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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead automation projects, build control panels, and design custom mechanical systems.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking food manufacturer in Nottingham, shaping the future of automation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, private medical insurance, and generous holiday allowances.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced environment while collaborating with diverse teams.
- Qualifications: Experience in automation engineering, strong mechanical skills, and a proactive mindset required.
- Other info: Opportunity for international work and personal development through learning budgets.
The predicted salary is between 42500 - 51000 £ per year.
Nottingham
Monday to Friday
£50,000-£60,000 DOE + Benefits
About the Role
We're recruiting for a forward-thinking food manufacturer in Nottingham, looking for a talented Project & Automation Engineer to join their engineering function.
This hands-on role is ideal for someone with a passion for automation, machine control, and building custom solutions in a fast-paced production environment.
You'll have the opportunity to lead and support automation projects, build control panels, modify PLCs, and design custom mechanical systems that improve uptime, reliability, and capacity.
This is a rare chance to shape your own workshop, influence equipment selection, and help set the standard for future automation on site.
Key Responsibilities
- Design and implement automation upgrades, including rig builds, line reconfigurations, and controls improvements.
- Build and wire control panels (inc. VFDs, PLCs, relays, contactors).
- Program and troubleshoot PLC and HMI systems (e.g. Siemens, Omron).
- Fabricate and install custom mechanical assemblies or production aids.
- Install and calibrate sensors, actuators, solenoids, and safety devices.
- Support machinery installations and trial new automation technologies.
- Maintain detailed records of all project and improvement work.
- Ensure compliance with food safety, hygiene, and H&S standards.
- Collaborate across engineering, production, and technical teams.
- Provide informal mentoring to junior engineers or apprentices.
What You'll Bring
- Strong experience in automation or controls engineering within food/FMCG/manufacturing.
- Mechanical and fabrication skills - MIG/TIG welding a plus.
- Proven knowledge of PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, and control system logic.
- Hands-on problem solver, comfortable building and integrating bespoke solutions.
- Familiarity with sensor systems, wiring, and troubleshooting.
- Confident communicator with a proactive, collaborative mindset.
- Food safety or hygiene knowledge (e.g. HACCP/BRC) beneficial.
Benefits
- Salary: £50,000-£60,000 DOE
- Monday-Friday + paid weekend overtime or TOIL by rotation
- Private AXA medical insurance (incl. full cancer cover and fast access)
- £250 annual Learning & Development budget
- £100 annual Wellbeing allowance
- 28 days holiday + birthday off
- Up to 2 weeks per year working abroad (role dependent)
- Volunteer day (annually)
- Monthly employee recognition scheme
- Subsidised social/sports clubs and quarterly team events
- Friends & family discount scheme
- Holiday buyback option (up to 1 week/year)
Apply Today
Ready to take on your next engineering challenge? Call Kelsea on (phone number removed) to apply today.
Project & Automation Engineer employer: The Collective Network Limited
Contact Detail:
The Collective Network Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Project & Automation Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific automation technologies mentioned in the job description, such as Siemens and Omron PLCs. Having hands-on experience or knowledge about these systems will give you a significant edge during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your problem-solving skills by preparing examples of past projects where you've successfully implemented automation solutions. Be ready to discuss how you approached challenges and what the outcomes were.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with professionals in the food manufacturing sector, especially those involved in automation. Engaging with industry peers can provide insights into current trends and may even lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 4
Demonstrate your collaborative mindset by preparing to discuss how you've worked with cross-functional teams in the past. Highlighting your ability to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical colleagues will be beneficial.
We think you need these skills to ace Project & Automation Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in automation and controls engineering, particularly within the food or manufacturing sectors. Emphasise any hands-on projects you've led or contributed to that align with the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for automation and machine control. Mention specific projects or experiences that demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to work collaboratively across teams.
Highlight Technical Skills: Clearly list your technical skills related to PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, and mechanical fabrication. Provide examples of how you've applied these skills in previous roles to improve production efficiency or solve complex problems.
Showcase Soft Skills: In addition to technical expertise, highlight your communication and mentoring abilities. Discuss any experience you have in supporting junior engineers or collaborating with cross-functional teams, as this is important for the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Collective Network Limited
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
Be prepared to discuss your experience with automation and controls engineering. Highlight specific projects where you've implemented PLCs, HMIs, or built control panels. This is your chance to demonstrate your hands-on problem-solving abilities.
✨Understand the Company’s Focus
Research the food manufacturing industry and the specific company you're interviewing with. Familiarise yourself with their products and any recent innovations in automation they may have adopted. This shows your genuine interest and helps you tailor your responses.
✨Prepare for Practical Questions
Expect technical questions that assess your knowledge of mechanical systems, wiring, and troubleshooting. Be ready to explain your thought process when faced with a problem, as this will showcase your analytical skills and hands-on experience.
✨Emphasise Collaboration and Communication
Since the role involves working across various teams, highlight your ability to communicate effectively and collaborate with others. Share examples of how you've mentored junior engineers or worked in a team to achieve project goals.
