At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dynamic team to design and develop innovative automation solutions.
- Company: Specialist engineering business focused on automation and control systems.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and opportunities for travel.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on health and safety.
- Why this job: Make an impact in diverse industries while working on exciting projects.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in automation with Siemens platforms and strong problem-solving skills.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
We’re currently looking for an experienced Automation Engineer to join a specialist engineering business delivering automation and control system solutions across a range of process industries.
Working as part of a multi-disciplinary engineering team, you will be involved throughout the full project lifecycle, from initial design and software development through to testing, commissioning and client handover.
This role would suit a proactive and resourceful engineer with strong automation experience and a solid understanding of process engineering environments.
The position is primarily office-based in Widnes, although occasional travel within the UK and overseas will be required to support project delivery and commissioning activities.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop project documentation including Functional Design Specifications (FDS), Software Design Specifications (SDS) and Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) procedures.
- Design, program and develop PLC, HMI and SCADA software solutions.
- Support the production of wider project documentation including System Architecture drawings and I/O schedules.
• Carry out commissioning activities including
- I/O testing
- Equipment configuration over fieldbus networks
- PID loop setup and optimisation
- Water and process/product testing
- Troubleshoot and modify existing control systems.
- Collaborate with process, electrical and mechanical engineers to deliver integrated automation solutions.
- Must-Have Skills & Experience
- Minimum 5 years' experience working with Siemens automation platforms.
- Experience programming PLC systems from scratch using P&IDs and process descriptions.
- Experience with SCADA systems and HMI development.
- Knowledge of Ethernet-based PLC communications.
• Experience with industrial networks including
- Profibus
- Profinet
- AS-i
- IO-Link
• Experience controlling and programming
- Variable Speed Drives (VSDs)
- Instrumentation, Control valves
- Ability to design control systems from P&IDs and Process Data Sheets.
- Experience generating technical project documentation.
- Experience working within a process engineering environment.
- Strong Microsoft Office skills.
Desirable
- Experience with Aveva SCADA systems.
- Knowledge of VMware and virtualised environments.
- Understanding of SQL databases.
- Experience with Visual Basic or other high-level programming languages.
- Understanding of liquid process systems.
Qualifications
- An Engineering Degree, HNC/HND or equivalent technical qualification is preferred.
- However, candidates with significant relevant automation and control systems experience will also be considered.
- Personal Attributes
- Strong problem‑solving and fault‑finding skills.
- Proactive and resourceful approach.
- Excellent communication skills.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Strong planning and organisational abilities.
- Commitment to health and safety standards.
If you are an experienced Automation Engineer looking to work on complex automation and control projects within a growing engineering team, we'd love to hear from you.
Please note: This is a UK permanent role, and candidates will require existing eligibility to work in the UK to be considered for this role.
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Automation Engineer in Widnes employer: Dats Recruitment
DATS Recruitment is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Cleveleys where collaboration and innovation thrive. With competitive pay and a focus on employee development, we provide opportunities for growth within the civil engineering sector, making this role not just a job, but a meaningful career path. Our commitment to local talent ensures that you can work close to home, minimising travel expenses while contributing to significant construction projects.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Automation Engineer in Widnes
✨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 Dats Recruitment!
✨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 Dats Recruitment, 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 Dats Recruitment 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 Dats Recruitment!
We think you need these skills to ace Automation Engineer in Widnes
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 Dats Recruitment 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 Dats Recruitment
✨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 Dats Recruitment.
✨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 Dats Recruitment, 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.
