Automation Engineer

Automation Engineer
📍 Widnes | Permanent | Full Time
We’re currently looking for an experienced Automation Engineer to join a specialist engineering business delivering automation and control system solutions across a range of process industries.
Working as part of a multi-disciplinary engineering team, you will be involved throughout the full project lifecycle, from initial design and software development through to testing, commissioning and client handover. This role would suit a proactive and resourceful engineer with strong automation experience and a solid understanding of process engineering environments.
The position is primarily office-based in Widnes, although occasional travel within the UK and overseas will be required to support project delivery and commissioning activities.

Key Responsibilities
 
* Develop project documentation including Functional Design Specifications (FDS), Software Design Specifications (SDS) and Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) procedures.
 
* Design, program and develop PLC, HMI and SCADA software solutions.
 
* Support the production of wider project documentation including System Architecture drawings and I/O schedules.
 
* Carry out commissioning activities including:
     
* I/O testing
     
* Equipment configuration over fieldbus networks
     
* PID loop setup and optimisation
     
* Water and process/product testing
 
* Troubleshoot and modify existing control systems.
 
* Collaborate with process, electrical and mechanical engineers to deliver integrated automation solutions.
Skills & Experience
Essential
 
* Minimum 5 years' experience working with Siemens automation platforms.
 
* Experience programming PLC systems from scratch using P&IDs and process descriptions.
 
* Experience with SCADA systems and HMI development.
 
* Knowledge of Ethernet-based PLC communications.
 
* Experience with industrial networks including:
     
* Profibus, Profinet, AS-i, IO-Link
 
* Experience controlling and programming:
     
* Variable Speed Drives (VSDs), Instrumentation, Control valves
 
* Ability to design control systems from P&IDs and Process Data Sheets.
 
* Experience generating technical project documentation.
 
* Experience working within a process engineering environment.
 
* Strong Microsoft Office skills.
Desirable

Experience with Aveva SCADA systems.
Knowledge of VMware and virtualised environments.
Understanding of SQL databases.

Experience with Visual Basic or other high-level programming languages.
Understanding of liquid process systems.
Qualifications
An Engineering Degree, HNC/HND or equivalent technical qualification is preferred.
However, candidates with significant relevant automation and control systems experience will also be considered.
Personal Attributes
Strong problem-solving and fault-finding skills.
Proactive and resourceful approach.
Excellent communication skills.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Strong planning and organisational abilities.
Commitment to health and safety standards.
If you are an experienced Automation Engineer looking to work on complex automation and control projects within a growing engineering team, we'd love to hear from you.

Please note:

This is a UK permanent role, and candidates will require existing eligibility to work in the UK to be considered for this role