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- Tasks: Join our team to optimise and maintain automated production systems at Stourton Dairy.
- Company: Arla Foods, a global leader in sustainable dairy production.
- Benefits: Enjoy 24 days holiday, pension matching, and exclusive discounts.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced environment while enhancing your engineering skills.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in automation with strong problem-solving and communication skills.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to sustainability and innovation.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 50000 £ per year.
We’re looking for a skilled and proactive Automation Engineer to join our Engineering team at Stourton Dairy. You’ll play a key role in ensuring the efficiency, reliability, and continuous improvement of our automated production and packaging systems.
Working in a close-knit Automation/IT team, you’ll collaborate with production and process teams to troubleshoot, maintain, and optimise equipment and support both site and central projects from conception to delivery.
About the Role
The successful candidate will be responsible for:
- Performing structured troubleshooting on industrial controls systems and networks
- Providing support during breakdowns and coordinating with internal teams and external vendors
- Maintaining, monitoring, and optimising automation infrastructure — PLCs, HMIs, industrial networks, drives (VFDs/servos) — plus the supporting IT/OT layer (servers, switches, SCADA)
- Coaching and mentoring colleagues to strengthen automation skills across the department
- Own and delivering Continuous Improvement (CI) projects
- Supporting capital and local engineering projects from design through to implementation
- Investigating equipment issues, performing root cause analysis, and implementing corrective actions
- Collaborating across departments to ensure compliance with Health, Safety, Environmental (HSE), regulatory and quality standards.
About You
You’re an experienced, self-starting Automation Engineer with strong technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and a continuous improvement mindset. You thrive in fast-paced environments and enjoy working both independently and as part of cross-functional teams.
Essential Qualifications & Skills
- Time-served apprenticeship with HNC/HND (or equivalent) in Engineering.
- 5+ years of experience in an automated FMCG production environment.
- Proficiency in VFDs and servo drives (Danfoss, Siemens)
- Familiarity with virtualisation and backup/recovery systems (vSphere, Veeam)
- IPV4 subnetting and routing
- Machinery safety and safety PLCs
- Obsolescence management
- Clear and confident communicator across technical and non-technical teams.
- Demonstrated experience leading CI initiatives and delivering measurable results.
- Committed to safety and quality in all aspects of engineering work.
- Skilled in using SAP or similar CMMS systems.
Benefits
- 24 days holiday (additional can be purchased)
- Employer pension matched up to 6%
- 4x annual salary life assurance cover
- Reward gateway scheme – discounts with various retailers via My Benefits platform.
- Staff shop
Arla is a global leader in the dairy industry, committed to producing high-quality products while championing sustainability and innovation. We\’re passionate about people and our planet, striving to unleash the full potential in each of us. Our goal is to make healthy dairy nutrition and good food habits accessible to all. Join us at Arla Foods and become part of a worldwide cooperative dedicated to making a significant impact on the planet and steering the dairy industry towards a sustainable future.
We are devoted to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and empowered to bring their authentic selves to work. Diversity and collaboration are key to our success, propelling us to new heights in the dairy industry.
Arla Foods is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates.
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Automation Engineer - Stourton employer: Arla Foods Deutschland GmbH
Contact Detail:
Arla Foods Deutschland GmbH Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Automation Engineer - Stourton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at Arla Foods on LinkedIn or through industry events. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your technical skills and examples of past projects. Be ready to discuss how you've tackled challenges in automation and continuous improvement—show them you're the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to showcase your soft skills! Being a clear communicator and a team player is just as important as your technical know-how. Share stories that highlight your collaboration with cross-functional teams.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining the Arla team.
We think you need these skills to ace Automation Engineer - Stourton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Automation Engineer role. Highlight your technical expertise, especially in PLCs and VFDs, and don’t forget to mention any CI projects you've led!
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 your background makes you a perfect fit for our team at Stourton Dairy. Keep it engaging and personal.
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills: In your application, give examples of how you've tackled challenges in previous roles. We love candidates who can demonstrate their troubleshooting abilities and continuous improvement mindset!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows us you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Arla Foods Deutschland GmbH
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of PLCs, HMIs, and VFDs. Be ready to discuss specific systems you've worked with, like Danfoss or Siemens, and how you've optimised them in past roles. This will show that you're not just familiar with the tech but can also apply it effectively.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of how you've tackled troubleshooting in automated environments. Think about a time when you performed root cause analysis and implemented corrective actions. Being able to articulate these experiences will demonstrate your proactive approach and technical prowess.
✨Emphasise Continuous Improvement
Since the role involves leading CI initiatives, come prepared with specific projects you've led or contributed to. Discuss measurable results you've achieved and how you coached others in the process. This will highlight your commitment to improvement and teamwork.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Practice explaining complex technical concepts in simple terms. You'll need to collaborate with both technical and non-technical teams, so being able to communicate effectively is key. Consider doing mock interviews with friends to refine your delivery and boost your confidence.
