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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and build automation systems to enhance production efficiency for a fast-growing dog food startup.
- Company: Join Years, a revolutionary company dedicated to improving dog nutrition.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, learning budget, wellbeing support, and fun team events.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment while working hands-on with innovative technology.
- Qualifications: Experience in controls and automation engineering, especially in food or manufacturing.
- Other info: Enjoy casual dress, volunteer days, and exclusive discounts on dog treats.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 60000 £ per year.
Join Our Pack
From a bold idea to revolutionising dog food, Years has grown into a fast-scaling business dedicated to helping dogs live longer, healthier lives. In just three years, we’ve built an incredible startup serving thousands of happy customers, all while striving to achieve our mission: giving dog owners a better, fresher, and healthier way to feed their pets. We provide human-grade, personalised meals tailored to each dog’s needs, delivered straight to their door - no preservatives, no compromises, just real nutrition. You can find our customers across the UK, with exciting ambitions to scale internationally and continue transforming how people care for their dogs.
Your Mission
As our Automation & Controls Engineer, you will be a core part of how Years scales its production capability - designing, building, and commissioning the automation systems that reduce operator load and unlock capacity. This is a maker's role in every sense: hands-on, technically deep, and built for someone who wants to leave a lasting mark on how a fast-growing food business operates. You will work across the full engineering lifecycle: from concept and panel build to PLC programming, sensor integration, and commissioning. You will be trusted to take projects from whiteboard to working system, collaborating closely with Production and the wider Engineering team to deliver smart, reliable automation that supports long-term growth. If you thrive on solving complex production challenges, love building bespoke solutions, and want to work somewhere your ideas actually get built - this is the role for you.
Key Responsibilities
- Design, fabricate, and install mechanical improvements, rigs, and production aids
- Build and wire control panels including VFDs, relays, contactors, and PLCs
- Programme or modify PLCs and HMIs for automation upgrades
- Install and calibrate sensors, solenoids, motors, and safety devices
- Lead or support capex and process improvement projects from concept to commissioning
- Work with Production to trial and optimise automation upgrades
- Maintain records and provide documentation for installations and improvements
- Install and commission new machinery and line changes
- Ensure compliance with food safety and health & safety standards
- Mentor junior engineers or apprentices on controls and automation work
What You Will Bring
- Controls and automation engineering experience in food, FMCG, or manufacturing
- Skilled in PLC and HMI programming and troubleshooting - Ladder logic, Mitsubishi, Omron
- Experienced in electrical panel design, wiring, and build
- Hands-on with mechanical fabrication - MIG/TIG welding, cutting, assembly
- Understanding of sensor logic, wiring, and systems integration
- Practical problem-solver who turns concepts into working systems
- Self-starter with strong project ownership and follow-through
- Clear communicator - collaborative and great with documentation
- Creative thinker who designs innovative solutions, comfortable working hands-on while thinking strategically
- Flexibility - some occasional evening or weekend work might be required (agreed directly with Line Manager).
What’s In It For You?
Years Benefits
- £55,000 - £60,000 PA
- Annual £250.00 Learning & Development budget for courses, books or other self-learn activities
- Access to Spill EAP and Mental Wellbeing support
- Annual £100.00 Wellbeing budget
- Up to 2 weeks working abroad per year (selected roles)
- Monthly recognition through our Yappa of The Month programme
- 1 Volunteer day per year - dog themed or not: it’s your choice!
- Subsidised employee groups - from five a side to padel there’s loads to get involved in or the chance to start up your own group
- Quarterly subsidised team events from Axe throwing, crazy golf to cocktail making
- Exclusive discounts on Years and Years treats for yourself and friends/family
- Lunch & Learn programme - from dog first aid to financial savviness we’ve got sessions planned to cover all kinds of topics
- Casual dress
- Your birthday off or different day if it falls on a non-working day
- Ability to sell any unused holiday back to Years at the end of the Holiday Year (maximum 1 working week)
Project and Automation Engineer in Nottingham employer: More Years
Contact Detail:
More Years Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Project and Automation Engineer in Nottingham
✨Tip Number 1
Get your hands dirty! When you’re applying for a role like Project and Automation Engineer, it’s all about showcasing your practical skills. Bring along examples of your past projects or even a portfolio to the interview. We love seeing how you’ve tackled real-world challenges!
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with people in the industry through LinkedIn or local meetups. We’re all about collaboration here at Years, so showing that you can build relationships will definitely give you an edge. Plus, you never know who might have a lead on a job!
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to talk tech! Brush up on your PLC programming and automation systems knowledge before the interview. We want to hear about your problem-solving skills and how you’ve implemented solutions in the past. Show us you’re not just a thinker, but a doer!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our pack. Don’t miss out on the chance to be part of something exciting!
We think you need these skills to ace Project and Automation Engineer in Nottingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the role shine through! We want to see how excited you are about joining our mission to revolutionise dog food and help dogs live healthier lives.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Project and Automation Engineer role. Highlight your relevant experience in controls and automation engineering, especially in food or manufacturing. We love seeing how your skills align with what we do!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to describe your experiences and achievements. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on being part of our pack!
How to prepare for a job interview at More Years
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your controls and automation engineering knowledge, especially in the food or FMCG sectors. Be ready to discuss specific projects you've worked on, particularly those involving PLC programming and mechanical fabrication.
✨Show Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare to share examples of how you've tackled complex production challenges in the past. Think about times when you designed innovative solutions or optimised processes, as this will demonstrate your practical problem-solving abilities.
✨Be Hands-On
Since this role is all about being hands-on, be prepared to talk about your experience with building and wiring control panels, as well as your familiarity with sensors and systems integration. Highlight any relevant technical skills that make you a great fit for the job.
✨Communicate Clearly
Effective communication is key, especially when collaborating with production teams. Practice explaining your ideas and experiences clearly and concisely, and be ready to discuss how you document your work and mentor others in the field.