter. When listing your experiences, quantify your achievements wherever possible. Did you improve system efficiency by a percentage? Did you reduce downtime? Putting numbers to your successes not only demonstrates your impact but also lets us see the tangible outcomes of your efforts. It makes your application pop!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sekisui Diagnostics GmbH
✨Master Your Technical Knowledge
In the automation control systems field, you need to brush up on your technical know-how. Be prepared to talk about specific control systems you’ve worked with, such as PLCs or SCADA systems, and expect technical questions or even hands-on problem-solving scenarios during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Whether it's freelance projects or your academic work, come ready to showcase your portfolio of automation projects. Bring along any diagrams, code samples, or automation solutions you’ve implemented—these can really set you apart and demonstrate your applied skills to Sekisui Diagnostics GmbH.
✨Understand Industry Trends
Stay updated on the latest trends in automation technologies and methodologies, like Industry 4.0 or IIoT. We'll want to discuss how these concepts may affect the role and future projects at Sekisui Diagnostics GmbH, so showing that you're knowledgeable about current and emerging technologies can give you an edge.
✨Commit to Continuous Learning
As this is a full-time role, it's essential to express your eagerness for continuous improvement and learning. Share how you plan to enhance your skills and keep pace with the evolution of automation in the workforce – companies love candidates who are committed to growth and adaptability.
