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- Tasks: Lead technical operations and troubleshoot automation systems in a fast-paced environment.
- Company: Join a leading company in automation and controls with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, career development, and training opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth in a critical operational setting.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by optimising complex automation systems and driving improvements.
- Qualifications: Experience in automation, PLCs, and strong problem-solving skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
We are seeking an experienced multi-skilled Automation Engineer to act as the technical lead on shift for a highly automated site. You’ll manage technical faults, support operational performance, and ensure equipment availability across PLC, PC and controls-based systems.
Key Responsibilities:
- Act as the shift point of contact for all technical faults and escalations
- Lead fault finding, root cause analysis and corrective/preventative actions
- Optimise system availability using data from SCADA/EIS/WMS
- Support and guide shift technicians through training and technical leadership
- Manage PLC backups, software version control and change management
- Ensure strict compliance with Health & Safety, quality and legislative standards
- Drive continuous improvement and reliability initiatives
- Liaise with customers and third-party suppliers to resolve issues efficiently
What We’re Looking For:
- Strong background in automation, PLCs, electrical/mechanical fault finding
- Experience working in critical, high-throughput operational environments
- Confident technical decision-maker with good communication skills
- Proactive, data-driven and customer-focused mindset
What’s On Offer:
- Competitive pay and benefits
- Career development and training
- Opportunity to work on complex, mission-critical automation systems
Automation Engineer in Stoke-on-Trent employer: John Charles Search
Contact Detail:
John Charles Search Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Automation Engineer in Stoke-on-Trent
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the automation field on LinkedIn or at industry events. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio or case studies of past projects where you’ve tackled technical faults or optimised systems. This will give potential employers a taste of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get ready for interviews by rehearsing common questions related to automation and controls. Think about how you’d explain your fault-finding process or how you’ve improved system reliability in the past.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’re always on the lookout for talented Automation Engineers, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Automation Engineer in Stoke-on-Trent
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience with automation and PLCs. We want to see how your skills match the job description, so don’t be shy about showcasing your technical expertise!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for the Automation Engineer role. Share specific examples of your past experiences that relate to fault finding and system optimisation.
Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills: In your application, mention instances where you’ve successfully tackled technical faults or led improvements in operational performance. We love seeing candidates who can think on their feet and drive continuous improvement!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at John Charles Search
✨Know Your Automation Stuff
Brush up on your knowledge of PLCs, SCADA, and controls-based systems. Be ready to discuss specific projects where you've led fault finding or optimised system availability. Showing that you can talk the talk will impress the interviewers.
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of how you've tackled technical faults in the past. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers. This will help demonstrate your proactive, data-driven mindset and your ability to make confident technical decisions.
✨Communicate Like a Pro
Since you'll be liaising with customers and third-party suppliers, practice explaining complex technical concepts in simple terms. Good communication skills are key, so think about how you can convey your ideas clearly and effectively during the interview.
✨Emphasise Continuous Improvement
Be prepared to discuss how you've driven continuous improvement initiatives in previous roles. Highlight any specific metrics or outcomes that resulted from your efforts. This shows that you're not just about fixing problems but also about making things better for the future.