At a Glance
- Tasks: Support and improve automation systems in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
- Company: Join Alpro, part of Danone, a leader in plant-based products.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, private healthcare, pension, and ongoing training.
- Other info: Inclusive team culture with excellent career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Work with cutting-edge technology and make a real impact on production.
- Qualifications: Engineering qualification and experience with automation systems required.
The predicted salary is between 29700 - 36300 £ per year.
Location: Alpro, Kettering, Northamptonshire
Salary: Competitive salary plus an excellent benefits package including pension, private healthcare and income protection.
Working Pattern: Monday-Friday, Day Shift
Join Alpro, Part of Danone
At Alpro, we're passionate about creating plant-based products that millions of people enjoy every day. As part of Danone, we're a global business with a local feel, offering excellent career development opportunities in a fast-paced and innovative manufacturing environment.
We're looking for an Automation Engineer to join our Engineering team at our Kettering manufacturing site. Working across a highly automated manufacturing environment, you'll support, develop and improve the automation and control systems that keep our operation running safely, efficiently and reliably. From PLCs and SCADA systems to industrial networks and continuous improvement projects, you'll play a key role in driving performance and supporting future site investments.
Key Responsibilities
- Maintain and support site automation systems, including PLCs, SCADA, HMIs, drives and industrial networks.
- Provide automation fault-finding and technical support to production and engineering teams.
- Deliver system improvements that enhance reliability, efficiency and performance.
- Support planned maintenance, upgrades, calibration activities and engineering projects.
- Maintain automation, server and IT/OT infrastructure across the site.
- Produce technical documentation and promote safe working practices, including lock-off and isolation procedures.
About You
We're looking for a proactive engineer who enjoys solving technical challenges and working with modern manufacturing technology.
Essential Skills & Experience
- Recognised engineering qualification (NVQ Level 3, City & Guilds or equivalent).
- Experience supporting automation and control systems within a manufacturing environment.
- Knowledge of PLCs, SCADA systems, drives and industrial control equipment.
- Strong fault-finding, problem-solving and communication skills.
- Understanding of industrial IT/OT systems and engineering safety standards.
Desirable
- Experience within food, beverage or FMCG manufacturing.
- Electrical qualification including 18th Edition Wiring Regulations.
- Knowledge of Siemens PLCs, WinCC and industrial networks.
- Experience with Tetra Pak, Galdi or similar packaging equipment.
- Understanding of aseptic processing, sterilisation and filling technologies.
What We Offer
At Alpro, we know our people are our greatest asset. In return for your expertise and commitment, we offer:
- Competitive salary and benefits package including pension, private healthcare and income protection.
- Ongoing training and development opportunities.
- Exposure to advanced automation and manufacturing technologies.
- Involvement in site investment and continuous improvement projects.
- Career progression opportunities within Alpro and Danone.
- A supportive and inclusive team environment.
At Danone, we believe that different perspectives make us stronger. Creating an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive is a core part of who we are.
What's Next?
If you're looking for an opportunity to develop your automation engineering career while working with industry-leading technology in a growing manufacturing environment, we'd love to hear from you.
Closing Date: Friday 11th December 2026
To find out more about Alpro, Danone and other career opportunities, visit www.danone.com.
Automation Engineer in Kettering employer: UNAVAILABLE
Harbor Picture Company is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture, perfect for those passionate about visual effects. Located in a vibrant creative hub, employees benefit from hands-on experience with cutting-edge technology, ample opportunities for professional growth, and the chance to work alongside industry leaders on exciting projects. Join us to enhance your skills in a supportive environment where creativity thrives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Automation Engineer in Kettering
✨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 UNAVAILABLE!
✨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 Engineer position at UNAVAILABLE, 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 UNAVAILABLE 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 Engineer role at UNAVAILABLE!
We think you need these skills to ace Automation Engineer in Kettering
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 UNAVAILABLE 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 UNAVAILABLE
✨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 UNAVAILABLE.
✨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 UNAVAILABLE, 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.
