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- Tasks: Design and deliver control systems for bespoke automation solutions and machine tools.
- Company: Innovative engineering firm in Ripley, Derbyshire, focused on cutting-edge automation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hands-on experience, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with cross-functional teams and excellent career advancement potential.
- Why this job: Take ownership of exciting projects and make a real impact in automation technology.
- Qualifications: Degree in relevant engineering discipline and 5+ years in industrial automation.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
Our client (Ripley, Derbyshire) is looking for an Automation Engineer to own the design and delivery of control systems for bespoke machine tools and automation solutions. You’ll work end-to-end—from early concept and architecture through build, commissioning, and customer acceptance—on complex, high-performance systems combining multi-axis motion, robotics, and industrial controls.
This is a hands-on, product-focused role in a team that builds one-off, engineered-to-order solutions. Expect real technical ownership: defining the control architecture, selecting sensors/drives/control components, producing electrical designs for manufacture, and driving reliability and continuous improvement across the installed base and new developments.
You’ll lead control system architecture and electrical system design for new machine tools, accessories, and supporting equipment, ensuring solutions are safe, robust, scalable, and meet customer and project requirements.
- Robotics integration and industrial automation (PLC/HMI/SCADA) in a real machine environment
- Control architecture, component selection, and electrical design released for manufacture
- Commissioning, tuning, debugging, and performance validation through to customer acceptance
- Design and deliver control system architectures for complex multi-axis machines and robotics, including specification and selection of sensors, servo drives, motors, feedback devices, safety components, and industrial control hardware.
- Produce and maintain electrical schematics, panel layouts, I/O lists, and released drawings/BOMs ready for manufacture.
- Drive reliability and maintainability through structured fault finding, root-cause analysis, and continuous improvement.
- Lead safety and compliance activities including risk assessment and functional safety design/validation.
- Work cross-functionally with mechanical, software, production, and commercial teams—translating requirements into robust designs, presenting technical decisions at design reviews, and supporting build/commissioning with clear documentation, verification plans, and structured change control.
- Take a pragmatic engineering approach to problem-solving—balancing performance, cost, manufacturability, safety, and serviceability to deliver repeatable, high-quality machines.
Minimum 2:1 degree (or equivalent experience) in a relevant engineering discipline (Mechatronics, Electrical/Electronic, Controls/Automation, Mechanical).
- 5+ years’ experience delivering industrial automation/controls projects (machine build, special purpose machinery, production equipment, or similar).
- Strong fundamentals in control systems, instrumentation, and electrical design (panel design, I/O, protection, grounding, EMC awareness).
- Electrical CAD experience (e.g., AutoCAD Electrical, SolidWorks Electrical, EPLAN, or similar) including released schematics and BOMs.
- Experience defining motion control architectures from concept through commissioning (servo drives, feedback, motion profiles, tuning).
- PLC/HMI development and fault finding (e.g., Siemens, Rockwell/Allen‑Bradley, Beckhoff, or similar) plus industrial comms.
- Ability to produce clear technical documentation (specifications, test/commissioning procedures, FAT/SAT evidence, and as-built packs).
- Experience with electro-mechanical systems in a manufacturing environment; practical understanding of panel build/assembly is a plus.
- Strong troubleshooting, root-cause analysis, and continuous improvement mindset.
- Own delivery of automation and control system work packages for bespoke machine builds, contributing to estimates, schedules, and technical risk management.
- Define control architecture and produce electrical design outputs (schematics, panel layouts, I/O lists, cable schedules, and BOM) suitable for internal manufacture/assembly.
- Develop and support PLC/HMI/SCADA functionality and diagnostics; integrate with motion control/robotics where applicable.
- Commission, validate, and optimise machines (FAT/SAT), including drive setup, servo tuning, safety validation, and performance proving.
- Work closely with mechanical/software/production teams to resolve integration issues, drive build quality, and maintain configuration control.
- Perform fault diagnosis and root-cause analysis on new and installed systems; provide input into machine manuals and service documentation to ensure alignment with control functionality and safety requirements.
We do not sponsor visas or consider visa-dependent applications.
Electrical Engineer ( Automation ) in Ripley employer: Motion HR
Contact Detail:
Motion HR Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Electrical Engineer ( Automation ) in Ripley
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals on LinkedIn or at local meetups. 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! Create a portfolio showcasing your past projects, especially those related to automation and control systems. This will give potential employers a taste of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on technical questions related to control systems and electrical design. Practice explaining your thought process clearly, as communication is key in cross-functional teams.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step!
We think you need these skills to ace Electrical Engineer ( Automation ) in Ripley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Automation Engineer role. Highlight your experience with control systems, electrical design, and any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about automation and how your background makes you a perfect fit for this role. Don’t forget to mention specific experiences that relate to the job description.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Be sure to include any technical skills that are relevant to the position, like your experience with PLC/HMI development or electrical CAD software. We love seeing candidates who can demonstrate their hands-on experience in these areas!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Motion HR
✨Know Your Control Systems Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of control systems, instrumentation, and electrical design. Be ready to discuss specific projects where you've defined motion control architectures or worked with PLC/HMI systems. This will show that you have the hands-on experience they’re looking for.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of how you've tackled complex engineering problems in the past. Think about situations where you had to balance performance, cost, and safety. Being able to articulate your thought process will demonstrate your pragmatic approach to engineering challenges.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Electrical CAD Tools
Since the role requires experience with electrical CAD software like AutoCAD Electrical or EPLAN, make sure you can talk about your proficiency with these tools. Bring examples of schematics or BOMs you've created to showcase your technical skills.
✨Understand the Importance of Team Collaboration
This position involves working cross-functionally with various teams. Be prepared to discuss how you've successfully collaborated with mechanical, software, and production teams in the past. Highlight any experiences where clear communication and documentation were key to project success.