At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and optimise automated manufacturing systems while collaborating with clients and teams.
- Company: Leading automation firm focused on innovation and operational excellence.
- Benefits: Flexible working options, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Exciting projects with global suppliers and potential for international collaboration.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make a real impact in the future of manufacturing.
- Qualifications: Experience with Siemens TIA Portal or Beckhoff and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
Location: UK/Europe - Onsite/Hybrid/Remote
Level: Senior
Client Facing: Yes
Role Purpose: Senior PLC & Automation Engineer is responsible for supporting the design, integration, validation, commissioning, and optimization of automated manufacturing systems. This role serves as a technical liaison between clients, equipment suppliers, controls engineers, and plant operations teams to ensure seamless machine integration, compliance with automation standards, and successful Manufacturing Execution System (MES) deployment. The engineer will support projects from planning through production ramp-up, helping drive operational excellence and digital manufacturing initiatives across the facility.
Key responsibilities
- Evaluate and validate machine control architectures against client automation standards — covering PLC logic, HMI structure, and controls implementation.
- Lead and support FAT, SAT, cold and hot commissioning, machine startup, and production ramp-up activities.
- Drive MES integration across manufacturing operations — covering system interfaces, validation, and rollout.
- Apply PackML and ISA-88 to enforce equipment standardization, scalability, and interoperability across the plant.
- Review OT network architecture and validate integration of field devices, communication layers, and plant systems.
- Coordinate technical interfaces between equipment suppliers, integrators, and facility infrastructure teams.
- Identify and resolve deviations from automation specifications — troubleshoot controls and integration issues through to closure.
- Translate requirements from operations, quality, and maintenance into defined automation solutions.
- Review project documentation — control narratives, electrical schematics, and commissioning records — for completeness and compliance.
- Track milestones, maintain status reporting, and communicate risks to project stakeholders.
Required qualifications
- Proven hands‑on experience with Siemens TIA Portal and/or Beckhoff — deep enough to evaluate others' implementations, not just execute them.
- Strong command of OPC UA, MQTT, EtherCAT, PROFINET, and Modbus in real production environments.
- Solid working knowledge of PackML and ISA-88 — applied, not just theoretical.
- Field experience across the full commissioning lifecycle: FAT through hot commissioning and ramp-up.
- Comfortable working from EPLAN and interpreting complex control architectures independently.
- Familiarity with OT networking and industrial connectivity at the architecture level.
- Degree in Electrical, Automation, Mechatronics, or Computer Engineering — or demonstrable equivalent experience.
- Effective communicator in client‑facing, multi‑stakeholder environments.
- Fluent English required.
Preferred qualifications
- Hands‑on MES implementation or integration experience in a manufacturing environment.
- Exposure to Omron platforms.
- Familiarity with web APIs and system‑to‑system integration patterns.
- Background in automotive, industrial, or high‑volume production environments.
- Experience on greenfield facility launches or large‑scale automation programmers.
- Additional language: Chinese is a big plus.
- Track record with global suppliers and international project teams.
As set forth in The PAC Group’s Equal Employment Opportunity policy, we do not discriminate on the basis of any protected group status under any applicable law.
Manufacturing Automation Engineer New Coventry, United Kingdom Birmingham, United Kingdom Munic[...] employer: PAC Group
As a leading employer in the manufacturing automation sector, we offer a dynamic work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through continuous training opportunities and exposure to cutting-edge technologies, all while working in the vibrant locations of Coventry and Birmingham. Join us to be part of a culture that values excellence, teamwork, and meaningful contributions to the future of digital manufacturing.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Manufacturing Automation Engineer New Coventry, United Kingdom Birmingham, United Kingdom Munic[...]
✨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 PAC Group!
✨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 Manufacturing Automation Engineer New Coventry, United Kingdom Birmingham, United Kingdom Munic[...] position at PAC Group, 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 PAC Group 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 Manufacturing Automation Engineer New Coventry, United Kingdom Birmingham, United Kingdom Munic[...] role at PAC Group!
We think you need these skills to ace Manufacturing Automation Engineer New Coventry, United Kingdom Birmingham, United Kingdom Munic[...]
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 PAC Group 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 PAC Group
✨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 PAC Group.
✨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 PAC Group, 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.
