At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead exciting automation projects and support innovative capital investment initiatives.
- Company: Join Nestlé, a top employer known for diversity and inclusion.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous pension, flexible holidays, and personal development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a team that champions inclusion and offers excellent career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment focused on digitisation and innovation.
- Qualifications: Experience in automation engineering and PLC programming is essential.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 55000 £ per year.
Business Area: Nestle Beverage
Location: Dalston, Cumbria
Salary: £50,000.00 - £55,000.00 depending on experience.
Some of our other fantastic benefits:
- Potential, discretionary annual bonus.
- Generous pension scheme – up to 12% contribution from Nestle.
- 12 flexible days on top of 25-day holiday entitlement.
- 2 paid volunteering days.
- A focus on personal development and growth.
We are recruiting for an Automation Project Engineer at our Dalston Factory due to some exciting projects coming to the site. This is a permanent opportunity which will report into the Project Engineering Manager.
The Nestlé Dalston Factory, which is the home of Nescafe and produces a range of Cappuccino, Aero and Coffee mate products. These are produced through a highly automated PLC controlled process plant and automated filling and packing lines. It is continually developing our recipes and expanding our leading brands.
We take pride in championing inclusion and diversity. We proudly signed the Business in the Community Race at Work Charter, are committed to Disability Confidence, and have been recognised as a Times Top 50 Employer for gender equality for three consecutive years. Additionally, we are a headline partner of Diversity and Inclusion in grocery.
Your impact:
Ultimately, you will be responsible for supporting the design, installation, commissioning, of capital investment projects on site and support the start-up lead with the start-up phase of the project, within the defined scope of responsibility or specialisation. Your focus in this role will be on Automation projects on site as we look to move forward with our digitisation plans.
You will ensure that the engineering side of projects have been implemented (e.g. buildings, equipment installations, piping, utilities, etc.) in accordance with the defined timing, cost and quality, the URS and the characteristics of a unit operation.
Your ingredients for success:
To be successful in this key role we expect you to be an experienced Automation Engineer and preferably have experience working in a FMCG manufacturing environment. Experience managing and/or working on CapEx projects will be essential.
Other key attributes we are looking for are:
- Ideally degree educated in an Electrical or Automation field and/or completion of a recognised apprenticeship.
- Experience in PLC programming will also be essential in this role.
- Technical knowledge and practical experience of working within Health & Safety legislation (PUWER CDM etc).
- Strong stakeholder management experience.
- Openness and curiosity for dynamic and future trends in technology, new business ideas and opportunities.
- Willingness to accept change and the ability to manage it. Continuous Improvement mindset.
What you need to know:
Advert posting date: 24/06/2026
Advert closing date: 08/07/2026
We will be considering candidates as they apply and we will occasionally close job advertisements early in the event we receive sufficient applicants, so please don’t delay in submitting your application.
At Nestlé, our values are rooted in respect and we believe that embracing diversity and fostering an inclusive environment allows everyone to reach their full potential and drives innovative thinking. We strongly encourage applications from individuals of all gender identities, ethnic backgrounds, those with disabilities, parents, carers and members of the LGBT+ community. Please let us know if we can provide accommodations to ensure your full participation in the application process.
To find out more about Nestle’s commitment to DEI: Nestlé's Commitment to a Diverse and Inclusive Workplace
Right to work in the UK:
In accordance with Home Office guidance successful candidates will be required to evidence their right to work in the UK before commencement of employment. We have assessed this role and do not consider that we would be able to sponsor a successful candidate under the Skilled Worker route as the role does not meet the relevant Home Office criteria; the successful candidate therefore must be able to demonstrate their own right to work during the recruitment process without Nestlé sponsorship.
To find out more about your recruitment journey with Nestle: Recruitment Journey | Nestlé UK & Ireland
Automation Project Engineer employer: Nestlé Global
Nestlé is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment at our Dalston Factory, where innovation meets tradition in the production of beloved brands like Nescafe and Aero. With a strong commitment to personal development, generous benefits including a substantial pension scheme and flexible holidays, and a culture that champions diversity and inclusion, we empower our employees to thrive and make a meaningful impact in their roles. Join us as we embark on exciting automation projects that will shape the future of our operations.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Automation Project Engineer
✨Get Involved in Local Automation Meetups
We can’t stress this enough – getting your face out there in the automation and control systems community can really set you apart. Look for local meetups or workshops where you can chat with industry professionals, learn about what’s trending, and even discover hidden job gems. Who knows, you might meet someone from a company like Nestlé Global!
✨Show Off Your Projects
Make sure you have a portfolio of your work ready to roll. Whether it’s academic projects, internships or personal experiments, showcase how you’ve tackled automation challenges. When you apply for the Automation Project Engineer position at Nestlé Global, linking your portfolio gives your application that extra oomph and demonstrates your practical knowledge.
✨Leverage Your Uni Career Services
If you’re fresh out of uni, don’t forget about your career services! Many universities have established connections with companies in the automation field. They may know when Nestlé Global is looking for fresh talent or even have internships that lead to full-time positions. So, hit them up!
✨Keep an Eye on Industry Certifications
While hunting for roles, consider getting certified in relevant automation technologies. It shows dedication and gives you a leg up in the job market. Plus, many organisations offer job boards or networking events to certified professionals. This might just lead you to that coveted Automation Project Engineer role at Nestlé Global!
We think you need these skills to ace Automation Project Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for an automation-control-systems role, it’s crucial to highlight your technical skills. Whether it's your proficiency in programming languages like Python or understanding control systems, make sure your CV showcases these prominently. Don't forget to mention any specific software or tools you're experienced with – that’s music to the ears of hiring managers!
Tailor Your Projects to Automation:If you've worked on any relevant projects, especially those involving automation or control systems, make them stand out in your CV. Use a dedicated section to highlight these projects, explaining your role and the impact of your contributions. This could be the difference between getting noticed and getting overlooked!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tell us why you’re passionate about automation-control-systems! Discuss specific experiences that sparked your interest in this field. Maybe it's a university project or a previous job that truly got you hooked. We love seeing that spark! Make sure to reference how you can contribute to Nestlé Global and its goals.
Quantify Your Achievements:In the world of automation, results matter. When listing your experiences, quantify your achievements wherever possible. Did you improve system efficiency by a percentage? Did you reduce downtime? Putting numbers to your successes not only demonstrates your impact but also lets us see the tangible outcomes of your efforts. It makes your application pop!
How to prepare for a job interview at Nestlé Global
✨Master Your Technical Knowledge
In the automation control systems field, you need to brush up on your technical know-how. Be prepared to talk about specific control systems you’ve worked with, such as PLCs or SCADA systems, and expect technical questions or even hands-on problem-solving scenarios during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Whether it's freelance projects or your academic work, come ready to showcase your portfolio of automation projects. Bring along any diagrams, code samples, or automation solutions you’ve implemented—these can really set you apart and demonstrate your applied skills to Nestlé Global.
✨Understand Industry Trends
Stay updated on the latest trends in automation technologies and methodologies, like Industry 4.0 or IIoT. We'll want to discuss how these concepts may affect the role and future projects at Nestlé Global, so showing that you're knowledgeable about current and emerging technologies can give you an edge.
✨Commit to Continuous Learning
As this is a full-time role, it's essential to express your eagerness for continuous improvement and learning. Share how you plan to enhance your skills and keep pace with the evolution of automation in the workforce – companies love candidates who are committed to growth and adaptability.
