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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to optimise and maintain automated production systems in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Arla Foods, a global leader in sustainable dairy production.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 24 days holiday, pension scheme, and career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the dairy industry while working with cutting-edge automation technology.
- Qualifications: 5 years experience in automation and strong technical skills required.
- Other info: Collaborative culture focused on diversity and personal growth.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Location: Stourton Dairy, Arla Foods
Job Type: Full Time
Shift Pattern: 4-on/4-off 12 hour day shifts. 06:00-18:00
About the Role
We are looking for a skilled and proactive Automation Engineer to join our Engineering team at Stourton Dairy. You will 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 will collaborate with production and process teams to troubleshoot, maintain, and optimise equipment and support both site and central projects from conception to delivery.
Key Responsibilities
- Perform structured troubleshooting on industrial controls systems and networks
- Provide support during breakdowns and coordinate with internal teams and external vendors
- Maintain, monitor, and optimise automation infrastructure PLCs, HMIs, industrial networks, drives (VFDs/servos) plus the supporting IT/OT layer (servers, switches, SCADA)
- Coach and mentor colleagues to strengthen automation skills across the department
- Own and deliver Continuous Improvement (CI) projects
- Support capital and local engineering projects from design through to implementation
- Investigate equipment issues, perform root cause analysis, and implement corrective actions
- Collaborate across departments to ensure compliance with Health, Safety, Environmental (HSE), regulatory and quality standards.
About You
You are 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. You are able to coordinate and communicate between external specialists and across all levels within the site, as well as sharing knowledge within the wider engineering team.
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: PLC programming (Step 7 classic, TIA Portal, Studio 5000), Hardware diagnostics, Industrial networks (Profinet, Profibus, AS-i), VFDs and servo drives (Danfoss, Siemens)
- Familiarity with: SCADA (Aveva System Platform), 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
- Competitive salary
- 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.
- Strong career development & training
- Staff shop
Shape the Future of Dairy
Arla is a global leader in the dairy industry, committed to producing high-quality products while championing sustainability and innovation. We are 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.
Locations
Automation Engineer in Leeds, Yorkshire employer: Arla Foods Plc
Contact Detail:
Arla Foods Plc Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Automation Engineer in Leeds, Yorkshire
✨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 us insider info and might just get your foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your technical skills. Be ready to discuss your experience with PLC programming and troubleshooting. We want to see how you can bring your expertise to our team!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your continuous improvement mindset! Think of examples where you've led CI initiatives or solved complex problems. We love candidates who can demonstrate their impact on efficiency and reliability.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows us you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at Arla Foods.
We think you need these skills to ace Automation Engineer in Leeds, Yorkshire
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Automation Engineer role. Highlight your relevant experience, especially in automated FMCG production environments, and showcase your technical skills like PLC programming and hardware diagnostics.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for our team at Stourton Dairy. Mention specific projects or experiences that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities and continuous improvement mindset.
Showcase Your Team Spirit: We love collaboration! In your application, mention any experiences where you've worked with cross-functional teams or mentored colleagues. This shows us you can communicate effectively across all levels and contribute to our close-knit environment.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about what we do at Arla Foods.
How to prepare for a job interview at Arla Foods Plc
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
As an Automation Engineer, you’ll need to be well-versed in PLC programming and industrial networks. Brush up on your knowledge of Step 7, TIA Portal, and Profinet before the interview. Be ready to discuss specific projects where you’ve applied these skills.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare to share examples of how you've tackled complex troubleshooting scenarios. Think about a time when you had to coordinate with internal teams or external vendors during a breakdown. Highlight your approach to root cause analysis and corrective actions.
✨Emphasise Continuous Improvement
Since the role involves leading CI initiatives, come prepared with examples of past projects where you’ve delivered measurable results. Discuss how you’ve coached colleagues to enhance their automation skills and contributed to a culture of continuous improvement.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
You’ll need to liaise with both technical and non-technical teams, so practice explaining complex concepts in simple terms. Be ready to demonstrate your communication style and how you ensure compliance with HSE and quality standards in your work.
