Automation Engineer

Automation Engineer

Full-Time 40000 - 50000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
Westinghouse Electric Company

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Design and enhance automation systems in a regulated nuclear fuel manufacturing environment.
  • Company: Join Westinghouse, a leader in nuclear energy with a strong safety culture.
  • Benefits: Attractive compensation, life insurance, pension plan, and peer recognition programs.
  • Other info: Opportunities for learning, community service events, and team-building activities.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in a hands-on engineering role within a critical industry.
  • Qualifications: Experience in PLC programming and understanding of regulated environments required.

The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.

As an Automation Engineer (Software / PLC / HMI) you will support and enhance automation systems within a highly regulated nuclear fuel manufacturing environment. The role focuses on the design, maintenance, modification, and support of PLC‑controlled systems and associated software, ensuring safe, reliable, and compliant operation of manufacturing and process equipment. This is a hands‑on engineering role operating within a strong nuclear safety culture and strict regulatory framework. You will report to the Software Development Manager and be located at Springfelds Fuel site.

Key Responsibilities

  • Design, develop, maintain, and modify PLC‑based control systems supporting manufacturing and process operations.
  • Support and troubleshoot industrial automation, SCADA, and HMI systems to ensure high equipment availability and safe operation.
  • Implement software changes in line with formal change control, validation, and configuration management processes.
  • Participate in system upgrades, obsolescence management, and lifecycle support of automation assets.
  • Ensure all automation changes comply with functional safety, cybersecurity, quality, and configuration control standards.
  • Contribute to audits, inspections, and continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Provide engineering support during planned shutdowns, maintenance activities, and fault investigations.
  • Assist with commissioning, testing, and validation of new or modified equipment and software.

Qualifications

  • Experience as a Software, PLC, or Automation Engineer in a manufacturing or process industry.
  • Strong hands‑on experience with PLC programming (ladder logic) (e.g. Rockwell/Allen‑Bradley).
  • Familiarity with industrial control systems, sensors, actuators, and networks.
  • Understanding of working within regulated or safety‑critical environments.
  • Experience following formal engineering change and documentation processes.
  • Strong analytical and fault‑finding skills.

Education and Equivalent Experience

  • Electrical / Electronic Engineering Automation & Control Software Engineering or a related discipline (equivalent practical experience will be considered).

Security Clearance

  • Developed Vetting (DV) / Security Check (SC), as required.

Benefits

  • Attractive compensation.
  • Great benefits and safety:
  • Peer‑to‑peer recognition program.
  • Life insurance.
  • Pension plan.
  • Employee Assistance Program: confidential counseling and resources for employees, eligible dependents, and household members.
  • Learning and development opportunities.
  • Community service events and other team‑building activities to strengthen bonds and inspire each other.
  • Equal Opportunity Employer Westinghouse is an Equal Opportunity Employer including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities.

    Automation Engineer employer: Westinghouse Electric Company

    Westinghouse is an exceptional employer for Automation Engineers, offering a dynamic work environment at the Springfelds Fuel site, where safety and compliance are paramount. Employees benefit from attractive compensation, comprehensive benefits including life insurance and a pension plan, as well as robust learning and development opportunities that foster professional growth. The strong emphasis on community service and team-building activities cultivates a supportive and collaborative culture, making it a rewarding place to advance your career in a highly regulated industry.
    Westinghouse Electric Company

    Contact Detail:

    Westinghouse Electric Company Recruiting Team

    StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

    We think this is how you could land Automation Engineer

    ✨Tip Number 1

    Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at the company or in the industry. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.

    ✨Tip Number 2

    Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your PLC programming skills and understanding of automation systems. We want you to showcase your hands-on experience and problem-solving abilities, so be ready with examples!

    ✨Tip Number 3

    Don’t just wait for job postings! Keep an eye on our website and apply directly. Sometimes, being proactive can put you ahead of the competition and show your enthusiasm for the role.

    ✨Tip Number 4

    Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and remind them of your interest in the position. Plus, it’s a great way to stand out from other candidates.

    We think you need these skills to ace Automation Engineer

    PLC Programming (Ladder Logic)
    Industrial Automation
    SCADA Systems
    HMI Systems
    Change Control Processes
    Validation and Configuration Management
    Functional Safety Compliance
    Cybersecurity Standards
    Quality Control Standards
    Analytical Skills
    Fault-Finding Skills
    Experience in Regulated Environments
    Electrical/Electronic Engineering Knowledge
    Automation & Control Knowledge

    Some tips for your application 🫡

    Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience with PLC programming and automation systems. We want to see how your skills match the job description, so don’t be shy about showcasing relevant projects or achievements!

    Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about automation engineering and how your background fits into our nuclear safety culture. Keep it engaging and personal – we love to see your personality!

    Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills: In your application, give examples of how you've tackled challenges in previous roles. We’re looking for strong analytical and fault-finding skills, so share specific instances where you’ve made a difference in a regulated environment.

    Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy – just follow the prompts and submit your materials!

    How to prepare for a job interview at Westinghouse Electric Company

    ✨Know Your PLCs Inside Out

    Make sure you brush up on your PLC programming skills, especially ladder logic. Be ready to discuss specific projects where you've designed or modified PLC-controlled systems, as this will show your hands-on experience and technical expertise.

    ✨Understand the Regulatory Landscape

    Familiarise yourself with the safety and regulatory standards relevant to the nuclear fuel manufacturing environment. Be prepared to talk about how you've ensured compliance in past roles, as this will demonstrate your understanding of working within a highly regulated setting.

    ✨Showcase Your Troubleshooting Skills

    Prepare examples of how you've supported and troubleshot industrial automation systems in the past. Highlight your analytical and fault-finding skills, as these are crucial for ensuring high equipment availability and safe operation.

    ✨Emphasise Continuous Improvement

    Discuss any experiences you have with audits, inspections, or continuous improvement initiatives. Showing that you're proactive about enhancing processes and systems will resonate well with the interviewers, especially in a safety-critical environment.

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