Job title: Senior Controls Engineer
Location: Fareham / Eastleigh, Hampshire, UK
Department: PTIG
Working Hours: Mon – Fri, 37.5 hours per week

A brighter future awaits you.

CooperVision is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of soft contact lenses with a presence in over 100 countries. Being part of CooperVision means helping improve the way people see each day. It’s more than making contact lenses, it’s about giving lens wearers freedom and confidence to move about their daily lives. We’re all about bright futures – for our people and those who wear our contact lenses.

At CooperVision, we’re big on belonging. Everyone’s contribution counts, and that’s why inclusion and diversity are so important. It isn’t just the right thing to do; it’s what makes our company the best it can be. We are committed to creating an inclusive and engaging workplace. Our Employee Resource Groups offer employees to grow within a safe and inclusive space.  So be yourself, whoever you are, and let’s achieve amazing things together.

Job summary – What to expect: 

The Senior Controls Automation Engineer is recognized as the subject matter expert for Automation Controls in UK Packaging and Distribution, utilizing their expertise across multiple projects within the Packaging Technical Innovations group. Responsible for the design, implementation, documentation and validation of complex, integrated control systems within a highly automated packaging and distribution environment.  The role includes working collaboratively with PTIG’s global controls partners, following a standard approach and best practices, sharing knowledge with local operations engineering functions.

Scope

Responsible for UK machine controls of packaging and distribution automation. Including but not limited to, integration of new technology, system interfaces, troubleshooting, corrective and preventative actions, and development/ validation of new automation equipment.  Responsible for ensuring the implementation of standard controls engineering practices, as well as providing detailed documentation upon project completion. Acts as a Controls technical lead for projects and may be responsible for some project management activities and training activities.

Essential Functions & Accountabilities

Design, develop, and supervise all aspects of automation control systems, equipment, and machinery. Provide technical expertise of Programmable Logic Controls (PLCs), print, inspect and material handling based hardware and software. Subject matter expert in automation and controls systems design, specification, programming, simulation, testing, and start up. Create specifications and ensure technical documentation and software control systems are established for machine control & inspection systems. Identify potential new technologies for possible application to production or development activities. To support, develop and mentor individuals or groups providing: Local business units and support functions with technical engineering expertise within controls and automated systems. Controls specifications, reviews and robust testing methodologies. Expertise in project management for new control and automated systems. Support global standardization and development initiatives relevant to the controls group functions. Design automation systems for low, medium, and high-volume automated equipment. Interact with project managers and senior leaders to ensure appropriate resources are identified for automation/controls projects. Develop control systems which collect and display data necessary for efficient operation of equipment.  Includes interfacing into SQL databases. Support new equipment, new process development activities and training of employees on new controls and automated systems. Investigate and analyze equipment failure or issues to find the root cause, makes recommendations and execute improvements associated with corrective or preventative actions. Maintain documentation and records to meet all QMS requirements. Interface with Controls/Operations/Vendor Engineers from other sites to maintain global standardization and consistency. Ensure new machine controls and automation systems align with business and operational requirements. Contribute to resource requirements within projects and ensure the right controls skills and competency is identified. Support the generation of equipment risk assessments and generation/execution of Validation Protocols as needed. Other duties may be assigned.

Travel Requirements

Significant domestic and worldwide travel, including CooperVision sites and external vendors.

Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Strong communication skills required for interaction with all levels of the organization. Ability to read and interpret Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’S) and quality system requirements. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from leadership, customers, and health authority/regulatory officials. Highly computer literate with regular use of Outlook, Teams, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint. Ability to read and understand highly technical material. Knowledge of quality system requirements for medical device manufacturers. Ability to use statistics and mathematics in development and troubleshooting. Proficient with multiple automation system platforms including DCS, PLC, HMI, SCADA and other applicable systems. Advanced knowledge of PLC and HMI/Scada programming. Applications should include Rockwell Logix 5000, Siemens Step 7, FactoryTalk SE/ME, Monitouch V-sft, FactoryTalk Transaction Manager and Kepware. Experience working with thermal transfer printing, laser printers and vision systems. Desired applications include Domino Dynamark/QuickStep2, VideoJet Clarisoft/Smartgraph, CABlabel S3 and Cognex In-Sight Vision Suite. Knowledge with motion control, robotics, and bar code readers. Desired applications include Microscan ESP, Keyence AutoID, Cognex Dataman, Staubli robots and Lenze drives. Experience working with 3rd party hardware and communication interfaces across TCP/IP, EthernetIP, Profinet, Devicenet, etc. Proficient at reading and developing electrical schematics in CAD (SolidWorks). Solid works or AutoCAD as well as Microsoft Office, Visual Studio, and Visual Basic. Experience of working with cross-site, multinational teams. Innovative, self-reliant, dependable, and calm under pressure. Diplomatic, with good inter-personal relationships. Ability to multi-task in a calm manner; clear thinker and communicator with good presentation skills.

Work Environment

Office environment, visit warehouse floor environment for extended periods of time. Will often work near moving mechanical parts.

Experience

Minimum of 7-10 years’ experience in engineering, process control and automation. Minimum of 5 years’ experience within an automated manufacturing environment. Minimum of 5 years’ experience in similar position. Experience in medical device manufacturing environments is a plus.

Education

B.S. in relevant Engineering field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Lean Six Sigma Certification preferred.

What we offer:

You’ll receive competitive compensation and a fantastic benefits package including 25 days holiday, pension scheme, healthcare cover, life assurance, access to our Wellness Platform to support you in mental health and wellbeing, a discounted contact lens scheme and much more!

We are committed to our employees’ personal and professional development and offer extensive training to support your career growth and help every individual to reach their full potential. To help us achieve our goals, we’ll give you everything you need to help you achieve yours. 

We also provide access to LinkedIn Learning to help you develop in your career and grow with CooperVision.

What you can expect:

As a CooperVision employee, you’ll be welcomed into a diverse and progressive global business. We appreciate how important fostering a diverse and inclusive culture is and how different perspectives add value and contribute to our success. With our CooperPride, African Descent, Woman’s Impact Network and Mind Body and Wellbeing Employee Resource Groups, we offer opportunities for employees to learn and grow within an inclusive and safe space.

If you like what you see, take the first step towards your Brighter Future and apply today! All suitably qualified applicants will receive equal consideration and opportunities from CooperVision.

We operate a candidate referral scheme, so if you know anyone who could be a perfect fit for this role, please email their CV to referafriend@coopervision quoting the job reference code to enjoy a £100 voucher reward if they are successful!

Please view our careers page at https://hcjy.fa.us2.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_1to view all other opportunities.

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