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- Tasks: Take ownership of automation systems, driving standards and improving reliability.
- Company: Join Finsbury Food Group, a leading specialty bakery manufacturer.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, enhanced leave, pension scheme, and retail discounts.
- Other info: Opportunities for professional development and recognition in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a highly autonomous role with full accountability.
- Qualifications: Experience in Control & Automation Engineering and strong PLC knowledge required.
Location: Cardiff
Shift: Weekdays (with call-out support as required)
We have a new opportunity for an Automation Engineer within our Engineering team. As our Automation Engineer, you will act as the site’s sole automation specialist, taking full ownership of PLCs, robotics, vision systems, and control architecture. This is a highly autonomous role where you will drive automation standards, system reliability, and digital integration across the site. You will play a key role in reducing downtime, improving OEE, and ensuring robust, future-proof automation systems.
To be successful, you will take a structured and analytical approach to automation, with strong technical expertise and the confidence to challenge and improve existing systems. You’ll work closely with engineering, operations, and IT to ensure automation systems are reliable, compliant, and aligned with site and group standards. This is a new opportunity where you can truly make your mark, building and shaping automation systems with full ownership and accountability.
This is what you’ll actually do!
- Take ownership of all site PLC platforms, primarily Allen Bradley ControlLogix and CompactLogix, while also supporting Siemens, Omron, and Mitsubishi systems where required.
- Maintain and optimise robotic systems including ABB, Fanuc, and Mitsubishi, alongside supporting vision systems such as Keyence and Thingtrax.
- Lead structured root cause analysis for automation-related failures, implementing long-term corrective actions to reduce repeat issues and improve reliability.
- Develop, implement, and enforce PLC programming standards, ensuring consistency across naming conventions, documentation, alarm handling, and governance.
- Own all backup and version control processes, ensuring secure storage, change tracking, and full compliance with governance standards.
- Integrate PLC systems into SCADA/MES platforms, ensuring data integrity, accurate downtime capture, and reliable OEE reporting.
- Support capital projects from specification through to commissioning and validation, ensuring robust technical handovers.
- Collaborate with IT on network infrastructure, support machine safety systems, and provide coaching and guidance to engineers to build automation capability across the site.
Ideally this is you!
- Electrical/Electronic indentured apprenticeship trained.
- Degree/HND and equivalent experience in Control & Automation Engineering.
- Strong experience with Allen Bradley / Rockwell (Studio 5000).
- Experience working with Siemens, Omron, or Mitsubishi PLCs.
- Knowledge of robotics systems such as ABB, Fanuc, or Mitsubishi.
- Experience with industrial communication protocols (e.g. Ethernet/IP, Profibus, RS232/485).
- Experience integrating PLC systems with SCADA/MES platforms.
- Strong fault-finding and root cause analysis capability.
- Strong experience of machine safety principles and safety PLC systems.
- Experience with vision systems (Keyence, Thingtrax) (desirable).
- Detail-driven with strong documentation discipline and analytical mindset.
- Experience within fast-paced food manufacturing (desirable).
- Familiarity with Health & Safety and Food Safety regulations.
- Excellent Microsoft Office skills.
- Able to work independently while collaborating and communicating cross-functionally.
What’s in it for you:
- Enhanced Maternity & Paternity Leave to allow quality time with your new arrival!
- Enhanced Pension Scheme for our employees.
- Death in Service Benefit.
- Free Employee Assistance Programme (open to colleagues and their families).
- Retail discounts accessible via our Benefits Hub platform!
- Refer a Friend Scheme (up to £300 per referral – T&C’s dependent).
- Employee Recognition Awards.
- Extensive Learning & Development opportunities (including opportunities for sponsored professional memberships and our own in-house development course!).
Automation Engineer in Cardiff employer: 1111 recruitment Ltd
Contact Detail:
1111 recruitment Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Automation Engineer in Cardiff
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with fellow engineers on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your projects, especially those involving PLCs, robotics, and automation systems. This will give potential employers a clear idea of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on common automation engineering questions. Be ready to discuss your experience with Allen Bradley, Siemens, and other systems mentioned in the job description. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Automation Engineer in Cardiff
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Automation Engineer role. Highlight your experience with PLCs, robotics, and any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about automation and how you can contribute to our team. Be sure to mention specific experiences that relate to the job description.
Show Off Your Technical Skills: Don’t hold back on showcasing your technical expertise! Mention your experience with Allen Bradley, Siemens, and any other systems you've worked with. We love seeing candidates who are confident in their abilities.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at 1111 recruitment Ltd
✨Know Your PLCs Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Allen Bradley ControlLogix and CompactLogix systems, as well as Siemens, Omron, and Mitsubishi PLCs. Be prepared to discuss specific projects where you've implemented or optimised these systems, showcasing your technical expertise.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of how you've conducted root cause analysis for automation failures. Highlight the steps you took to implement long-term corrective actions and how these improved system reliability. This will demonstrate your structured and analytical approach to automation.
✨Understand the Bigger Picture
Familiarise yourself with how automation integrates with SCADA/MES platforms. Be ready to discuss how you've ensured data integrity and accurate downtime capture in previous roles. This shows that you can think beyond just the technical aspects and understand the operational impact.
✨Communicate Cross-Functionally
Since you'll be working closely with engineering, operations, and IT, practice articulating your ideas clearly and concisely. Prepare to discuss how you've collaborated with different teams in the past to achieve common goals, as this role requires strong communication skills.