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- Tasks: Design and build automation systems to enhance production efficiency in a fast-growing dog food startup.
- Company: Join Years, a revolutionary company dedicated to improving dog nutrition.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, learning budget, wellbeing support, and fun team events.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on how we feed dogs while working hands-on with innovative technology.
- Qualifications: Experience in controls and automation engineering, especially in food or manufacturing.
- Other info: Casual dress, volunteer days, and opportunities for personal growth.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
Join Our Pack
From a bold idea to revolutionising dog food, Years has grown into a fast‑scaling business dedicated to helping dogs live longer, healthier lives. In just three years, we’ve built an incredible startup serving thousands of happy customers, all while striving to achieve our mission: giving dog owners a better, fresher, and healthier way to feed their pets. We provide human‑grade, personalised meals tailored to each dog’s needs, delivered straight to their door – no preservatives, no compromises, just real nutrition. You can find our customers across the UK, with exciting ambitions to scale internationally and continue transforming how people care for their dogs.
Your Mission
As our Automation & Controls Engineer, you’ll be a core part of how Years scales its production capability – designing, building, and commissioning the automation systems that reduce operator load and unlock capacity. This is a maker’s role in every sense: hands‑on, technically deep, and built for someone who wants to leave a lasting mark on how a fast‑growing food business operates. You’ll work across the full engineering lifecycle: from concept and panel build to PLC programming, sensor integration, and commissioning. You’ll be trusted to take projects from whiteboard to working system, collaborating closely with Production and the wider Engineering team to deliver smart, reliable automation that supports long‑term growth. If you thrive on solving complex production challenges, love building bespoke solutions, and want to work somewhere your ideas actually get built – this is the role for you.
Key Responsibilities
- Design, fabricate, and install mechanical improvements, rigs, and production aids
- Build and wire control panels including VFDs, relays, contactors, and PLCs
- Program or modify PLCs and HMIs for automation upgrades
- Install and calibrate sensors, solenoids, motors, and safety devices
- Lead or support capex and process improvement projects from concept to commissioning
- Work with Production to trial and optimise automation upgrades
- Maintain records and provide documentation for installations and improvements
- Install and commission new machinery and line changes
- Ensure compliance with food safety and health & safety standards
- Mentor junior engineers or apprentices on controls and automation work
What You’ll Bring
- Controls and automation engineering experience in food, FMCG, or manufacturing
- Skilled in PLC and HMI programming and troubleshooting – Ladder logic, Mitsubishi, Omron
- Experienced in electrical panel design, wiring, and build
- Hands‑on with mechanical fabrication – MIG/TIG welding, cutting, assembly
- Understanding of sensor logic, wiring, and systems integration
- Practical problem‑solver who turns concepts into working systems
- Self‑starter with strong project ownership and follow‑through
- Clear communicator – collaborative and great with documentation
- Creative thinker who designs innovative solutions, comfortable working hands‑on while thinking strategically
- Flexibility – some occasional evening or weekend work might be required (agreed directly with Line Manager)
Benefits
- £55,000 – £60,000 PA
- Annual £250.00 Learning & Development budget for courses, books or other self‑learn activities
- Access to Spill EAP and Mental Wellbeing support
- Annual ÂŁ100.00 Wellbeing budget
- Up to 2 weeks working abroad per year (selected roles)
- Monthly recognition through our Yappa of The Month programme
- 1 Volunteer day per year – dog themed or not: it's your choice!
- Subsidised employee groups – from five‑a‑side to padel there’s loads to get involved in or the chance to start up your own group
- Quarterly subsidised team events from Axe throwing, crazy golf to cocktail making
- Exclusive discounts on Years and Years treats for yourself and friends/family
- Lunch & Learn programme – from dog first aid to financial savviness we’ve got sessions planned to cover all kinds of topics
- Casual dress
- Your birthday off or different day if it falls on a non‑working day
- Ability to sell any unused holiday back to Years at the end of the Holiday Year (maximum 1 working week)
Project and Automation Engineer in Nottingham employer: Years.com - More Years Together
Contact Detail:
Years.com - More Years Together Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Project and Automation Engineer in Nottingham
✨Tip Number 1
Get your hands dirty! When you’re applying for a role like Project and Automation Engineer, it’s all about showcasing your practical skills. Bring along examples of your past projects or even a portfolio to demonstrate how you’ve tackled complex production challenges.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with people in the industry through LinkedIn or local meetups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you. Plus, it’s a great way to learn more about the company culture at Years!
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to chat about your ideas! During interviews, we love to hear how you think creatively and solve problems. Prepare to discuss how you would approach specific automation challenges and be ready to brainstorm solutions on the spot.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our mission to revolutionise dog food and help dogs live healthier lives.
We think you need these skills to ace Project and Automation Engineer in Nottingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: Let us see your enthusiasm for the role! Share why you're excited about working in automation and controls, especially in a fast-growing food business like ours. A little passion goes a long way!
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in controls and automation engineering. We want to see your skills in PLC programming and mechanical fabrication shine through, so don’t hold back!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us a story about your journey in engineering. Explain how your experiences align with our mission and how you can contribute to our growth. Keep it engaging and personal!
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!
How to prepare for a job interview at Years.com - More Years Together
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your controls and automation engineering knowledge, especially in the food or FMCG sectors. Be ready to discuss specific projects you've worked on, particularly those involving PLC programming and mechanical fabrication.
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare to share examples of how you've tackled complex production challenges in the past. Think about times when you turned a concept into a working system and be ready to explain your thought process and the outcomes.
✨Get Hands-On
Since this role is very hands-on, it’s a good idea to demonstrate your practical skills. If you have any personal projects or experiences that showcase your ability to design and build automation systems, bring them up during the interview.
✨Communicate Clearly
Effective communication is key, especially when collaborating with production teams. Practice explaining technical concepts in simple terms, and be prepared to discuss how you document your work and mentor others in the field.