Senior Automation Engineer

Senior Automation Engineer (PLC & Robotics)

Portsmouth

Competitive Salary + Bonus + Excellent Benefits

Are you the person other engineers turn to when automation problems become too complex?

Do you enjoy improving machinery rather than simply maintaining it, and want a role where you can influence the future direction of automation, robotics and manufacturing technology?

We're recruiting for a senior engineering position within a highly advanced manufacturing environment where automation is central to business growth. You'll play a key role in developing, optimising and supporting sophisticated robotic production systems, helping to drive reliability, efficiency and future automation capability across the site.

The Opportunity

This isn't a role focused purely on reactive support.

We're looking for an engineer who enjoys understanding how machines work, identifying opportunities for improvement, and implementing changes that make equipment perform better, faster and more reliably.

Working across PLCs, robotics, vision systems and automated assembly equipment, you'll tackle complex technical challenges, support new developments, and help shape the next generation of manufacturing processes.

You'll also act as a technical leader within the team, sharing knowledge and supporting the development of fellow engineers.

What You'll Be Doing as a Senior Automation Engineer:

Supporting and enhancing automated manufacturing and assembly systems.

* Programming, modifying and fault-finding PLC-controlled equipment.

* Developing and improving robotic manufacturing processes.

* Diagnosing complex automation and software issues.

* Optimising machine performance, uptime and production efficiency.

* Supporting vision systems, HMIs and associated control systems.

* Delivering continuous improvement projects across manufacturing operations.

* Working closely with production and engineering teams to solve technical challenges.

* Mentoring and coaching engineers across the department.

* Driving best practice across automation, controls and robotics.

What We're Looking For in a Senior Automation Engineer:

Experience within Automation, Controls, Manufacturing Software or Production Support Engineering.

* Strong PLC programming and troubleshooting skills.

* Experience working with industrial robotic systems.

* Knowledge of HMIs, vision systems and automated machinery.

* A structured approach to fault finding and root cause analysis.

* Experience improving automated manufacturing equipment and processes.

* The ability to lead technical investigations and deliver long-term solutions.

* A collaborative approach and willingness to mentor others.

Technologies You'll Encounter

* Mitsubishi iQ-R PLCs

* Industrial Robotics

* Vision Inspection Systems

* HMI Platforms

* Servo Systems

* RFID Technology

* Inverters

* High-speed Automated Manufacturing Equipment

Direct experience with every technology isn't essential. What's more important is a strong automation background and the ability to quickly understand and improve complex systems.

What's In It for You?

● Competitive salary

● Annual bonus scheme

● 25 days holiday plus bank holidays

● Additional Christmas shutdown leave

● Pension scheme

● Life assurance

● Employee Assistance Programme

● Ongoing technical development and training

● Modern, technology-led manufacturing environment

● Genuine opportunity to influence future automation and robotics projects

Interested?

This could be an excellent opportunity for an Automation Engineer, Controls Engineer, Robotics Engineer, PLC Programmer or Automation Software Engineer looking to take ownership of advanced manufacturing technology and play a meaningful role in the ongoing development of robotic production systems.

Apply today or contact Kingdom People for a confidential discussion.

Kingdom People are acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy