Automation Engineer

Automation Engineer – Ashby-de-la-Zouch Location: Ashby-de-la-Zouch
Working Pattern: Monday to Friday – Days
Additional Requirement: Some flexibility required
The Opportunity We are currently recruiting for an experienced Automation Engineer to join a busy manufacturing site in Ashby-de-la-Zouch.
This is a hands-on engineering position focused on supporting, developing and improving site automation systems, while also playing a key role in automation projects, continuous improvement and the development of engineering capability across the site.
You will work closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Technical teams, suppliers and contractors to deliver reliable and effective automation solutions.
Key Responsibilities

• Lead automation and PLC support across the site, developing fault-finding capability across all shifts.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex automation and control system issues.
• Support automation upgrades, including equipment obsolescence projects.
• Deliver CAPEX and automation projects from concept through to completion.
• Work closely with internal teams, suppliers and contractors to deliver engineering projects.
• Develop automation standards, procedures and documentation across the site.
• Provide coaching and technical support to engineering teams to improve automation knowledge and capability.
• Support both site-based and wider engineering projects.
• Participate in an emergency support rota to ensure automation systems remain operational and safeguarded.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across automation and engineering.
• Ensure compliance with Health & Safety, environmental, hygiene and site engineering standards.
• Manage automation documentation, contracts and warranties.
• Ensure automation systems are fit for purpose, reliable and aligned with required engineering standards.

What We're Looking For Qualifications & Background

• HNC or above in an engineering discipline, or a time-served engineering apprenticeship with strong practical experience.
• Proven background in automation engineering within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong electrical engineering and control systems knowledge.
• Experience working in a fast-paced production or FMCG environment would be advantageous.

Technical Experience

• Siemens PLC experience – essential.
• TIA Portal experience – desirable but not essential.
• Experience with other PLC platforms such as:
  • Mitsubishi GX Works
  • Omron CX Programmer
  • Rockwell Automation
• Knowledge of MES platforms and production data collection systems.
• Understanding of operational technology and energy management systems.

Project & Continuous Improvement Experience

• Experience providing hands-on coaching and developing wider engineering teams in automation – essential.
• Proven experience delivering engineering and automation projects.
• Experience contributing to maintenance and continuous improvement programmes.
• Understanding of quality management systems and relevant legislative requirements.
• Experience within a food manufacturing environment and knowledge of food safety requirements would be advantageous.
• Comfortable working with budgets, CAPEX processes and procurement.

What's on Offer?

• Competitive annual salary.
• Annual bonus scheme.
• Healthcare support and health cash plan.
• Private healthcare and Digital GP access.
• Pension scheme with employer contributions.
• 25 days' annual leave plus bank holidays.
• Option to purchase additional holiday.
• Access to a range of employee benefits, discounts and wellbeing support.
• Opportunity to develop your technical and project engineering skills within a major manufacturing environment.

The Ideal Candidate This role would suit an experienced Automation Engineer, Controls Engineer, Automation & Controls Engineer or Electrical/Automation Engineer who enjoys being hands-on and wants to take ownership of automation systems and improvement projects within a manufacturing environment.
If you have strong Siemens PLC experience, a solid electrical/control systems background and experience delivering automation projects, we'd be keen to hear from you.