CK Group are recruiting for an Automation Engineer, on behalf of an industry leading manufacturer of Scientific Instruments, to be primarily based on one of their client sites in Stevenage, on a permanent basis.

About the role:
This role is a key component of the technical services support team, embedded within the department and tasked with providing first-line software, technical & hardware support for their automated platforms and bench top liquid handlers with the primary objective of maximising system reliability. The role will also work with the wider Scientific Services team to support on a variety of additional automation platforms when required.

Your responsibilities will include:

Act as 'first-responder' for critical equipment breakdowns, ensuring minimal impact on scientific activity.
Carryout on-going system performance analysis based upon error logs, live run interventions and root-cause analysis & trending of errors to mitigate their reoccurrence.
Provide technical mediation in the event of long running equipment issues involving multiple vendors.
Assist in developing training packages tailored to the automation platforms, intended for both Engineers & the client's scientific workforce.
Develop and implement a proactive maintenance regime for key equipment.
Oversee & participate in equipment support activities.
Train scientists on best practices for the use of automated equipment, ensuring optimal routine and operation.
Develop support solutions built around department requirements to enhance service delivery
Maintain awareness of new developments in their field of Laboratory Automation.
About you:
To be considered for the role, you will have the following skills and experience:

Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in Engineering, Technical, or Sciences with 3+ year(s) servicing laboratory equipment OR
Higher National Diploma (HND) (or equivalent) in Engineering, Technical, or Sciences with 4+ year(s) of experience servicing laboratory equipment OR
A Level (or equivalent) in Engineering, Technical, or Sciences with 5+ year(s) of experience servicing laboratory equipment OR
General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) with 6+ years of experience serving laboratory equipment. 
Preferred qualifications:

Solid understanding of core competencies involved with liquid handling automation.
Experience working in a Pharmaceutical or regulated environment.
Having leadership experience is advantageous for this role. 

Working Environment:

Must be able to work in a laboratory, controlled environments requiring personal protective equipment (e.g., lab coat, safety glasses, etc.) in laboratory. 
Job pace may be fast and job completion demands may be high. 
Must be able to remain in a stationary position more than 25% of the time 
Frequently operate on instruments, objects, tools or controls, which will require regularly bending, squatting, stretching and reaching in order to perform in a service function.   
Occasionally move or lift up to 25 pounds (potential for occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds). 
Specific vision abilities required by this position include without limitation, the ability to observe details at close range distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus in order to perform the essential service functions of this position.   
Occasionally operates a computer and other office machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine, and computer printer. 
Employee may be required to handle hazardous waste according to local, state, or federal regulations.  Duties may include identifying, handling, generating, accumulating, storing and labeling hazardous waste. 
Potential risk to lab-based hazards including but not limited to extreme temperature, biological materials, and hazardous chemicals.
May be required to complete Medical Clearance, Respiratory Protection Training, and Fit Testing to wear a respirator as protection against hazards present in the laboratory environment.
Apply:
It is essential that applicants hold entitlement to work in the UK. Please quote job reference (Apply online only) in all correspondence