At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead automation projects, ensuring advanced systems meet quality and safety standards.
- Company: Join Tata Steel, a top global steel producer committed to sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy 35 days holiday, bonus schemes, and extensive training opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with excellent career growth and lifestyle benefits.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: Degree in engineering and experience in industrial automation required.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
Location: Port Talbot (with site-based project work)
Closing Date: Thursday 17th September 2026
We believe that our strength is not just in our steel but the diversity of our workforce. Our people make the difference. At Tata Steel, we’re driving major transformation through cutting‑edge projects like Invictus—a capital investment initiative at the heart of our sustainable future. We’re looking for a Project Engineer (Process Control & Automation) to play a pivotal role in delivering advanced automation and control systems that power our operations. This is an exciting opportunity to work across the full project lifecycle, from concept to commissioning, within a complex and high‑impact industrial environment.
What you will do:
- Lead automation delivery across major projects, overseeing PLC, SCADA, and instrumentation systems to ensure they meet scope, schedule, and quality targets.
- Manage system integrators and EPC contractors, reviewing technical deliverables such as P&IDs, Functional Design Specifications (FDS), Software Design Specifications (SDS), FAT/SAT procedures, and as‑built documentation.
- Develop and execute project plans covering engineering, construction, and commissioning activities aligned with long‑term site strategy.
- Own the full lifecycle of automation projects, including:
- Concept development and system design
- Detailed engineering (PLC, SCADA, instrumentation)
- Factory and site acceptance testing (FAT/SAT)
- Installation, commissioning, and system integration
- Operator training and final handover
- Ensure compliance with industry standards (IEC, BS EN), functional safety requirements, and industrial cybersecurity best practices.
- Prepare specifications and RFQs, evaluate bids, and support vendor selection.
- Troubleshoot and resolve technical challenges during design, integration, and commissioning.
- Collaborate across disciplines (electrical, mechanical, process) to deliver fully integrated solutions.
- Lead commissioning activities, including loop checks, cause & effect testing, and performance validation.
- Drive safety excellence, organising and facilitating HAZOP, LOPA, SIL and risk assessments.
- Manage change control through formal Management of Change (MoC) processes.
What you will need:
- Strong background in industrial automation and control systems.
- Proven experience with PLC/SCADA design, configuration, and commissioning.
- Experience with Siemens S7 (TIA Portal) and WinCC (highly desirable).
- Knowledge of industrial communication networks (e.g. PROFINET, Profibus, Modbus TCP/IP).
- Understanding of relevant standards (IEC, BS EN, functional safety, cybersecurity).
- Ability to manage complex projects and multiple stakeholders.
Qualifications:
- Degree in Electrical, Electronic, Automation Engineering or related discipline.
- Experience within the steel industry or heavy industrial environments.
- Membership of a relevant professional or project management institution.
- Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
- Excellent communication and report writing ability.
- Effective project planning and time management.
- Ability to lead safety studies and technical workshops.
- Collaborative mindset with a proactive, delivery‑focused approach.
What we can offer you:
- 35 days holidays per annum.
- Bonus Scheme – subject to business performance.
- Ongoing Tata Steel training, which has built a reputation as one of the best within the industry.
- One of the UK’s leading defined contribution pension schemes (10% employer contribution / 6% employee contribution).
- Extensive list of lifestyle benefits including free onsite parking at all of our sites, an employee assistance programme as well as Employee discount scheme for companies including Vodafone, Jaguar Land Rover and also various local services.
Why us?
Tata Steel is one of the world’s top 10 steel producers. The combined group has an annual aggregate crude steel capacity of more than 33 million tonnes with approximately 80,000 employees across four continents. We’re part of the Tata Group, one of the largest, most diverse conglomerates in the world with businesses in the UK including Tata Steel, Jaguar Land Rover and Tetley Tea. Sustainability is at the very heart of what we do and we are dedicated to managing our operations responsibly and to continuously improving our performance. Innovating for tomorrow, making a positive impact today.
Automation Project Engineer in Port Talbot employer: Tata Steel UK
Tata Steel UK in Port Talbot is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation and teamwork thrive. Employees benefit from comprehensive training and development opportunities, ensuring continuous growth in their careers while contributing to the success of a leading steel manufacturer. With a strong commitment to safety and sustainability, Tata Steel fosters a culture that values every team member's input, making it a rewarding place to work.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Automation Project Engineer in Port Talbot
✨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 Tata Steel UK!
✨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 Project Engineer position at Tata Steel UK, 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 Tata Steel UK 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 Project Engineer role at Tata Steel UK!
We think you need these skills to ace Automation Project Engineer in Port Talbot
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 Tata Steel UK 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 Tata Steel UK
✨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 Tata Steel UK.
✨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 Tata Steel UK, 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.
