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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead exciting automation projects and optimise machinery in a hands-on role.
- Company: Join a major FMCG manufacturer with a roadmap for innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, early Friday finishes, and a stable work environment.
- Why this job: Be the go-to expert in a dynamic setting with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: Experience in Controls & Instrumentation, especially with Siemens PLCs.
- Other info: Great career progression opportunities in a secure sector.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 56000 £ per year.
Controls & Automation Engineer FMCG Projects
Location: Based near Peterborough / Kings Lynn
Salary: 48,000+
Hours: Mon-Thu (07:00-16:00), Fri (07:00-13:00) Friday Early Finish!
Are you a Controls Engineer who enjoys the technical challenge of PLC programming but still likes to stay "hands-on" with machinery? We are a major FMCG manufacturer with a massive roadmap of investment. We are looking for a Controls & Automation Engineer to bridge the gap between our maintenance team and our upcoming capital projects. With several major site upgrades and automation projects slated for late 2026, this is the perfect time to join and lead the technical charge.
The Role
- You won’t just be sitting behind a laptop; you will be the "go-to" technical expert on-site.
- Your time will be split between optimising current lines and preparing the site for a new era of automation.
- PLC Focus: Troubleshooting and programming (primarily Siemens).
- Maintenance Support: Stepping in to support the engineering team with complex electrical or instrumentation faults.
- Project Lead: Planning and executing major automation projects scheduled for 2026/2027.
- Instrumentation: Calibrating and maintaining sensors, flow meters, and control loops.
What We Are Looking For
- Experience: A strong background in Controls & Instrumentation within a manufacturing (FMCG/Food) environment.
- Technical Skills: Proficiency with Siemens PLCs (TIA Portal/S7) is highly ideal.
- Hybrid Mindset: You are a specialist in automation but have the "maintenance DNA" to help out with breakdowns when the team needs your expertise.
- Project Ability: Experience or a strong interest in taking a project from the design phase through to commissioning.
Why Apply?
- The Schedule: Enjoy a genuine 35-40 hour week with a 1:00 PM finish every Friday.
- Major Investment: We have significant budget allocated for 2026, meaning you will be working with the latest tech - not just "patching up" old gear.
- Stability: FMCG is a fast-moving, secure sector with plenty of long-term career progression.
- Salary: A competitive 48,000 base with overtime taking home north of 50,000.
Randstad CPE values diversity and promotes equality. No terminology in this advert is intended to discriminate against any of the protected characteristics that fall under the Equality Act 2010. We encourage and welcome applications from all sections of society and are more than happy to discuss reasonable adjustments and/or additional arrangements as required to support your application. Candidates must be eligible to live and work in the UK.
For the purposes of the Conduct Regulations 2003, when advertising permanent vacancies we are acting as an Employment Agency, and when advertising temporary/contract vacancies we are acting as an Employment Business.
C&I Engineer / Automation Engineer employer: Randstad Engineering
Contact Detail:
Randstad Engineering Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land C&I Engineer / Automation Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the FMCG sector and let them know you're on the hunt for a Controls & Automation Engineer role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Get hands-on! If you can, try to gain some practical experience with Siemens PLCs or similar systems before your interviews. Showing that you can troubleshoot and programme will definitely set you apart from the competition.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for technical questions! Brush up on your knowledge of instrumentation and automation projects. Be ready to discuss how you've tackled complex electrical faults or led projects from design to commissioning.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it super easy for you to submit your application directly. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining our team and being part of the exciting developments we have planned for 2026.
We think you need these skills to ace C&I Engineer / Automation Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Skills: Make sure to highlight your experience with PLC programming, especially with Siemens. We want to see how your technical skills can bridge the gap between maintenance and automation projects.
Be Hands-On: Since we’re looking for someone who enjoys being 'hands-on', share examples of when you’ve tackled complex electrical or instrumentation faults. This will show us that you’re not just a desk engineer!
Project Passion: If you've led any projects from design to commissioning, let us know! We love candidates who are excited about taking on major automation projects and can demonstrate their project management skills.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at Randstad Engineering
✨Know Your PLCs Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your Siemens PLC knowledge, especially TIA Portal and S7. Be ready to discuss specific projects where you've used these systems, as well as any troubleshooting experiences you've had.
✨Show Off Your Hands-On Skills
Since the role requires a hybrid mindset, be prepared to share examples of when you've jumped in to help with maintenance issues. Highlight your ability to bridge the gap between programming and practical application.
✨Project Management Experience is Key
If you've led or been involved in automation projects, make sure to talk about them! Discuss your role in taking projects from design to commissioning, and how you managed challenges along the way.
✨Understand the FMCG Environment
Familiarise yourself with the fast-paced nature of the FMCG sector. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with the demands of this industry and how you can contribute to their upcoming capital projects.
