Automation Engineer

Birmingham
6 days ago
Create job alert

Automation Engineer - Advanced Automation & Robotics

Location: West Midlands
Salary: £45,000 - £70,000 (DOE)

About the Role

Are you passionate about automation and robotics? Do you thrive on designing innovative control systems that push the boundaries of manufacturing technology? We're looking for a Controls Engineer to join a forward-thinking automation specialist delivering cutting-edge solutions across diverse sectors including automotive, aerospace, medical, plastics, and industrial manufacturing.

This is your chance to work on first-of-a-kind projects and configurable robotic systems that transform production environments. You'll be involved from concept through to commissioning, writing PLC and robot programs, developing HMIs, and ensuring systems meet the highest standards of performance and safety.

What You'll Do

Design & Develop control systems for bespoke automated machines and configurable robotic solutions.
Program PLCs, HMIs, and Robots (Omron PLC and FANUC robots experience preferred).
Collaborate with project leaders and customers to ensure specifications are met.
Manage budgets, timelines, and technical documentation.
Drive innovation and continuous improvement in automation standards.
Ensure compliance with ISO 9001 and CE/UKCA safety standards.What We're Looking For

Degree or equivalent qualification in Electrical, Controls, or Automation Engineering.
Strong experience in PLC programming, robot integration, and HMI development.
Ability to work at both conceptual and detailed levels.
Excellent problem-solving skills and a proactive, "can-do" attitude.
Strong communication and teamwork skills.
Passion for automation and delivering exceptional results.Ready to take your career to the next level? Apply now and be part of a team that's redefining automation

Related Jobs

View all jobs

Automation Engineer

Automation Engineer

Automation Engineer

Automation Engineer

Automation Engineer

Manufacturing Engineer Automation

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.