Automation Engineer (Lab Automation)

ABOUT MULTUS

Multus Biotechnology is a global leader in cell culture media design, helping biomanufacturing companies shorten their time to market while improving supply chain security. By combining high-throughput robotic automation and AI, Multus revolutionizes cell culture media development - delivering breakthrough performance and efficiency that were previously unattainable.

Multus is a fast-paced, collaborative team that enjoys working hard in pursuit of our mission. We've created a unique work environment with a team unified in our drive to create lasting and meaningful impact on a global scale.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Multus is seeking a dynamic and proactive Automation Engineer to maintain, optimize, and advance our high-throughput robotic automation platforms that power our cell culture media optimization platform. Your work will be pivotal in the implementation of a closed-loop automation strategy. You will serve as the technical owner of our automation infrastructure, ensuring maximum uptime and continuous improvement while enabling breakthrough innovations. You will design, maintain, and optimize robotic systems, as well as develop and integrate software.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Project Planning and Requirements: Collaborate with stakeholders to define project scope, objectives, timelines, and deliverables. Establish project teams and gather requirements for a closed-loop automation strategy. Proactively collect user feedback to identify improvements. Align activities with company strategies and milestones

System and Workflow Design: Design architecture for closed-loop automation systems, including robotic systems and software integration. Design and validate automated workflows for liquid handling, sampling, cell passaging, and functional assays in collaboration with scientists

Development and Integration: Design, build, and maintain robotic systems through prototyping and iterative testing. Develop software for seamless integration with robotics and automation platforms. Integrate and commission new instruments with existing systems

Testing and Deployment: Conduct unit, integration, and user acceptance testing of systems and protocols. Install and commission automated systems, ensuring full operational integration with existing workflows

Documentation and Code Management: Rigorous documentation and codebase maintenance. Proficient in data collection, management, and interpretation. Establishing, implementing, and ensuring best practices for collaborative software development (e.g., code review, git branching, pull requests, ticketing standards).

Training, Support, and Optimization: Provide training to end-users and collaborate with scientists on development projects. Continuously monitor and optimize system performance. Manage backlog, surface risks early, and maintain autonomous follow-through

First Response and Maintenance: Serve as first responder to automation system failures, including out-of-hours troubleshooting and recovery. Maintain, troubleshoot, calibrate, and validate platforms including liquid handlers, automated dispensers, robotic systems, sample preparation systems, cell culture equipment, bioreactors, and analytical instruments. Develop and implement SOPs/SLPs for system readiness and reliability

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

BSc/MSc in an Engineering field, Informatics Software development, or other relevant degree or equivalent relevant experience

Strong foundation in network engineering, electronic engineering (e.g. microcontrollers, embedded systems, rapid prototyping (e.g. 3D printing, CAD modelling, fabrication tools), and software engineering (e.g. desktop applications, Python, JavaScript, C++, C#, small front/back-end applications) - (networking certifications such as Cisco CCNA/CCENT, CompTIA Network+, or equivalent experience a plus but not a requirement)

Minimum 3 years' experience in automation engineering/design/optimization, actual experience in laboratory automation software and equipment is desired, with proven hands-on skills.

Working knowledge and experience with physical automated platforms such as robotic arms, liquid handlers, and analytical equipment

Proven experience with project management is essential

Good hands-on skills

Strong communication skills with demonstrated ability to collaborate with peers and senior personnel in multidisciplinary teams

Professional adaptability and independence (start-up environment enthusiasm, senior leadership collaboration, comfort with ambiguity)

Excellent attention to detail, analytical and critical thinking skills

Inquisitive, self-motivated, and eager to learn

A desire to work within a fast-paced, data-driven environment

A proven ability to deliver to tight timelines

WHAT WE OFFER

💵 Competitive salary: £40,000 - £55,000 (depending on experience)

📈 Stock option plan

🏝️ 25 days' holiday + flexible bank holidays

⏱️ Flexible working hours

🏥 Optional private health insurance

🏡 Pension plan

👐 Collaborative and driven team environment

🥳 Company socials and office snacks

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