Automation Engineer

at  Oxitec

ABOUT US

We are a team of passionate individuals from 15 countries, developing ground-breaking biological technologies designed to sustainably, and safely, control arthropods that transmit diseases and destroy crops. We do this work to improve lives and livelihoods around the world in the face of the growing threats that arthropods pose to human health and the global food supply.
Whilst what we do relates to developing insect control technologies, our organisation is about people and in its service to people.
We are strongly committed to a set of values and principles and foster a culture of trust, respect, creativity, and accountability. Click here to read about our principles, and click here to read our CEO’s blog on trust and our corporate culture.

SKILLS, EXPERIENCE, AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

• Strong proficiency and understanding of Python programming is essential, with knowledge of additional languages (e.g. C++) considered advantageous.
• Hands-on experience working with single board computers and microcontrollers (e.g. Raspberry Pi, Arduino) and electronics (e.g. sensors, valves, cameras) is essential.
• An bachelors or masters degree in a relevant discipline (e.g. electrical engineering, mechatronics, computer science, bioengineering) or associated industry experience is essential.
• Previous experience working in an R&D environment is desirable.
• Practical experience developing or deploying machine vision and AI systems is desirable.
• Competency with soldering and assembly of electronic systems is desirable.
• Experience designing custom PCBs and working with PCB manufacturers is desirable.
• Excellent written and oral communication is essential to communicate with a wide variety of stakeholders including junior and senior staff members of all disciplines.
• Track record of scientific diligence including valuing careful generation and recording of data.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail, with excellent timekeeping standards and responsiveness.

BEHAVIOURAL REQUIREMENTS

• Committed to and passionate about the Oxitec mission and values.
• Diligent and organised.
• Comfortable working independently and within a team.
• A self-starting attitude and able to demonstrate original thinking.
• Adaptable and flexible, thriving and being resilient in an environment of change and ambiguity.
• Responsive to the needs of an international business working across different time zones, adapting working patterns in-line with business requirements.
• Decisive and assertive with a driven and proactive approach.
• Positive, humble, co-operative and professional.
• Works with a sense of urgency and solves things promptly.
• Resilient and persistent in an innovative and constantly changing environment.
• Empathetic, with the ability to build effective relationships quickly.
• A team player who believes the success of us all depends on us working together.

PURPOSE OF THE JOB

As an Automation Engineer at Oxitec, you will join an interdisciplinary team working on the research and development of our insect rearing technologies. Your primary focus will be to design, build, implement, and test automation and control systems for current and future rearing equipment. You will develop new mechatronic systems to support the delivery of project goals and explore new technologies which could benefit the company.
To be a successful candidate, you will have expertise in developing and integrating hardware automation, control software, and electronics. Additionally, you will have experience managing multiple work streams in parallel and communicating progress to project stakeholders. You will take a hands-on approach to building and testing prototypes using off-the-shelf and bespoke components, generating and interpreting data, and iterating design ideas.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Your key responsibilities will involve designing, implementing, and maintaining automated systems to improve insect rearing efficiencies. Using your expertise, you will collaborate with various teams to identify automation opportunities and develop tailored solutions. You will work with engineers and scientists to test and refine these solutions to ensure optimal and cost-effective performance.
Additionally, you will continuously explore emerging technologies to enhance existing processes and drive innovation. Your contributions will directly impact efficiency, productivity, and cost-effectiveness within Oxitec.

Working under the guidance of a Group Lead, you will:

• Develop, test, validate, and integrate novel automated systems for insect rearing equipment.
• Prototype and build new electronic systems and take an active role in the development of control software.
• Provide clear communication regarding outcomes of processes, experiments, and planning with the Group Lead.
• Work closely with the wider engineering department and scientists to ensure rapid feedback on equipment and systems.
• Report data in meetings throughout the department, to audiences with various technical knowledge, and write clear and concise reports for internal and external review.
• Have a clear understanding of the commercial impact of the work and responsibilities and strive to optimise performance.
• Support the team’s compliance to established equipment and procedures in line with regulations and health and safety.
• Work fully on site and travel to other Oxitec sites as required, depending on project needs.