Automation Engineer

Automation Engineer

Location: Essex

Salary: £50,000 - £65,000 + Benefits

Job Type: Permanent

The Opportunity

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Automation Engineer to join a growing engineering business specialising in bespoke automation and special purpose machinery.

Working within the Electrical & Automation team, you'll be involved in the full project lifecycle, from control system design and PLC programming through to commissioning and customer support. This is a varied, hands-on role offering the opportunity to work on technically challenging automation projects for customers across a range of industries.

Key Responsibilities

* Design and develop PLC-based control systems for bespoke automated machinery.

* Program PLCs, HMIs and configurable safety systems.

* Configure remote I/O, servo drives and inverter drives.

* Integrate vision systems and other ancillary equipment into automated production lines.

* Produce and develop control system solutions from engineering specifications.

* Work closely with electrical designers, panel builders and project teams throughout project delivery.

* Carry out fault finding on PLCs, control panels and electrical systems.

* Commission automated machinery both in-house and at customer sites.

* Provide technical support, servicing and troubleshooting for installed systems.

* Ensure projects are delivered to the highest quality and safety standards.

* Travel within the UK and internationally to support installations and commissioning when required.

About You

* Formal Electrical Engineering qualification (Apprenticeship, HNC, HND or Degree).

* Strong experience with PLC programming and industrial automation.

* Experience commissioning special purpose machinery or automated production equipment.

* Good understanding of electrical schematics and control panel design.

* Experience with HMIs, safety systems, servo drives and inverter drives.

* Knowledge of industrial networks and automation hardware.

* Strong fault-finding and problem-solving skills.

* Excellent communication skills and the ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary engineering team.

* Flexible to travel for customer site work, including occasional international travel.

Desirable Skills

* Experience with SCADA systems.

* Knowledge of industrial vision systems.

* Experience within pharmaceutical manufacturing or highly regulated industries.

* Understanding of ATEX or explosive atmosphere regulations.

What's on Offer

* £50,000 - £65,000 basic salary.

* Permanent position with a growing engineering business.

* Opportunity to work on innovative automation and special purpose machinery projects.

* UK and international travel opportunities.

* Ongoing technical training and career development.

* Comprehensive benefits package