Automation Engineer

Automation Engineer (Biotechnology-Manufacturing)

Abercorn Sinclair is delighted to present this exciting new opportunity with our industry partner MiAlgae, this role will be based at their HQ in Edinburgh.

Founded in 2016, MiAlgae applies leading advances in science and technology to improve food security and reduce the impact of humanity on the planet. The company aims to eliminate reliance on wild-caught fish as a source of omega-3 by harnessing the potential of microalgae as a sustainable and rich alternative source. MiAlgae’s zero-waste solution recycles co-products from food and drink production to grow Omega-3-rich micro-algae, returning clean water in the process.

The role:

Reporting into the Head of Engineering, the Automation and Control Engineer will be responsible for designing and configuring the company’s processes systems to improve work proficiency. You will be working with Process Engineers, Production Operators and contractors to develop an automation system to scale-up MiAlgae’s process.

Key responsibilities:

• Contributes to technical automation projects using available frameworks to meet project plans with on-time and on-budget project goals.
• Identify the most appropriate software and protocols to be implemented for process scale up.
• Oversees and work with contractors to define and build controls architecture and OT network for new systems.
• Identify and recommend the automated testing processes and tools.
• Prepare control system documentation and lead on Functional Design Specification documents (FDS) as required.
• Highlight any gaps identified in the design stage and action.
• Working with partners and the wider team to deliver the overall project.
• Support knowledge for test equipment and preventative maintenance plans to maintain factory capacity and efficient product flow.

Experience and skills:

• Knowledge of control panel design, installation, and testing.
• Experience configuring control systems essential in two or more programming languages.
• Troubleshoot system issues and implement corrective actions to resolve.
• Hands on approach to process control systems and driving continuous improvements.
• Demonstrable experience in defining and developing test automation strategies and/or approaches for multiple projects.
• Ability to prioritise personal workload to achieve deadlines.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Proficient in working with MS Excel, MS Word, and MS Projects.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively interact with others and work independently.
• Experience with lab scale-up, process development, and optimisation is desirable.

The candidate:

We are seeking driven individuals with a flexible approach to work who are keen to make their mark within a rapidly growing award-winning biotechnology company.

The ideal candidate will be educated to BEng/MEng level in a relevant technical discipline (Electrical/Control Systems Engineering) with a few years of demonstrable industry experience. You will have design/programming experience with a range of instrumentation, PLC and SCADA systems ideally from within a continuous process manufacturing environment.

You will be an effective communicator with the ability to work independently and efficiently within a team.

You will have a positive ‘can do’ approach and a keen interest in the use of biotechnology for the benefit of the environment. 

The opportunity:

For the right individual, this is an amazing opportunity to join an exciting young, scaling biotech where you will play a critical role in delivering their current and future products.

In return, you can expect a competitive salary + benefits and the opportunity to work with a team truly committed to developing scalable, sustainable solutions.

For a confidential discussion please contact our retained partner, Keith Tocher at Abercorn Sinclair.

About Abercorn Sinclair

Abercorn Sinclair is a specialist, technical recruitment consultancy based in Edinburgh. We provide bespoke talent solutions across the science & technology sectors.