At a Glance
- Tasks: Ensure automated systems run smoothly and efficiently while driving continuous improvement.
- Company: A leading company in quality and innovation, focused on people and technology.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holiday allowance, and various employee perks.
- Other info: Flexible working hours with opportunities for growth and development.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make a real impact in automation and engineering.
- Qualifications: NVQ Level 2 in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering and maintenance experience.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
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 they are at the centre of everything that we do. We have multi‑category expertise with a focus on quality and innovation, delivering 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, 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, supporting production and logistics objectives by executing proactive maintenance, optimising system performance and driving continuous improvement.
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.
- 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+.
- 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 retail and gyms.
- Free car parking on site.
- Subsidised canteen.
- Enhanced maternity/paternity.
Automation Maintenance Engineer employer: Hilton Foods
At our Huntingdon facility, we prioritise our employees, fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration that empowers our team to excel. As an Automation Maintenance Engineer, you will benefit from competitive remuneration, a supportive work environment, and numerous opportunities for professional growth, including access to development programmes and internal promotions. With additional perks such as a cycle to work scheme, generous holiday allowance, and a subsidised canteen, we ensure that our staff feel valued and motivated in their roles.
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 aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical skills and knowledge of automation systems. We recommend practising common interview questions related to maintenance engineering so you can showcase your expertise confidently.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to highlight your problem-solving skills! When discussing your experience, share specific examples of how you've diagnosed and rectified faults in automated systems. This will show potential employers that you can handle the pressure.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our team and contributing to our innovative solutions.
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, especially in maintenance engineering and automation 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 you can contribute to our team. Keep it concise but engaging – we love a good story!
Show Off Your Technical Skills:Don’t forget to showcase your technical expertise in electrical and mechanical engineering. Mention any certifications or specific systems you've worked with, like PLCs or SCADA. We’re keen on seeing your hands-on experience!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hilton Foods
✨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 worked with these technologies in the past, as well as any specific challenges you've faced and how you overcame them.
✨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 improve efficiency.
✨Emphasise Continuous Improvement
Be ready to talk about any continuous improvement initiatives you've been involved in. Discuss how you identified areas for enhancement and the impact your contributions had on equipment reliability and safety.
✨Understand Health and Safety Regulations
Familiarise yourself with relevant health and safety regulations and be prepared to discuss how you've ensured compliance in your previous roles. This shows that you prioritise safety while maintaining operational efficiency.
