Automation Engineer

Automation Engineer

Department: Software

Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time

Location: Southampton

Reporting To: Stuart R Rice

Join Trant Engineering and help shape the delivery of complex, high‑impact projects. Trant Engineering is a leading EPC contractor with a strong reputation for delivering innovative engineering solutions across the UK and internationally. With over 1,000 employees and a £150m turnover, we’re growing—and now looking for an experienced Automation Engineer to play a key role in our project delivery teams.

As an Automation Engineer you'll be responsible for the design, programming, testing, and commissioning of automation and control systems across multiple projects. This role ensures automation solutions meet client requirements, comply with relevant standards and integrate seamlessly with electrical and mechanical systems.

• Design and configure PLC programs, HMI/SCADA interfaces, I/O schemes, telemetry systems and network architectures for control panels, MCCs and plant‑wide solutions.
• Collaborate with design engineers to ensure seamless integration with electrical schematics and mechanical assemblies.
• Develop automation software that meets client specifications and project requirements.
• Identify opportunities to improve automation processes, build efficiency, and system reliability.
• Support the selection of hardware, instrumentation, and control devices.
• Attend site for surveys and commissioning activities often requiring staying away from home for short periods.

• Work closely with the Engineering, Workshop, Wiring and Testing teams to ensure smooth delivery of automation systems.
• Support the Automation Lead in multi-project planning and execution.
• Provide technical support to production teams regarding automation queries and build issues.
• Perform functional and operational testing of automation systems.
• Support Factory Acceptance Tests (FATs) and site commissioning of software (SATs).
• Troubleshoot and resolve faults in PLC, HMI, and control systems.

• Ensure all automation solutions conform to industrial standards and client‑specific requirements.
• Maintain traceability of design changes, software versions, and documentation in accordance with company policies and procedures.
• Support internal and external audits related to automation systems.
• Promote continuous improvement in automation design and delivery.
• Ensure all automation activities are performed safely in accordance with company and statutory H&S requirements.
• Maintain accurate project documentation, including automation systems (PLC / HMI / SCADA / Telemetry etc), test records, and commissioning reports.
• Support risk assessments and method statements for automation works.

• Automation Lead / Technical Manager / Production Manager
• Design & Engineering Teams (Electrical, automation and production) / Production Manager / Technical Manager / Quality Team
• Workshop Wiring and Test engineering Teams

• Clients / Consultants
• Suppliers
• Contractors / Installation Teams (where applicable)

• Uphold and promote the Company’s Core Values – Care, Trust, Respect and Sustainability.

You may be required to undertake additional duties, consistent with the responsibilities and level of this role, beyond those specified above.

• Hands‑on experience in PLC programming, HMI/SCADA design, and automation system implementation.
• Experience in testing, commissioning, and fault‑finding of control panels and automation systems.
• Experience working from schematics, wiring diagrams, and BOMs to implement automation solutions.
• Experience collaborating with multi‑disciplinary teams to deliver electrical and automation projects.
• Proven knowledge of PLC programming and HMI/SCADA configuration.
• Multi‑platform PLC experience (e.g., Siemens, Allen‑Bradley, Schneider).
• ECS/CSCS card or equivalent site access certification.

• Experience with Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and client site commissioning.
• Previous work in…