Automation Engineer

Automation Engineer

Howden Full-Time 36000 - 60000 Β£ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead automation projects, improve manufacturing processes, and coach engineering teams.
  • Company: Howdens Joinery is the UK's top trade kitchen supplier with over 900 depots.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, bonus scheme, free meals, and generous holiday allowance.
  • Why this job: Join a dynamic team focused on innovation, sustainability, and career growth.
  • Qualifications: Must have HNC in Electrical Engineering and 5 years' experience in FMCG.
  • Other info: Work night shifts with 7 days off; be part of a top-rated company culture.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 Β£ per year.

Howden Joinery are looking for Automation Engineer to join the Engineering Department at our Manufacturing Site at Howden, East Yorkshire.

As an Automation Engineer, you will be responsible for the programming and development of automation and control systems to ensure the engineering design is robust and reliable. Acting as the site’s technical lead, the post holder will be well versed in fault-finding while delivering on continuous improvement projects across areas of manufacturing safety, quality, productivity, and efficiency.

This is a key role within Howdens, whereby the Automation Engineer will work cross-functionally. Therefore, the ability to build trusted working relationships and make decisions that will benefit all concerned is vital to the success of the role.

What you will be doing as an Automation Engineer:

  • Organising automation, electrical, and PLC design projects by identifying short-term, and long-range issues; preparing timetables, cost estimates, and detailed documentation on project completion
  • Develop and implement projects to drive improvement in manufacturing availability, product quality, employee safety and process efficiency.
  • Develop knowledge of the manufacturing process and operating sequences of the manufacturing processes and cascade with maintenance teams.
  • Develop knowledge and application of automation skills and techniques to drive improvement and cascade with maintenance teams.
  • Implement plant/process development opportunities that improve Safety, Quality, Cost and Delivery.
  • Coach and develop the maintenance engineering team members’ knowledge of machine control and automation systems.
  • What we can offer you as an Automation Engineer:

  • Competitive salary and bonus scheme
  • Excellent pension scheme (company contribution of up to 12%)
  • Free daily meal at on site canteen
  • 25 days holiday + bank holidays per year & opportunity to buy extra holidays.
  • Share save scheme.
  • Exceptional reward and recognition events
  • Shift pattern:

  • Week 1 – Wednesday, Thursday, Friday – 6am-6pm
  • Week 2 – Monday, Tuesday – 6am-6pm, Wednesday, Thursday – 6pm-6am
  • Week 3 – Sunday, Monday, Tuesday – 6pm-6am
  • 7 days off
  • What do you need to qualify for the Automation Engineer:

  • Time served Electrical Engineer, Automation / Controls apprentice or have a minimum of 5 years post qualification work experience within an FMCG environment.
  • Minimum of HNC in Electrical Engineering or equivalent
  • Ability to fault find and implement program modifications on a range of PLCs & SCADA, Robotics
  • Knowledge of parameterisation and commissioning of servo drives and inverters.
  • Experience of fault-finding on industrial communication networks
  • Experience of designing and modifying control circuits and program logic
  • Delivery of change management activities
  • About Howdens:

    Howdens Joinery is the UK’s number one trade kitchen supplier providing thousands of products across kitchens, joinery, and hardware. We have over 900 depots throughout the UK and Europe – making us the first choice for more than 460,000 loyal trade professionals. With an ambitious and credible growth plan, we continue to build on our Β£2.3 billion sales made last year.

    There is a strong entrepreneurial ethos and the opportunity to develop within a fast-paced and commercial environment. That, along with a competitive salary, development opportunities, and exciting rewards, are among the reasons why our people enjoy working for Howdens – and why we have been named as one of the 10 Best Big Companies to Work For.

    We are building a future where world-class service, innovation, and sustainability are embedded within our DNA. If Howdens sounds like the kind of place where you can build and develop your career, then we are keen to hear from you.

    #LI-LH1

    #hjc24

    Automation Engineer employer: Howdens

    Howdens Joinery is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration within the Engineering Department at our Howden manufacturing site. With competitive salaries, a robust pension scheme, and opportunities for professional growth, employees are encouraged to develop their skills while contributing to meaningful projects that enhance safety, quality, and efficiency. Our commitment to employee well-being is reflected in benefits like free meals, generous holiday allowances, and recognition events, making Howdens a rewarding place to build your career.
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    Contact Detail:

    Howdens Recruiting Team

    StudySmarter Expert Advice 🀫

    We think this is how you could land Automation Engineer

    ✨Tip Number 1

    Familiarise yourself with the specific automation technologies and PLCs mentioned in the job description. Understanding the tools and systems used at Howdens will not only help you during the interview but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.

    ✨Tip Number 2

    Network with current or former employees of Howdens, especially those in engineering roles. They can provide valuable insights into the company culture and expectations, which can be beneficial when discussing your fit for the position.

    ✨Tip Number 3

    Prepare to discuss specific examples of past projects where you've implemented automation solutions or improved manufacturing processes. Highlighting your hands-on experience will showcase your capability to contribute effectively from day one.

    ✨Tip Number 4

    Demonstrate your ability to work cross-functionally by preparing examples of how you've collaborated with different teams in previous roles. This will align with Howdens' emphasis on building trusted working relationships across departments.

    We think you need these skills to ace Automation Engineer

    PLC Programming
    SCADA Systems
    Robotics Knowledge
    Electrical Engineering
    Fault-Finding Skills
    Control Circuit Design
    Program Logic Modification
    Servo Drives and Inverters Commissioning
    Industrial Communication Networks
    Continuous Improvement Methodologies
    Project Management
    Cross-Functional Collaboration
    Coaching and Mentoring
    Problem-Solving Skills
    Attention to Detail

    Some tips for your application 🫑

    Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in automation and control systems. Emphasise your fault-finding skills and any projects you've led that align with the responsibilities of the Automation Engineer role.

    Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for automation engineering and your understanding of Howdens' values. Mention specific examples of how your skills can contribute to their continuous improvement projects.

    Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly state your qualifications, such as your HNC in Electrical Engineering or equivalent, and any certifications related to PLCs, SCADA, or robotics. This will demonstrate your technical expertise and suitability for the role.

    Showcase Soft Skills: In your application, mention your ability to build trusted working relationships and make decisions that benefit all stakeholders. These soft skills are crucial for the cross-functional nature of the Automation Engineer position.

    How to prepare for a job interview at Howdens

    ✨Understand the Role

    Make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of an Automation Engineer at Howdens. Familiarise yourself with automation and control systems, as well as the specific technologies mentioned in the job description, such as PLCs and SCADA.

    ✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills

    Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully fault-finded and implemented program modifications in previous roles. Highlight your experience with continuous improvement projects and how they benefited manufacturing processes.

    ✨Emphasise Team Collaboration

    Since the role requires cross-functional collaboration, be ready to talk about your experience working with different teams. Share examples of how you've built trusted relationships and made decisions that positively impacted your colleagues and the project outcomes.

    ✨Prepare Questions

    Have a few insightful questions ready to ask your interviewers. This could include inquiries about the company's approach to innovation in automation or how they measure success in their engineering projects. It shows your genuine interest in the role and the company.

    Automation Engineer
    Howdens
    Location: Howden
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    H
    • Automation Engineer

      Howden
      Full-Time
      36000 - 60000 Β£ / year (est.)
    • H

      Howdens

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