At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead automation projects and enhance manufacturing efficiency in a fast-paced environment.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking company prioritising safety and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Diverse teams create stronger results; your ideas will be valued here.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while working with cutting-edge automation technologies.
- Qualifications: Strong PLC programming skills and a proactive approach to safety.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
Are you passionate about automation, controls and continuous improvement?
Join us and play a key role in maintaining safe, reliable and efficient manufacturing operations within a fast-paced packaging environment.
You could be just the right applicant for this job Read all associated information and make sure to apply.
As our Automation Controls Engineer, you'll lead the development of control systems, drive automation projects, improve equipment performance and ensure the highest safety standards are embedded in everything we do.
What You'll Be Doing Safety & Compliance Champion a strong safety culture and ensure automation systems operate safely and compliantly.
Support machinery safety systems, electrical safety procedures (LOTOTO), and Permit to Work processes.
Identify and eliminate control system risks, single points of failure and obsolete equipment.
Automation & Controls Act as the site expert for PLC and control systems.
Lead the design, programming, testing and commissioning of automation projects.
Troubleshoot and resolve electrical and control system issues.
Maintain accurate technical documentation and control system standards.
Continuous Improvement Drive improvements in uptime, reliability and Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE).
Modernise manufacturing equipment and introduce new technologies.
Work collaboratively with production, maintenance, quality and safety teams to optimise plant performance.
What We're Looking For Strong PLC programming and troubleshooting experience, including ladder logic.
Knowledge of industrial control systems, electrical schematics and automation technologies.
Experience with AC/DC motors, drives, servos and 3-phase power systems.
A proactive approach to safety, problem-solving and continuous improvement.
Excellent teamwork and communication skills.
Your Background We're interested in talented engineers from a range of manufacturing sectors, including:
Packaging
FMCG
Food & Beverage
Automotive
Pharmaceutical
Process or Automated Manufacturing
Experience with Siemens, Mitsubishi, Allen-Bradley, Omron or similar PLC platforms would be highly beneficial.
Whether you hold a degree, HNC/HND, apprenticeship qualification or have gained your expertise through hands-on industry experience, we'd love to hear from you.
Why Join Us?
Make a real impact in a business where safety comes first.
Lead meaningful automation and improvement projects.
Work with modern manufacturing technologies.
Join an inclusive and supportive team where your ideas are valued.
We believe diverse teams create stronger results. xiskglj If you're excited about this opportunity but don't meet every desired requirement, we encourage you to apply.
Automation Controls Engineer employer: Smurfit Westrock
At Smurfit Westrock, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic and inclusive work environment in Aldershot, where our Production Operators can thrive. With competitive salaries, generous benefits, and a strong commitment to employee development, we empower our team members to grow while making a meaningful impact in sustainable packaging. Join us for a rewarding career that values safety, integrity, and respect, all while enjoying flexible working options and a supportive culture.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Automation Controls 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 Smurfit Westrock!
✨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 Controls Engineer position at Smurfit Westrock, 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 Smurfit Westrock 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 Controls Engineer role at Smurfit Westrock!
We think you need these skills to ace Automation Controls 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 Smurfit Westrock 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 Smurfit Westrock
✨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 Smurfit Westrock.
✨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 Smurfit Westrock, 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.
