At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead exciting automation projects at our Dalston Factory, home of Nescafe.
- Company: Join Nestlé, a top employer committed to diversity and inclusion.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous pension, flexible holidays, and paid volunteering days.
- Other info: Be part of a team that values continuous improvement and embraces change.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment focused on innovation and growth.
- Qualifications: Experience in automation engineering and PLC programming is essential.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 55000 £ per year.
Salary £50,000.00 - £55,000.00 depending on experience.
Benefits:
- Potential, discretionary annual bonus.
- Generous pension scheme – up to 12% contribution from Nestle.
- 12 flexible days on top of 25‑day holiday entitlement.
- A focus on personal development and growth.
- 2 paid volunteering days.
Business Area: Nestle Beverage
Location: Dalston, Cumbria
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, is continually developing our recipes and expanding our leading brands.
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: 18/02/2026
Advert closing date: 04/03/2026
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.
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.
Automation Project Engineer employer: Nestlé
Nestlé is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration within the New Business Development team. Employees benefit from comprehensive growth opportunities, competitive compensation, and the chance to make a significant impact in the Out-Of-Home sector, all while being part of a globally recognised brand committed to sustainability and excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Automation Project Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Nestlé, especially those in engineering roles. They can give you insider tips on the interview process and what the company values most.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for technical questions! Brush up on your PLC programming skills and be ready to discuss your experience with automation projects. We want to see how you tackle real-world problems.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for continuous improvement! Be ready to share examples of how you've implemented changes in past roles that led to better efficiency or safety. This aligns perfectly with Nestlé's focus on innovation.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining the Nestlé team. Don’t wait too long, as we might close applications early if we find enough great candidates!
We think you need these skills to ace Automation Project Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Automation Project Engineer role. Highlight your experience in PLC programming and any CapEx projects you've managed. 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 fits with our exciting projects at the Dalston Factory. Let us know what makes you tick!
Showcase Your Soft Skills:While technical skills are crucial, don’t forget to showcase your soft skills too! Talk about your stakeholder management experience and your continuous improvement mindset. We love candidates who can adapt and thrive in a dynamic environment.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and keep track of all the amazing talent out there. Don’t wait too long – we might close the advert early if we find the right fit!
How to prepare for a job interview at Nestlé
✨Know Your Automation Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your PLC programming skills and any relevant automation technologies. Be ready to discuss specific projects you've worked on, especially in FMCG environments, as this will show you understand the industry and its challenges.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Prepare examples of how you've managed CapEx projects in the past. Highlight your experience with stakeholder management and how you’ve navigated challenges during project implementation. This will demonstrate your ability to handle the responsibilities of the role.
✨Emphasise Continuous Improvement
Nestlé values a continuous improvement mindset, so come prepared with examples of how you've contributed to process enhancements or efficiency gains in previous roles. This shows that you're not just about maintaining the status quo but are eager to innovate.
✨Be Ready for Change
The role requires a willingness to accept and manage change. Think of instances where you've adapted to new technologies or processes and how you handled those transitions. This will resonate well with their focus on digitisation and future trends.
