Automation Engineer

Northampton
1 month ago
Applications closed

Related Jobs

View all jobs

Automation Engineer

Automation Engineer

Automation Engineer

Manufacturing Engineer Automation

Automation & Electrical Engineer

Automation & Robotics Engineer

Automation Engineer - Contract

Northampton

Outside IR35 | £60 p/h

Are you an experienced Automation Engineer looking for your next challenge in advanced manufacturing? Join a cutting edge project in Northampton, supporting the next generation of highperformance production systems. This is a hands on, contract opportunity (outside IR35) offering £60 p/h.

What you'll do:

Analyse, programme, simulate, and test automated machinery and processes.

Re-code PLCs, robotics, and machine vision systems, ensuring seamless integration with existing production systems.

Collaborate with suppliers and engineering teams to plan, commission, and optimise controls architecture.

Troubleshoot complex automation systems, applying coding and analytics to solve technical challenges.

Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives to boost efficiency and system reliability.

Support project delivery from planning through commissioning and production support.

What we're looking for:

Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or equivalent.

3-5 years' experience in automation, PLCs, and robotics (Beckhoff experience preferred).

Strong problem-solving skills and ability to translate technical requirements into working systems.

Solid understanding of LEAN process principles and production optimisation.

Excellent communication skills, with the ability to work closely with programming and engineering teams.

Why this role is exciting:

Be part of a transformative project supporting the next generation of high-performance electric vehicle production.

Work with state-of-the-art automation equipment in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

Contract role offering flexibility and competitive pay outside IR35.

Apply today with your CV

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.

Careers

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.

Jobs

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.

Education

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.

🍪 We use cookies to enhance your browsing experience on our website. By continuing to use this site, you consent to the use of cookies as described in our Cookie Policy. You can review our Cookie Policy for more information.