At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead automation projects, improve system reliability, and support engineering teams.
- Company: Top UK FMCG manufacturer with a focus on innovation and sustainability.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development, and a collaborative work culture.
- Other info: Exciting opportunities for growth in a fast-paced, performance-driven setting.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make a real impact in a high-tech production environment.
- Qualifications: HNC/HND in Electrical/Automation Engineering and Siemens PLC experience required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Our client is a leading UK-based FMCG manufacturer and part of a well-established international food group, operating across multiple global markets. With a strong portfolio of recognised consumer brands, the business holds a significant position within the UK snacking category and continues to invest in innovation, automation and sustainable growth. One of its key manufacturing sites, based in Leicestershire, is a high-volume, technologically advanced facility with a long-standing heritage in food production. The site plays a critical role within the wider UK operation, supplying major retailers and supporting ongoing expansion. The organisation is known for its collaborative culture, commitment to quality and continuous improvement and its focus on developing talent within a fast-paced, performance-driven environment.
The Opportunity
This role offers the chance to take a site-wide technical lead position, combining hands-on problem solving with longer-term capability building. You’ll play a key role in improving reliability, reducing downtime and developing the engineering team. A strong background in manufacturing engineering/maintenance with proven experience of Siemens PLC systems (essential). Experience of working within a high-speed, automated production environment ideal.
The Role:
- Ensure reliability, safety and performance of automation systems.
- Deliver CAPEX projects from concept to handover, on time and within budget.
- Manage automation upgrades, installations, and obsolescence programs.
- Work with contractors, suppliers and internal teams on project delivery.
- Maintain automation standards, documentation and system compliance.
- Support training and development of site teams in automation systems.
- Ensure all work meets Health & Safety, environmental and statutory requirements.
- Provide out-of-hours support when required.
Automation Engineer - The Person:
- HNC/HND (or equivalent) in Electrical/Automation Engineering.
- Strong electrical and PLC experience (Siemens Step 7/TIA preferred).
- Background in FMCG, manufacturing, or production environments.
- Experience in project engineering and CAPEX delivery.
- Knowledge of MES, networks and automation systems.
- Strong fault-finding, problem-solving and organisational skills.
- Good communication and ability to work cross-functionally.
- Self-motivated, flexible, and safety-focused.
- Willing to travel and provide occasional out-of-hours support.
Located in Leicestershire, this role would be commutable from Burton Upon Trent, Derby, Coalville, Tamworth and other surrounding areas.
Automation Engineer in England employer: Automation Experts Ltd
As a leading UK-based FMCG manufacturer, our client offers an exceptional work environment in Leicestershire, characterised by a collaborative culture and a commitment to innovation and sustainability. Employees benefit from continuous professional development opportunities, a focus on quality, and the chance to lead impactful projects within a technologically advanced facility that plays a vital role in the UK snacking market. Join a team that values your expertise and supports your growth in a fast-paced, performance-driven setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Automation Engineer in England
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with current employees at the company you're eyeing. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren't even advertised!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and showcasing your hands-on experience with Siemens PLC systems. We all know that confidence is key, so the more you rehearse, the better you'll perform!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your problem-solving skills! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've tackled challenges in high-speed automated environments. This will demonstrate your capability and fit for the role.
✨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 take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Automation Engineer in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the Automation Engineer role. Highlight your experience with Siemens PLC systems and any relevant projects you've worked on in high-speed, automated environments. 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 client's commitment to innovation and quality. Keep it concise but impactful – we love a good story!
Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills:In your application, don’t just list your skills; give us examples of how you've tackled challenges in previous roles. Whether it's reducing downtime or improving system reliability, we want to know how you’ve made a difference in past positions.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you get all the updates. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Automation Experts Ltd
✨Know Your Automation Systems
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Siemens PLC systems, as this is essential for the role. Be prepared to discuss specific projects where you've implemented or improved automation systems, and how you tackled any challenges that arose.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Since the role involves hands-on problem solving, think of examples from your past experience where you successfully resolved issues in a high-speed automated environment. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
✨Understand the Company Culture
Research the company’s commitment to quality and continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their collaborative culture and support the development of the engineering team, showing that you align with their values.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare insightful questions about their current automation projects, future innovations, or how they support employee development. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.
