Automation Engineer - Days in Liverpool

Employee benefits:

• Full-time colleagues receive 28 days of annual leave (inclusive of bank holidays), increasing to 33 days after 5 years of service. Annual leave is pro-rated for part-time or alternative working arrangements.
• Discounted onsite gym
• Contributable company pension scheme
• 10% store discount at all our retail stores
• Life Insurance for all colleagues
• MyHB colleague benefits platform with access to discounts UK wide on retail, leisure, hospitality venues
• Employee Assistance Programme with 24/7 confidential counselling and advice line
• Low cost voluntary insured health cash plans and cancer cover

Job Introduction

We are seeking an experienced and proactive Automation Engineer to support the operation, maintenance, and optimisation of our automated handling systems within a busy Distribution Centre. This role is essential in ensuring high levels of equipment availability, reliability, and performance to keep our operations running smoothly.

Working as part of the engineering shift team, you will be responsible for responding to faults, conducting planned preventative maintenance, and participating in continuous improvement initiatives. Your focus will be on both proactive and reactive engineering tasks, all while maintaining the highest standards of safety, quality, and operational efficiency.

In addition to your core responsibilities, you will provide vital escalation support in the absence of the Shift Manager, helping to lead and coordinate the engineering response. This is an excellent opportunity for a skilled engineer looking to make a tangible impact in a fast-paced, automated environment.

Job Overview

• Maintenance: Carry out regular upkeep of automation and material handling systems to minimise downtime and maximise operational efficiency.
• Fault response: Respond quickly to system breakdowns, performing accurate diagnosis and timely resolution to keep operations running.
• Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM): Complete scheduled maintenance activities to the required standards and within agreed timescales.
• System monitoring: Track and analyse system performance, highlighting recurring faults to support the development of permanent solutions.
• CMMS management: Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of all maintenance activities within the Computerised Maintenance Management System.
• Continuous improvement: Identify and escalate engineering improvements and help reduce the volume of reactive maintenance over time.
• Collaboration: Work closely with Shift Managers, fellow Engineers, and third-party contractors to ensure consistent service levels and teamwork.
• Health & Safety compliance: Follow all safety procedures, report hazards or unsafe behaviours, and contribute to a safe, well-maintained working environment.
• Technical troubleshooting: Use SCADA, PLCs, and engineering schematics to investigate faults and support efficient problem-solving.

Qualifications:

• Recognised Engineering Apprenticeship or equivalent formal training in electrical or mechanical engineering.
• Level 3 qualification such as NVQ, BTEC, or City & Guilds in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering.
• Proven experience in a similar Engineering role within an automated, FMCG, or high-throughput environment.
• Hands-on fault finding and repair experience in both electrical and mechanical systems.
• Strong understanding of automated handling systems such as conveyors or automated cranes.
• Working knowledge of Siemens PLCs, SCADA systems, and industrial communication networks (e.g., Profibus, AS-i).
• Ability to interpret technical documentation, including electrical/mechanical drawings and maintenance procedures.