Controls​/Automation Support Engineer

We have an exciting opportunity for a Controls/Automation Support Engineer to join our dynamic & growing engineering team, here at Myrtle Farm.

This is a full-time, permanent position, which will require you to carry out troubleshooting type work, including continuous improvements and maintenance to ensure high production efficiencies. With continued expansion, innovation and site improvements, it's a great time to join us!

This role will involve breakdown solutions so flexibility is a must. This is a key role within our team, where you can make a real difference and feel valued in all you do. This is an exciting and rewarding role where two days are never the same!

As a Controls/Automation Support Engineer you will operate predominately in an active and responsive role to ensure the various production lines continue to operate in a safe and efficient manner. Working closely with the Production Manager you will identify issues and improve line performance.

Our production lines include state-of-the-art, automated canning, kegging, bottling and fruit processing/fermentation systems. You will work across these areas and specifically you will:

• Work with Siemens and Allen Bradley PLCs
• Fault find and troubleshoot any software and electrical issues
• Undertake a mix of pro-active maintenance activities, continuous improvement initiatives and break down response of production issues
• Production response will require investigating and resolving breakdowns and malfunctioning equipment, using programming tools, electrical testing equipment, and using remote dial-in support services.
• Using experience & knowledge gained from line familiarity
• Be actively involved in the conception and implementation of 'Continuous Improvement' initiative or 'Energy Efficiency' improvement scheme
• Be a reactive support in the team; which includes occasional out of hours work that is split across the engineering team

• Competitive salary
• Comprehensive benefits including: IT equipment & pension
• Discounts in our cider shop & pub, The Railway Inn (after all, you’ll need to know just how good our cider is!)

The Thatchers team is action-orientated, adaptable and flexible, with high levels of resilience to compete in an exciting yet competitive marketplace. We work had and together, we achieve great things. We have a desire to learn, a thirst for knowledge and a passion for quality cider that customers enjoy across the world.

• To have worked in an industrial setting
• Ideally have experience in maintaining and overseeing automation equipment such as plc drives & motors, sensors, control systems, robots and machinery in general
• Demonstrate a level of competence with accessing and fault finding of PLC control systems
• Competence in configuration and set-up automation equipment such as PLC Inverter Drives, Motor Control, Safety Systems, Pneumatics
• Ability to understand and plan modifications to electrical schematics, pneumatic drawings etc.

• A 'can-do' proactive attitude and problem solver
• A willingness to learn new things
• Good attention to detail
• Works well under pressure and in a busy environment
• Flexible and adaptable to change- we're a growing company
• Ability to communicate effectively with others (internal or external to the business)
• Honest & trustworthy

Established in 1904 by William John Thatcher, we have grown into one of the top cider-making businesses in the world. Now in our fifth generation of family cider makers, we're exceptionally proud of our Somerset roots.

We've experience tremendous growth through industry-leading levels of investment in our marketing, people development, innovative technology and world-class cider making facilities. The best part? We're just getting started.

If you have a desire to expand your skillset, you will discover an incredible environment where there is a thirst for knowledge. At Thatchers, we invest in you- providing training opportunities on our equipment, ensuring that you have the skills to further your career with us. Every person counts towards the success of our one common goal- making the best cider in the world!