Refrigeration & Laboratory Equipment - SME - Technical Service Engineer

Job Description Summary
Who We Are & What We Do
We are a global life sciences solutions provider, delivering agile clinical trial and diagnostic services that help our customers navigate the complexities of life-changing innovation.
With over 40 years of experience in custom kitting and clinical trial support, our Clinical Services team combines deep technical and regulatory expertise with a strong track record of delivering high-quality products and tailored solutions that our customers trust.
Based in Chorley, our Equipment & Ancillaries team provides a truly global service, sourcing and supplying medical and laboratory equipment to meet the unique needs of each study. From single-site trials to complex, multi-country programmes, we ensure our customers have the right equipment, in the right place, at the right time, enabling them to focus on delivering successful clinical outcomes, wherever their trials take place.
How will you make an impact & Requirement
Role Mission
As the SME Laboratory & Refrigeration Engineer, you will serve as the technical authority and subject matter expert (SME) for laboratory and cold-chain equipment within our In-House Engineering (IHE) function. You will provide advanced technical leadership across the full equipment lifecycle, ensuring the reliability, compliance, and performance of critical clinical trial equipment.
Combining hands-on engineering expertise with leadership responsibilities, you will mentor engineers, drive operational excellence, and maintain the highest standards of quality, safety, and compliance to support patient safety and clinical trial success.
Key Responsibilities
Act as the technical SME for laboratory and refrigeration equipment, including freezers, refrigerators, centrifuges, incubators, balances, scales, and temperature-monitoring systems.
Perform installation, commissioning, calibration, preventative maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of laboratory and cold-chain equipment.
Lead calibration activities in accordance with ISO 17025 standards, including IQ, OQ, and PQ documentation and validation requirements.
Diagnose and resolve complex technical issues, acting as the escalation point for laboratory and refrigeration engineering challenges.
Support the day-to-day operation of the IHE workshop, including workload planning, workflow management, and performance against OTIF KPIs.
Lead daily engineering huddles and provide technical guidance, mentoring, and support to other laboratory and refrigeration engineers.
Maintain accurate service records, calibration certificates, inventory data, and ERP system documentation to ensure compliance and audit readiness.
Collaborate with manufacturers and suppliers to support advanced troubleshooting, product evaluations, upgrades, and replacement strategies.
Ensure all engineering activities comply with GCP, GMP, ISO standards, internal procedures, and manufacturer requirements.
Act as the designated Health & Safety and COSHH lead, promoting a safe working environment and supporting risk assessments and regulatory compliance.
Support audits, inspections, equipment recalls, quality investigations, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Build strong working relationships with internal stakeholders, customers, suppliers, and external service providers.
What We’re Looking For
We’re seeking an experienced laboratory and refrigeration engineering professional with strong technical expertise, leadership capability, and a passion for delivering outstanding service. You will be comfortable acting as the technical lead while remaining hands-on in a workshop environment and supporting the development of others. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a regulated environment and enjoys solving complex technical challenges.
Essential skills and experience:
HNC/HND or equivalent engineering qualification as a minimum, with a Degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Refrigeration, Biomedical, or related Engineering discipline preferred. Equivalent combinations of apprenticeship training and extensive relevant experience will also be considered.
Minimum 5-10 years' experience in laboratory equipment engineering, refrigeration engineering, or a related technical field.
Demonstrated experience acting as a technical authority, lead engineer, or subject matter expert within a regulated environment.
Experience developing engineering procedures, technical standards, and best practices.
Experience providing technical training, mentoring, and competency development for other engineers.
Experience managing complex technical escalations and customer-facing engineering issues.
Proven experience in the installation, maintenance, calibration, troubleshooting, and repair of laboratory and refrigeration equipment.
Strong practical understanding of refrigeration systems, including low-temperature and cold-chain technologies such as -80°C freezers and cascade systems.
Demonstrated experience performing ISO 17025-aligned calibrations, including IQ, OQ, and PQ activities.
Strong technical expertise across laboratory equipment such as incubators, centrifuges, balances, scales, refrigeration systems, and temperature-controlled devices.
Experience working within regulated environments, including GCP, GMP, ISO 9001, ISO 17025, or similar quality standards.
Excellent fault-finding, diagnostic, and root-cause analysis skills.
Strong electrical, electronic, and mechanical engineering knowledge.
Proficiency in calibration equipment, diagnostic tools, and technical software.
Experience maintaining detailed service documentation, calibration records, and ERP system data.
Ability to read and interpret engineering schematics, technical manuals, and manufacturer documentation.
Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and work independently.
Leadership or mentoring experience, with the ability to develop and support fellow engineers.
Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
Health, Safety & Environment (HSE) awareness and experience applying COSHH principles.
Commitment to continuous professional development and technical learning.
Physically capable of working in a workshop environment, including lifting and moving equipment weighing up to 25kg.
Willingness to travel domestically and internationally for training and business requirements.
Desirable (but not essential):
Professional memberships EngTech, Ieng or CEng through a recognized engineering institution
Formal calibration, validation, or testing qualifications, including IQ, OQ, and PQ.
Refrigeration or HVAC certifications such as F-Gas, EPA 608, Hydrocarbon, or equivalent.
Experience within clinical research, life sciences, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or other GxP-regulated environments.
Experience leading engineering teams, workshops, or technical service functions.
Familiarity with calibration m