Electrical & Automation Engineer

Electrical & Automation Engineer

Chatham, Kent

Salary: £50,000 – £60,000

4 days on , 4 days off - Dayshift

Alexander Steele is partnering with a successful manufacturing business seeking an Electrical & Automation Engineer to keep a high-speed manufacturing site running smoothly—delivering effective maintenance, rapid breakdown response, and continuous improvement across automation assets.

Key Responsibilities

• Carry out planned and reactive maintenance on electrical & automation systems (PLCs, HMIs, drives, SCADA).
  
  
• Diagnose, repair, and optimise PLC-controlled equipment (e.g., Siemens; exposure to Allen-Bradley/Omron beneficial) to minimise downtime.
  
  
• Support production during shifts, ensuring on-time, in-full performance across high-speed lines (wrappers, sealers, conveyors, weighers, check-weighers, X-ray/metal detection, robotics).
  
  
• Assist with design, programming, testing and commissioning of automation changes and small projects.
  
  
• Perform root cause analysis and implement corrective/preventive actions.
  
  
• Contribute to Capex and continuous improvement projects (installation, commissioning, optimisation).
  
  
• Monitor system performance, recommending improvements to reliability, safety, and productivity.
  
  
• Maintain accurate documentation & backups for PLC/HMI/robotic systems and record all maintenance activities.
  
  
• Provide mechanical support where required as part of a multi-skilled team.
  
  
• Use the CMMS to manage PPMs, work orders, spares, and compliance records.
  
  
• Adhere to Health, Safety & Hygiene standards and promote best practice.
  
  
• Share expertise by supporting and mentoring colleagues.
  
  Skills & Experience
  
  
• 5+ years’ electrical experience in a high-speed manufacturing/production environment
  
  
• Strong knowledge of industrial electrical systems, control circuits, motors, and advanced fault-finding.
  
  
• Hands-on with PLCs (Siemens essential; Allen-Bradley/Omron advantageous), HMIs, servo drives, SCADA.
  
  
• NVQ Level 3 (or equivalent) in Electrical Installation/Maintenance.
  
  
• Experienced in breakdowns, PPM, routine checks, and implementing preventative measures.
  
  
• Able to read electrical drawings/wiring diagrams; competent report writing and documentation.
  
  
• Proficient with CMMS and Microsoft Office.
  
  
• Excellent problem-solving, attention to detail, and strong safety awareness.
  
  
• Electrical/automation bias (≈70–80%) with willingness to support mechanical tasks (≈20–30%).
  
  
• Flexible, self-motivated, and effective working independently or within a team on rotating shifts