Automation Engineer

Job Title: Automation Engineer

Location: Coventry

-

Job Overview:

Reporting to the Chief Engineer of Controls Systems, the Automation Engineer will take responsibility for delivering high-quality programmable systems (PLCs/Robots) across the full project lifecycle - from concept and design through to virtual commissioning, installation, and aftersales support. The role involves executing a variety of automation projects independently or as part of a team, ensuring the delivery of professional, efficient, and right-first-time automation systems.

Duties & Responsibilities:

- Design, install, and integrate automation systems at both company and customer sites in line with internal tools, procedures, and standards.

- Produce Functional Design Specifications (FDS) based on customer requirements and internal specifications.

- Assist or lead hardware design teams (ePLAN and Pneumatics) to select appropriate equipment for each application.

- Develop, test, and validate programmable systems including PLCs, HMIs, Robots, Safety Systems, Drive Systems, Vision Systems, and SCADA.

- Conduct virtual commissioning and demonstrate system performance prior to on-site commissioning.

- Configure and commission networking and distributed I/O systems (e.g. ProfiNet, Ethernet/IP).

- Lead or support FAT & SAT activities and ensure CE compliance through appropriate documentation.

- Train end users during handover and provide technical support for aftersales and warranty activities.

- Actively promote Industry 4.0 technologies and practices in line with the company's digital strategy.

- Support the training and development of junior engineers and colleagues across the controls function.

Experience:

- Minimum of 2 years' experience as a multi-skilled Automation Engineer with strong design and integration capabilities.

- Proficient in a range of control systems and technologies, including Siemens, Rockwell, Beckhoff, ABB, and Cognex.

- Background in manufacturing and assembly automation, ideally from an electrical or controls engineering environment.

- Experience producing technical documentation, leading commissioning activities, and collaborating across multidisciplinary teams.

Skills:

- PLC/HMI programming (Siemens TIA Portal, WinCC Unified, Rockwell, Beckhoff).

- Programmable safety systems (Siemens TIA Safety, Rockwell, Pilz).

- Robot programming (ABB, Fanuc, Kawasaki).

- Drive and Vision Systems integration (Siemens, SEW, Bosch, Cognex, Keyence).

- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and automation software tools.

- Preferred: ePLAN P8 Electrical Design, Pneumatics/Fluids design (Festo FluidDraw or ePLAN Fluid), SCADA programming, and experience with standards such as SICAR, DCP, TransLine, and PackML.

Qualifications:

- Time-served or formally trained Automation Engineer with a minimum Level 3 Apprenticeship or HNC in Engineering (Degree preferred).

- Electrical qualification or background strongly preferred.

- Recognised vendor training/accreditations (e.g. Siemens, Rockwell, ABB, Beckhoff, Fanuc) are advantageous