Automation Engineer

Job Title:
Automation Engineer

Location:
Middleton, Manchester

Job Type: Full Time, Rotating Shifts

Week 1 - Mon to Thurs 6am-2pm, Friday 6am-1pm

Week 2 - Mon-Thurs 9.15am-5.45pm, Friday 11am-4pm

Salary - Upto £58k inclusive of shift allowance + 5% bonus = £61k DOE

Reports To: Site Engineering Manager

We are seeking a skilled Automation Engineer to drive continuous improvement initiatives, support shift engineers across the site, and work collaboratively with engineering and operations teams. The ideal candidate will possess expertise in automation and control systems, with hands‑on experience in Allen Bradley and Siemens PLCs. This role involves identifying and implementing process improvement projects, coaching and mentoring engineers, and ensuring the reliability and efficiency of automated systems.

Experience in the food manufacturing or FMCG (Fast-Moving Consumer Goods) industry is highly desirable.

• Identify and lead automation improvement projects to enhance efficiency, safety, and productivity.
• Provide technical support to shift engineers across the site, ensuring smooth operation and troubleshooting of automation systems.
• Collaborate with the engineering and operations teams to develop and implement automated solutions that align with business objectives.
• Coach and support engineers by sharing technical knowledge and best practices in automation and control systems.
• Design, develop, and maintain PLC/HMI/SCADA programs, with a focus on Allen Bradley and Siemens systems.
• Perform system upgrades, modifications, and enhancements to improve operational performance.
• Conduct root cause analysis and implement corrective actions for automation-related issues.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards, safety regulations, and company policies.
• Document technical specifications, standard operating procedures, and system configurations.
• Stay updated with the latest automation technologies and recommend innovative solutions to improve efficiency.

• Recognised qualification in Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field.
• Proven experience in automation engineering, with a strong focus on Allen Bradley and Siemens PLCs.
• Proficiency in HMI, SCADA, and industrial automation systems.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem‑solving skills in automation and control systems.
• Experience working in food manufacturing or FMCG environments, with knowledge of industry‑specific automation challenges and regulatory requirements.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a cross‑functional team environment.
• Experience in continuous improvement methodologies such as Lean, Six Sigma, or Kaizen is a plus.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills for coaching and mentoring engineers.
• Strong project management abilities to handle multiple projects simultaneously.
• Knowledge of industrial networking, sensors, and instrumentation is an advantage.

Automation Engineer, Controls Engineer, PLC Engineer, Automation Technician, Controls Technician, Electrical Engineer, Mechatronics Engineer, PLC Programming, Allen Bradley, RSLogix, Control Logix, Siemens, TIA Portal, HMI Development, SCADA Systems, Industrial Automation, Control Systems, Root Cause Analysis, Continuous Improvement, Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen, Process Optimisation, System Upgrades, Troubleshooting, Engineering Support, Project Delivery, Technical Documentation, Engineering Coaching, Engineering Mentoring.

• 25 days holiday per year plus bank holidays
• Buy & sell holiday policy
• Pension contributions up to 10%
• BHSF Health Cash Plan
• Ride to work
• On site Physiotherapy
• Occupational health on site appointments
• Perkbox app - discount rates on many high street stores
• Staff referral bonus
• Free food Wednesday - every month on the Wednesday before pay day