Automation Engineer Middleton, Manchester Up to £58,000 + 5% Bonus Permanent | Rotating Day Shifts | No Nights An excellent opportunity has arisen for an experienced
Automation Engineer
to join a highly automated
Food Manufacturing
operation in
Middleton, Manchester . This role offers the opportunity to become the site's recognised
Automation & Controls specialist , supporting a complex process manufacturing environment whilst driving automation improvements, reliability initiatives and future capital projects. Reporting to the Engineering Manager, you'll take ownership of automation reliability across the site, working closely with Engineering and Operations teams to improve performance, reduce downtime and support future investment programmes. This position would suit an Automation Engineer who enjoys improving processes, solving complex technical challenges and implementing long-term automation solutions rather than simply reacting to day-to-day breakdowns. The Role Supporting and developing
Allen Bradley
and
Siemens PLC
systems. Maintaining and improving
SCADA , control and automation systems. Delivering automation improvement and
Continuous Improvement
projects. Conducting root cause analysis and implementing permanent corrective actions. Improving automation reliability and manufacturing performance. Supporting capital investment and automation upgrade projects. Identifying equipment obsolescence risks and recommending long-term improvements. Working closely with Engineering and Operations teams to improve efficiency and productivity. Providing technical support and guidance on automation and controls systems. Contributing to the site's longer-term automation and reliability strategy. The Environment This is a highly automated
Food Manufacturing
facility producing a range of food products within a process-driven manufacturing environment. The site includes: Allen Bradley PLCs
(approximately 80% of the automation estate). Siemens S5 and S7 PLCs . SCADA systems. Industrial communications networks. Pumps and valves. Drives and motors. Flow meters and instrumentation. Storage tanks and process pipework. CIP systems. PID control systems. This is a true
Process Manufacturing
environment where automation, instrumentation and process control play a critical role in operational performance. What We're Looking For Experience working as an
Automation Engineer ,
Controls Engineer
or Automation & Controls Engineer. Strong PLC programming and fault-finding experience. Experience with
Allen Bradley PLCs
preferred. Siemens PLC experience beneficial but not essential. SCADA and industrial automation experience. Experience within
Food Manufacturing ,
FMCG , beverage, chemical or wider process manufacturing environments. Knowledge of instrumentation, process control and PID loops. Experience working with pumps, valves, drives and flow systems. Strong fault-finding and problem-solving skills. A proactive approach to reliability improvement and Continuous Improvement activities. The ability to identify opportunities to improve plant performance, maintainability and automation reliability. Experience within
Food Manufacturing
or
FMCG
is highly desirable due to the site's focus on food safety, allergen control, CIP systems and process safety. Future Projects This role offers involvement in several significant site-wide initiatives, including: New SCADA implementation planned for 2027. Industrial network infrastructure upgrades. Automation modernisation projects. Reliability-Centred Maintenance ( RCM ) initiatives. Approximately
£500,000 of capital investment projects. Process optimisation and efficiency improvement programmes. We're looking for someone who can challenge the status quo, bring forward ideas and help shape the future direction of automation across the site. Salary & Benefits Up to £58,000 salary. 5% Annual Bonus. 25 Days Holiday plus
Automation Engineer in London employer: Progressive Recruitment
As a leading engineering organisation in the nuclear infrastructure sector, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and innovative work culture that prioritises safety and engineering excellence. Our Glasgow location offers a hybrid working model, allowing for flexibility while engaging in complex, meaningful projects that contribute to employee growth and development. We are committed to providing our team with opportunities for professional advancement, mentorship, and continuous improvement, making us an exceptional employer for those seeking to make a significant impact in their field.
