At a Glance
- Tasks: Take ownership of automation systems, driving standards and improving reliability.
- Company: Join Memory Lane Cakes, a leading specialty bakery manufacturer.
- Benefits: Enjoy enhanced leave, pension schemes, retail discounts, and learning opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a growing organisation with excellent career development prospects.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic role with full accountability for automation.
- Qualifications: Experience in control and automation engineering, especially with PLCs and robotics.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Location: MLC – Memory Lane Cakes, Cardiff
Shift: Weekdays (with call-out support as required)
We have a new opportunity for an Automation Engineer within our Engineering team at Memory Lane Cakes, part of the Finsbury Food Group. As our Automation Engineer, you will act as the site’s sole automation specialist, taking full ownership of PLCs, robotics, vision systems, and control architecture. This is a highly autonomous role where you will drive automation standards, system reliability, and digital integration across the site. You will play a key role in reducing downtime, improving OEE, and ensuring robust, future-proof automation systems.
To be successful, you will take a structured and analytical approach to automation, with strong technical expertise and the confidence to challenge and improve existing systems. You’ll work closely with engineering, operations, and IT to ensure automation systems are reliable, compliant, and aligned with site and group standards. This is a new opportunity where you can truly make your mark, building and shaping automation systems with full ownership and accountability.
This is what you’ll actually do!
- You’ll take ownership of all site PLC platforms, primarily Allen Bradley ControlLogix and CompactLogix, while also supporting Siemens, Omron, and Mitsubishi systems where required.
- You’ll maintain and optimise robotic systems including ABB, Fanuc, and Mitsubishi, alongside supporting vision systems such as Keyence and Thingtrax.
- You’ll lead structured root-cause analysis for automation-related failures, implementing long-term corrective actions to reduce repeat issues and improve reliability.
- You’ll develop, implement, and enforce PLC programming standards, ensuring consistency across naming conventions, documentation, alarm handling, and governance.
- You’ll own all backup and version control processes, ensuring secure storage, change tracking, and full compliance with governance standards.
- Working closely with cross-functional teams, you’ll integrate PLC systems into SCADA/MES platforms, ensuring data integrity, accurate downtime capture, and reliable OEE reporting.
- You’ll also support capital projects from specification through to commissioning and validation, ensuring robust technical handovers.
- In addition, you’ll collaborate with IT on network infrastructure, support machine safety systems, and provide coaching and guidance to engineers to build automation capability across the site.
Ideally this is you!
- Electrical/Electronic indentured apprenticeship trained.
- Degree/HND and equivalent experience in Control & Automation Engineering.
- Strong experience with Allen Bradley / Rockwell (Studio 5000).
- Experience working with Siemens, Omron, or Mitsubishi PLCs.
- Knowledge of robotics systems such as ABB, Fanuc, or Mitsubishi.
- Experience with industrial communication protocols (e.g. Ethernet/IP, Profibus, RS232/485).
- Experience integrating PLC systems with SCADA/MES platforms.
- Strong fault-finding and root cause analysis capability.
- Strong experience of machine safety principles and safety PLC systems.
- Experience with vision systems (Keyence, Thingtrax) (desirable).
- Detail-driven with strong documentation discipline and analytical mindset.
- Experience within fast-paced food manufacturing (desirable).
- Familiarity with Health & Safety and Food Safety regulations.
- Excellent Microsoft Office skills.
- Able to work independently while collaborating and communicating cross-functionally.
What’s In It For You
- Enhanced Maternity & Paternity Leave to allow quality time with your new arrival.
- Enhanced Pension Scheme for our employees.
- Death in Service Benefit.
- Free Employee Assistance Programme (open to colleagues and their families).
- Retail discounts accessible via our Benefits Hub platform.
- Refer a Friend Scheme (up to £300 per referral – T&C’s dependent).
- Employee Recognition Awards.
- Extensive Learning & Development opportunities (including opportunities for sponsored professional memberships and our own in-house development course).
- An opportunity to be part of a fantastic, growing organisation.
Automation Engineer in Cardiff employer: Finsbury Food Group
At Memory Lane Cakes, part of the Finsbury Food Group, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer that values innovation and employee growth. Our supportive work culture fosters collaboration and autonomy, allowing you to take full ownership of your role as an Automation Engineer while benefiting from extensive learning opportunities and a comprehensive benefits package, including enhanced parental leave and a robust pension scheme. Join us in Cardiff and be part of a dynamic team dedicated to quality and efficiency in the specialty bakery industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Automation Engineer in Cardiff
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research Memory Lane Cakes and Finsbury Food Group, their values, and recent projects. This will help you tailor your conversations and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend industry events. Building relationships can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral, which is always a bonus!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to automation engineering. Think about how your experience with PLCs and robotics can solve their specific challenges. Confidence is key, so rehearse your answers!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Memory Lane Cakes.
We think you need these skills to ace Automation Engineer in Cardiff
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Skills:When you're writing your application, make sure to highlight your technical expertise and experience with PLCs, robotics, and control systems. We want to see how you can bring your skills to the table and drive automation standards at Memory Lane Cakes.
Be Specific About Your Experience:Don't just list your previous roles; dive into the details! Share specific examples of projects you've worked on, especially those involving Allen Bradley or Siemens systems. This helps us understand how you can contribute to our team right from the start.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure your application speaks directly to the job description. Use similar language and keywords that we’ve included, like 'root-cause analysis' and 'OEE reporting'. This shows us you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the role.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates about your application status!
How to prepare for a job interview at Finsbury Food Group
✨Know Your PLCs Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Allen Bradley ControlLogix and CompactLogix systems, as well as Siemens, Omron, and Mitsubishi PLCs. Be ready to discuss specific projects where you've used these systems and how you tackled challenges.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of how you've conducted root-cause analysis for automation failures. Highlight your structured approach to identifying issues and implementing long-term solutions that improved system reliability.
✨Demonstrate Cross-Functional Collaboration
Since this role involves working closely with engineering, operations, and IT, think of instances where you've successfully collaborated with different teams. Be ready to explain how you ensured alignment and compliance with standards across departments.
✨Highlight Your Documentation Discipline
As attention to detail is crucial, be prepared to discuss your experience with documentation and governance in automation projects. Share how you've maintained consistency in naming conventions, alarm handling, and version control processes.
