Automation Technician

Automation Technician

Runcorn Full-Time 30000 - 42000 Β£ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Join us as an Automation Technician, programming and developing automation systems.
  • 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 25 days holiday.
  • Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team driving innovation and continuous improvement in manufacturing.
  • Qualifications: Must have HNC in Electrical Engineering or equivalent and 5 years experience in FMCG.
  • Other info: Flexible working hours and opportunities for personal development await you!

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 Β£ per year.

Howden Joinery is looking for an Automation Technician to join the Engineering Department at our Manufacturing site in Runcorn, Cheshire.

As an Automation Technician, you will be responsible for the programming and development of automation and controls 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 Technician 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.

Shift pattern:

  • Week 1 – Monday to Friday – 6am-2pm
  • Week 2 – Monday to Friday – 2pm-10pm
  • Week 3 – Sunday to Thursday – 10pm-6am
  • What we can offer you as the Automation Technician:

  • 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
  • What you will be doing as an Automation Technician:

  • 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 are we looking for:

  • A team player who takes pride in developing own knowledge and sharing it with others
  • Motivated to take the lead on technical issues
  • Ability to work alone and in a team
  • Self-motivated & Safety Orientated
  • What do you need to qualify for the Automation Technician:

  • 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

    Automation Technician employer: Howdens

    Howdens Joinery is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Runcorn, Cheshire, where innovation and collaboration thrive. As an Automation Technician, you will benefit from a competitive salary, generous pension contributions, and opportunities for professional growth within a company that values its employees through recognition events and a supportive culture. With a commitment to continuous improvement and employee development, Howdens provides a rewarding career path in the UK's leading trade kitchen supplier.
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    Contact Detail:

    Howdens Recruiting Team

    StudySmarter Expert Advice 🀫

    We think this is how you could land Automation Technician

    ✨Tip Number 1

    Familiarise yourself with the specific automation technologies and PLCs mentioned in the job description. This will not only help you understand the role better but also allow you to speak confidently about your experience during any discussions.

    ✨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 processes. Highlighting your hands-on experience will demonstrate your capability and readiness for the role.

    ✨Tip Number 4

    Showcase your ability to work cross-functionally by preparing examples of how you've collaborated with different teams in previous roles. This aligns with the job's requirement for building trusted working relationships across departments.

    We think you need these skills to ace Automation Technician

    PLC Programming
    SCADA Systems
    Fault-Finding Skills
    Electrical Engineering
    Automation Techniques
    Control Circuit Design
    Robotics Knowledge
    Servo Drives and Inverters Commissioning
    Industrial Communication Networks
    Project Management
    Continuous Improvement Methodologies
    Team Leadership
    Safety Awareness
    Technical Documentation

    Some tips for your application 🫑

    Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and qualifications required for the Automation Technician position. Tailor your application to highlight relevant experience and skills.

    Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your experience with PLCs, SCADA systems, and fault-finding in industrial environments. Provide specific examples of projects you've worked on that demonstrate your technical expertise.

    Showcase Teamwork and Leadership Skills: Since the role requires collaboration and leadership, include examples of how you've successfully worked in teams or led projects. Mention any coaching or mentoring experiences you have had with colleagues.

    Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a compelling cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also expresses your enthusiasm for the role and Howdens as a company. Make sure to convey your motivation to contribute to continuous improvement projects.

    How to prepare for a job interview at Howdens

    ✨Understand the Role

    Make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of an Automation Technician. Familiarise yourself with programming and development of automation systems, as well as fault-finding techniques. This will help you answer questions confidently and demonstrate your knowledge.

    ✨Showcase Your Experience

    Prepare to discuss your previous experience in electrical engineering or automation controls. Highlight specific projects where you've implemented improvements in manufacturing processes, safety, or efficiency. Use concrete examples to illustrate your skills.

    ✨Emphasise Teamwork

    Since the role requires building trusted working relationships, be ready to discuss how you've successfully collaborated with cross-functional teams in the past. Share examples of how you’ve coached others or contributed to team success.

    ✨Ask Insightful Questions

    Prepare thoughtful questions about Howdens' approach to automation and continuous improvement. This shows your genuine interest in the company and the role, and it can also provide you with valuable insights into their operations.

    Automation Technician
    Howdens
    Location: Runcorn
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    • Automation Technician

      Runcorn
      Full-Time
      30000 - 42000 Β£ / year (est.)
    • H

      Howdens

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