Automation & Electrical Engineer

Eythorne
4 days ago
Create job alert

Modernise systems. Drive automation. Power our future.

This is an opportunity to step into a role where your technical ability, curiosity, and forward-thinking mindset will help shape the next phase of our automation journey.

About Us

Multipanel UK is Europe’s leading manufacturer of aluminium composite panels, producing over 1 million square meters per month from our facility in Kent. We supply signage and construction markets across the UK, Europe, and North America. We are investing heavily in automation, new production equipment, and engineering capability across both our UK and US manufacturing sites.

Today, we are proud to be the only manufacturer of Aluminium Composite Material (ACP) in the UK, and we are continuing to grow.

As we continue to evolve and invest in automation, we are looking for an Automation & Electrical Engineer who wants to grow with us and play a key role in modernising and integrating our production systems.

The Role

As an Automation & Electrical Engineer, you will play a pivotal role in programming, integrating, and maintaining industrial automation systems across our production environment, including robotics, PLCs, and IoT infrastructure.

This role is ideal if you are:

• Passionate about PLC programming and industrial automation.

• Confident diagnosing and resolving complex system issues.

• Motivated by upgrading legacy equipment into modern, efficient systems.

• Interested in data integration and smart manufacturing.

• Looking for a role where you can genuinely influence how systems are designed and implemented.

This is a hands-on design role, and you will be involved in specifying equipment, producing detailed electrical schematics, working with international equipment suppliers and commissioning systems on the factory floor both in the UK and the USA. You will have visibility, autonomy, and the support needed to build robust, future-ready automation infrastructure.

What Will You Be Doing?

PLC Programming & Control Systems

• Programming and commissioning Siemens S7 PLCs and HMIs.

• Developing structured, reliable control logic to enhance production efficiency.

• Troubleshooting and optimising existing automation systems.

Machinery Retrofit & System Modernisation

• Retrofitting legacy machinery with new PLC and automation systems.

• Replacing obsolete components with efficient, compliant solutions.

• Supporting the upgrade of control panels and electrical architecture where required.

Automation Integration

• Integrating sensors, robotics (e.g., Inovance), and vision systems into production lines.

• Interfacing automation systems with MES and IoT platforms (e.g., NodeRED).

• Supporting data collection, system monitoring, and digitalisation initiatives.

Diagnostics & Compliance

• Providing advanced diagnostics and fault-finding support.

• Ensuring automation systems align with safety systems and international standards.

• Supporting machine safety reviews and compliance processes.

You Might Bring Some of The Following:

• A degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering, or a related discipline.

• 3+ years’ experience in PLC programming and industrial automation.

• Strong experience with Siemens S7 PLCs and HMI systems.

• Proven diagnostics and system integration capability.

• Experience integrating robotics, sensors, and vision systems.

• Familiarity with safety systems and international standards.

• Experience working within a manufacturing or industrial environment.

• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to communicate technical concepts clearly.

Occasional International Travel | Up to £60,000 per annum

If this sounds like the kind of environment where you could see yourself growing and making a real technical impact, we would love to hear from you

Related Jobs

View all jobs

Automation Electrical Engineer

Sales Engineer

Sales Engineer

Area Sales Manager

Measurement and Control Technician

Instrumentation Engineer

Subscribe to Future Tech Insights for the latest jobs & insights, direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to our privacy policy and terms of service.

Industry Insights

Discover insightful articles, industry insights, expert tips, and curated resources.

How Many Robotics Tools Do You Need to Know to Get a Robotics Job?

If you’re pursuing a career in robotics, it can feel like the list of tools you should learn never ends. One job advert asks for ROS, another mentions Gazebo, another wants experience with Python, Linux, C++, RobotStudio, MATLAB/Simulink, perception stacks, control frameworks, real-time OS, vision libraries — and that’s just scratching the surface. With so many frameworks, languages and platforms, it’s no wonder robotics job seekers feel overwhelmed. But here’s the honest truth most recruiters won’t say explicitly: 👉 They don’t hire you because you know every tool — they hire you because you can apply the right tools to solve real robotics problems reliably and explain your reasoning clearly. Tools matter — but only in service of outcomes. So the real question isn’t how many tools you should know, but which tools you should master and why. For most robotics roles, the answer is significantly fewer — and far more focused — than you might assume. This article breaks down what employers really expect, which tools are core, which are role-specific, and how to focus your learning so you look capable, confident, and ready to contribute from day one.

What Hiring Managers Look for First in Robotics Job Applications (UK Guide)

Robotics is one of the most dynamic, interdisciplinary fields in technology — blending mechanical systems, embedded software, controls, perception (AI/vision), modelling, simulation and systems integration. Hiring managers in this space are highly selective because robotics teams need people who can solve real-world problems under constraints, work across disciplines, and deliver safe, reliable systems. And here’s the reality: hiring managers do not read every word of your CV. Like in many tech domains, they scan quickly — often forming a judgement in the first 10–20 seconds. In robotics, those first signals are especially important because the work is complex and there’s a wide range of candidate backgrounds. This guide unpacks exactly what hiring managers look for first in robotics applications and how to optimise your CV, portfolio and cover letter so you stand out in the UK market.

The Skills Gap in Robotics Jobs: What Universities Aren’t Teaching

Robotics is no longer confined to science fiction or isolated research labs. Today, robots perform critical tasks across manufacturing, healthcare, logistics, agriculture, defence, hospitality and even education. In the UK, businesses are embracing automation to improve productivity, reduce costs and tackle labour shortages. Yet despite strong interest and a growing number of university programmes in robotics, many employers report a persistent problem: graduates are not job-ready for real-world robotics roles. This is not a question of intelligence or dedication. It is a widening skills gap between what universities teach and what employers actually need in robotics jobs. In this article, we’ll explore that gap in depth — what universities do well, where their programmes often fall short, why the disconnect exists, what employers really want, and how you can bridge the divide to build a thriving career in robotics.