Automation Maintenance Engineer in Huntingdon

Role: Automation Maintenance Engineer

Shift: Mixed – days, nights and some weekends

Type: Permanent

Location: Huntingdon

Salary: Competitive

About us: 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.

What we are looking for: 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.

Required experience/expertise:

• 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.

Working requirements:

• 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.

What you get in return:

• 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