At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design and delivery of GMP-compliant control systems in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join SEKISUI Diagnostics, a leader in innovative healthcare solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, great benefits, and a commitment to diversity.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and involvement in exciting projects.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on automation systems and drive innovation in healthcare.
- Qualifications: Experience in GMP environments and advanced PLC/SCADA skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Senior Controls Systems Engineer needed for the team in Maidstone, Kent. The role requires leading and contributing to the design, delivery, compliance, and lifecycle management of GMP‑compliant control systems. As technical lead, you will address process control issues arising from PLC, environmental monitoring systems, SCADA, and HMI systems, and you will lead factory acceptance testing (FAT) and site acceptance testing (SAT).
Qualifications include prior experience in a GMP environment with strong validation and data integrity knowledge, advanced PLC/SCADA expertise (Allen Bradley and/or Siemens), the ability to manage multiple projects in a fast‑paced environment, and the ability to read piping and instrumentation diagram (P&ID) drawings/specifications.
Responsibilities:
- Define and approve system architectures and standards
- Lead PLC/SCADA development and configuration activities
- Review and approve software design and implementation
- Ensure robust alarm management, interlocks, and fail‑safe design
- 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 (cGMP) 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
Location: Allington Maidstone, ME160Q, GBR
Benefits: Competitive compensation and benefits package.
Senior Engineer (Controls System Engineer) employer: United Kingdom
King & Spalding is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and supportive work environment in the heart of London. With a strong commitment to employee growth, the firm provides comprehensive benefits including private medical insurance, generous pension contributions, and wellness allowances, ensuring that team members are well-supported both personally and professionally. The collaborative culture fosters innovation and excellence, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in the legal field.
