RESPONSIBILITIES
- Design and deploy automated experimental systems, integrating robotic platforms, sensors, and control software to enable reproducible, high-throughput lab experiments and pilot plant trials.
- Lead troubleshooting, calibration, and continuous improvement of automation systems to ensure reliability and performance
- Collaborate with process modellers, data scientists, and product developers to align automation strategies with simulation and modelling needs.
- Implement and maintain IoT and data acquisition systems that capture real-time process parameters and feed them into modelling platforms.
- Develop robust control architectures and automation protocols (e.g., using PLCs, SCADA, LabVIEW, Python-based systems).
- Ensure seamless integration between physical lab and pilot plant assets and in silico environments, enabling feedback loops between digital models and physical execution.
- Contribute to the creation of digital twins and closed-loop experimentation frameworks where models drive real-time control and decision-making.
- Drive best practices in data integrity, connectivity, and security across all automated platforms.
- Collaborate with external technology providers, integrators, and academic partners to evaluate and adopt new lab and pilot plant automation technologies.
ALL ABOUT YOU
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Automation Engineering, Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field.
- Experience in designing and implementing automation solutions, ideally in R&D or manufacturing environments (food or pharma experience is a plus).
- Proven experience in writing User Requirements Specifications (URS) and effectively collaborating with external vendors, integrators, or partners throughout the project lifecycle.
- Proficiency in robotic systems, sensors, and control software such as PLCs, SCADA, LabVIEW, or Python-based frameworks.
- Experience with IoT systems, real-time data capture, and integration with data analytics or modelling environments.
- Understanding of process engineering principles and familiarity with lab-scale and pilot plant unit operations (e.g., mixing, heating, freezing).
- Ability to work in cross-functional teams and bridge disciplines like food science, data science, and engineering.
- Passion for enabling science through technology, with a strong problem-solving and continuous improvement mindset.
- Excellent communication and documentation skills to support collaboration and knowledge sharing.
Key Standards of Leadership
- Purpose and Service
- Agility
- Passion for High Performance
Key Interfaces
- IC RD&I project and workstream leaders and team members
- RD&I Digital and Data group
- RD&I Novel Formats and Process Team
- RD&I AMTC (Colworth)
- Supply Chain
NOTES
About Unilever
Unilever is one of the world’s leading suppliers of Food, Home and Personal Care products with sales in over 190 countries and re
Salary
Competitive
Monthly based
Location
Bothel and Threapland, Cumberland, England, United Kingdom, England, United Kingdom
Job Overview
Location
Bothel and Threapland, Cumberland, England, United Kingdom, England, United Kingdom
