At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead automation projects, improve system reliability, and support engineering team development.
- Company: Top UK FMCG manufacturer with a focus on innovation and sustainability.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, BUPA healthcare, annual bonus, and matched pension.
- Other info: Great career growth opportunities in a collaborative and fast-paced 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 36000 - 44000 £ 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.
- Automation Engineer
- £55-60k + BUPA, 5% Annual Bonus, Matched Pension (7%)
Leicestershire.
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.
Automation Engineer - 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.
For further information call
Sharon Hill.
Automation Engineer in England employer: Automation Experts
At Automation Experts, we pride ourselves on being a supportive and dynamic employer, where your personality and contributions truly matter. Located in Shifnal, our small yet professional team offers a friendly work culture, opportunities for personal growth, and the chance to take on new challenges in a fast-paced environment. With excellent transport links and free parking, we ensure that our employees can thrive both professionally and personally.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Automation Engineer in England
✨Get Involved in Local Automation Meetups
We can’t stress this enough – getting your face out there in the automation and control systems community can really set you apart. Look for local meetups or workshops where you can chat with industry professionals, learn about what’s trending, and even discover hidden job gems. Who knows, you might meet someone from a company like Automation Experts!
✨Show Off Your Projects
Make sure you have a portfolio of your work ready to roll. Whether it’s academic projects, internships or personal experiments, showcase how you’ve tackled automation challenges. When you apply for the Automation Engineer position at Automation Experts, linking your portfolio gives your application that extra oomph and demonstrates your practical knowledge.
✨Leverage Your Uni Career Services
If you’re fresh out of uni, don’t forget about your career services! Many universities have established connections with companies in the automation field. They may know when Automation Experts is looking for fresh talent or even have internships that lead to full-time positions. So, hit them up!
✨Keep an Eye on Industry Certifications
While hunting for roles, consider getting certified in relevant automation technologies. It shows dedication and gives you a leg up in the job market. Plus, many organisations offer job boards or networking events to certified professionals. This might just lead you to that coveted Automation Engineer role at Automation Experts!
We think you need these skills to ace Automation Engineer in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for an automation-control-systems role, it’s crucial to highlight your technical skills. Whether it's your proficiency in programming languages like Python or understanding control systems, make sure your CV showcases these prominently. Don't forget to mention any specific software or tools you're experienced with – that’s music to the ears of hiring managers!
Tailor Your Projects to Automation:If you've worked on any relevant projects, especially those involving automation or control systems, make them stand out in your CV. Use a dedicated section to highlight these projects, explaining your role and the impact of your contributions. This could be the difference between getting noticed and getting overlooked!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tell us why you’re passionate about automation-control-systems! Discuss specific experiences that sparked your interest in this field. Maybe it's a university project or a previous job that truly got you hooked. We love seeing that spark! Make sure to reference how you can contribute to Automation Experts and its goals.
Quantify Your Achievements:In the world of automation, results matter. When listing your experiences, quantify your achievements wherever possible. Did you improve system efficiency by a percentage? Did you reduce downtime? Putting numbers to your successes not only demonstrates your impact but also lets us see the tangible outcomes of your efforts. It makes your application pop!
How to prepare for a job interview at Automation Experts
✨Master Your Technical Knowledge
In the automation control systems field, you need to brush up on your technical know-how. Be prepared to talk about specific control systems you’ve worked with, such as PLCs or SCADA systems, and expect technical questions or even hands-on problem-solving scenarios during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Whether it's freelance projects or your academic work, come ready to showcase your portfolio of automation projects. Bring along any diagrams, code samples, or automation solutions you’ve implemented—these can really set you apart and demonstrate your applied skills to Automation Experts.
✨Understand Industry Trends
Stay updated on the latest trends in automation technologies and methodologies, like Industry 4.0 or IIoT. We'll want to discuss how these concepts may affect the role and future projects at Automation Experts, so showing that you're knowledgeable about current and emerging technologies can give you an edge.
✨Commit to Continuous Learning
As this is a full-time role, it's essential to express your eagerness for continuous improvement and learning. Share how you plan to enhance your skills and keep pace with the evolution of automation in the workforce – companies love candidates who are committed to growth and adaptability.