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- Tasks: Ensure automated systems run smoothly and efficiently while driving continuous improvement.
- Company: Join a leading company known for quality, innovation, and a people-first culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, great holiday allowance, life assurance, and development opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible working hours with opportunities for travel and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: NVQ Level 2 in Electrical/Mechanical Engineering and experience in maintenance engineering.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
We are a company that takes pride in our people as it is our people who are at the centre of everything that we do. We have multi‑category expertise with a focus on quality and innovation. We deliver what customers need and consumers want with expert taste and growth mindset. Our business began with meat, and we've developed a market‑leading expertise with unmatched quality globally. We’re always investing in new technology to deliver more value, efficiency and consumer‑led innovative solutions.
We are looking for a professional and experienced Automation Maintenance Engineer to join our growing Engineering team. The Automation Maintenance Engineer is responsible for ensuring the reliability, efficiency, and continuous operation of automated systems and equipment within the facility. The role’s purpose is to support production and logistics objectives by executing proactive maintenance, optimising system performance, and driving continuous improvement. By applying technical expertise across electrical, mechanical, and automation systems, the engineer contributes directly to safe, compliant, and high‑performing systems.
Key responsibilities:- Carry out planned preventative maintenance (PPM) on automated equipment and control systems to ensure optimal performance and reliability.
- Diagnose and rectify faults on electrical, mechanical, and automation systems, minimising downtime and production disruption.
- Respond promptly to breakdowns, applying effective root cause analysis and implementing corrective actions.
- Maintain and update automation systems including PLCs, HMIs, SCADA, and associated control equipment.
- Support continuous improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing equipment efficiency, reliability and safety.
- Work collaboratively with production and engineering teams to identify and implement process improvements.
- Ensure all maintenance activities are conducted in line with health and safety regulations and company procedures.
- Maintain accurate maintenance records, documentation, and reports using the company’s maintenance management system.
- Assist with the installation, commissioning, and validation of new equipment and automation systems.
- Manage spare parts usage and contribute to inventory control to ensure availability of critical components.
- Provide technical support and guidance to colleagues and operators where required.
- Ensure compliance with relevant industry standards, quality requirements, and regulatory obligations.
- NVQ Level 2 (or equivalent) in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering.
- Additional technical certifications in automation or control systems are desirable.
- Proven experience in a maintenance engineering role within a highly automated manufacturing or industrial environment.
- Experience delivering planned preventative maintenance (PPM) on automated equipment and control systems.
- Experience working with maintenance management systems (CMMS) and maintaining accurate records.
- Strong understanding of automation systems.
- Knowledge of electrical and mechanical maintenance principles and practices.
- Familiarity with health and safety regulations and safe systems of work (e.g., risk assessments, permit to work).
- Awareness of industry standards and best practice in maintenance and engineering.
- Contracted to a 40‑hour working week, with hours scheduled in line with production and maintenance requirements rather than a fixed pattern.
- Flexibility to work varied hours, including early starts, late finishes, nights, weekends or shift patterns as required to support planned maintenance activities.
- Working hours may need to be adjusted at short notice to meet operational and service demands.
- Ability to work in temperature‑controlled environments, typically between –2°C and 5°C.
- Willingness to travel to suppliers or other group sites as required, including potential international travel.
- Aviva DigiCare+
- Great package with competitive holiday allowance
- Life assurance of minimum two times yearly salary
- Opportunities for development and internal promotion
- Cycle to work scheme
- Share Save scheme
- Variety of discounts at well‑known retailers and gyms
- Free car parking on site
- Subsidised canteen
- Enhanced Maternity/Paternity
Automation Maintenance Engineer employer: Hilton Foods Group plc
Contact Detail:
Hilton Foods Group plc Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Automation Maintenance Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the engineering field, especially those who work in automation. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that might not even be advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Get your hands dirty! If you can, try to gain some practical experience or volunteer for projects related to automation systems. This will not only boost your CV but also give you real-world examples to discuss during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your technical knowledge. Be ready to talk about your experience with PLCs, HMIs, and SCADA systems. We want to see how you can contribute to our continuous improvement initiatives!
✨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 you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at Hilton Food Group.
We think you need these skills to ace Automation Maintenance Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Automation Maintenance Engineer role. Highlight your relevant experience in maintenance engineering, especially with automated systems. We want to see how your skills match 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 this role and how your background makes you a perfect fit. Don’t forget to mention any specific achievements that demonstrate your expertise.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: We love seeing technical skills in action! Be sure to include any certifications or training you've completed related to electrical, mechanical, or automation systems. This will help us understand your qualifications at a glance.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s super easy and ensures your application goes directly to us. Plus, we can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hilton Foods Group plc
✨Know Your Automation Systems
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of PLCs, HMIs, and SCADA systems. Be ready to discuss how you've maintained or improved these systems in past roles. This shows you're not just familiar with the tech but can also apply it effectively.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of how you've diagnosed and rectified faults in automated systems. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, highlighting your ability to minimise downtime and enhance efficiency.
✨Emphasise Safety and Compliance
Familiarise yourself with health and safety regulations relevant to maintenance engineering. Be ready to discuss how you've ensured compliance in previous roles, as this is crucial for the position and shows you take safety seriously.
✨Collaborate and Communicate
Since the role involves working with production and engineering teams, think of examples where you've successfully collaborated on process improvements. Highlight your communication skills and how they contributed to team success.