Job Description:

Automation Engineer

Location: Essex
Salary: £50,000 - £65,000 + Benefits
Job Type: Permanent

The Opportunity

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Automation Engineer to join a growing engineering business specialising in bespoke automation and special purpose machinery.

Working within the Electrical & Automation team, you'll be involved in the full project lifecycle, from control system design and PLC programming through to commissioning and customer support. This is a varied, hands-on role offering the opportunity to work on technically challenging automation projects for customers across a range of industries.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop PLC-based control systems for bespoke automated machinery.
• Program PLCs, HMIs and configurable safety systems.
• Configure remote I/O, servo drives and inverter drives.
• Integrate vision systems and other ancillary equipment into automated production lines.
• Produce and develop control system solutions from engineering specifications.
• Work closely with electrical designers, panel builders and project teams throughout project delivery.
• Carry out fault finding on PLCs, control panels and electrical systems.
• Commission automated machinery both in-house and at customer sites.
• Provide technical support, servicing and troubleshooting for installed systems.
• Ensure projects are delivered to the highest quality and safety standards.
• Travel within the UK and internationally to support installations and commissioning when required.

About You

• Formal Electrical Engineering qualification (Apprenticeship, HNC, HND or Degree).
• Strong experience with PLC programming and industrial automation.
• Experience commissioning special purpose machinery or automated production equipment.
• Good understanding of electrical schematics and control panel design.
• Experience with HMIs, safety systems, servo drives and inverter drives.
• Knowledge of industrial networks and automation hardware.
• Strong fault-finding and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary engineering team.
• Flexible to travel for customer site work, including occasional international travel.

Desirable Skills

• Experience with SCADA systems.
• Knowledge of industrial vision systems.
• Experience within pharmaceutical manufacturing or highly regulated industries.
• Understanding of ATEX or explosive atmosphere regulations.

What's on Offer

• £50,000 - £65,000 basic salary.
• Permanent position with a growing engineering business.
• Opportunity to work on innovative automation and special purpose machinery projects.
• UK and international travel opportunities.
• Ongoing technical training and career development.
• Comprehensive benefits package.