Scientific Equipment Engineer

When joining PerkinElmer, you select an experienced and trusted leader in scientific solutions, with the support of a global service network and distribution centers, providing the right solution, at the right time, to meet critical customer needs.  With over an 80+ year legacy of advancing science and a mission of innovating for a healthier world, our dedicated team collaborates closely with commercial, government, academic and healthcare customers to deliver our broad portfolio of analytical solutions, and OneSource services.

Job Title

Scientific Equipment Engineer

Location(s)

AZ Macclesfield (UK) - Customer Site

Job Description

We are seeking a Scientific Equipment Engineer to join the team at one of our client sites in the Northwest of England, providing high-quality engineering support across a broad range of scientific equipment within a GMP R&D pharmaceutical environment.

The role will provide cross-platform support across Laboratory Automation and Analytical Systems, with a particular focus on laboratory automation, robotics and integrated systems. Through effective fault finding, maintenance and technical support, the role will help maximise equipment availability and minimise disruption to scientific activity.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide prompt, customer-focused first-line engineering support across a broad range of laboratory automation and analytical equipment.
• Respond to equipment breakdowns and performance issues, using a structured approach to fault diagnosis and repair to restore equipment to service and minimise disruption to science.
• Provide hands-on support for laboratory automation equipment, including liquid handlers, robotics and integrated workcells, alongside a wider range of scientific and analytical instrumentation.
• Plan and undertake preventative maintenance, routine servicing, equipment health checks and appropriate calibration activities in accordance with site procedures.
• Diagnose faults across mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, fluidic and instrumentation systems, using internal technical expertise and OEM support where required.
• Act as an on-site technical interface for equipment manufacturers and specialist service providers, supporting service visits, escalations, specialist repairs and warranty/contract call-outs.
• Identify and manage critical spares and consumables, supporting equipment reliability and obsolescence management.
• Complete appropriate GMP maintenance records, service reports and RAMS, and support Change Control, deviations and CAPA where required.
• Monitor equipment performance and relevant KPIs such as uptime and mean time to repair (MTTR), using recurring equipment issues to identify continuous-improvement opportunities.
• Build effective working relationships with equipment users, scientific teams, engineering colleagues and external service providers, providing clear communication around equipment status and technical issues.

• Support to PerkinElmer Management Team to ensure all activities are completed in a satisfactory manner
• Ensure that a full and detailed task specific Risk Assessment/Method Statement is completed prior to any work commencing
• Take reasonable care for the health and safety of themselves and of other persons who could be affected by their acts or omissions
• Report any accidents or near misses that they experience, or witness, to their Line Management
• Co-operate and assist in all aspects of health and safety procedures introduced by management for their well-being
• Wear personal protective equipment when conditions require or when required to do so by the relevant risk assessment, method statement or mandatory signage

 

Critical Skills:

• Strong hands-on engineering and fault-finding skills across complex scientific or automated equipment.
• Demonstrable experience supporting automation, robotics or integrated equipment systems.
• Good multi-disciplinary engineering knowledge, including mechanical, electrical, pneumatic and fluidic systems.
• Ability to support a broad range of scientific equipment across different technologies and manufacturers.
• Experience of planned and reactive maintenance, including first-line diagnosis and repair.
• Strong communication and customer-facing skills, with the ability to work effectively with equipment users, technical teams and OEM service providers

Qualifications:

• HNC/HND level 4-5 in relevant engineering discipline.
• 5+ years’ experience within the Laboratory Instrument Support sector across a wide range of scientific and/or automated systems.
• Advanced Modern Apprenticeship with NVQ 3 in engineering
• NVQ Level 3, HNC, HND, apprenticeship or degree in engineering, mechatronics or electrical/electronic discipline.
• Experience in laboratory, automation or equivalent maintenance roles; OEM/manufacturer training also considered.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office and CMMS platforms (e.g., Maximo, SAP PM).

 

Desirable:

• Experience with laboratory automation platforms
• Experience supporting robotics, liquid handling systems and integrated automated workcells.
• Experience within pharmaceutical, biotechnology or scientific R&D environments.
• Previous experience working to GMP requirements.
• OEM technical training on scientific or automation equipment.
• Experience of CMMS systems such as Maximo or SAP PM.

 

Working Environment:

• Site-based role in GMP laboratories and controlled areas requiring standard PPE.
• Involves prolonged stationary work (>25%) alongside regular movement between labs, and bending, reaching or stretching around instruments.
• Medical Clearance, Respiratory Protection Training and Fit Testing may be required.

What we offer:

• 25 days of annual leave plus all Bank Holidays
• Income Protection Insurance that ensures your income is protected when life takes the unexpected turn
• Life Assurance for added peace of mind
• Access to our WeCare Programme, offering medical, mental health, legal, and financial support
• MyStrength – a personalised wellbeing app
• AXA Health & Wellbeing App to help you stay on top of your health
• Private Medical Insurance, including Doctor at Hand for 24/7, 365 access to a GP
• Enhanced company pension contributions (subject to increased employee contribution) to help you plan for the future
• Exclusive discounts via Benefit Hub and BHN Extras
• Generous employee referral rewards
• Season Ticket Loan Scheme to make commuting easier
• Cycle to Work Scheme promoting a healthier, greener commute