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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and build automation systems to enhance production efficiency for a fast-growing dog food startup.
- Company: Join Years, a dynamic startup revolutionising dog nutrition with fresh, personalised meals.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, learning budget, wellbeing support, and fun team events.
- Other info: Enjoy a casual dress code and the chance to volunteer for dog-related causes.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a hands-on role while helping dogs live healthier lives.
- Qualifications: Experience in controls and automation engineering, especially in food or manufacturing.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 60000 £ 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 will 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 will work across the full engineering lifecycle: from concept and panel build to PLC programming, sensor integration, and commissioning. You will 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
- Programme 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 Will 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).
What’s In It For You?
Years 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 £100.00 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
Contact Detail:
Years 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 that highlights your hands-on experience with PLC programming and mechanical fabrication.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with people in the industry through LinkedIn or local meetups. Don’t be shy to reach out to current employees at Years to learn more about their experiences. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised!
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to solve problems on the spot! During interviews, you might face technical challenges or case studies. Brush up on your troubleshooting skills and be prepared to think creatively. Show them how you can turn concepts into working systems – that’s what they’re looking for!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, you’ll have the chance to showcase your enthusiasm for joining a company that’s all about innovation in dog food. Let’s make those ideas happen together!
We think you need these skills to ace Project and Automation Engineer in Nottingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the role shine through! We want to see how excited you are about joining our mission to revolutionise dog food and help dogs live healthier lives.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Project and Automation Engineer role. Highlight your relevant experience in controls and automation engineering, especially in food or manufacturing. We love seeing how your skills match what we need!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to describe your experiences and achievements. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on being part of our pack!
How to prepare for a job interview at Years
✨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 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.
✨Be Hands-On
Since this role is very much about being hands-on, demonstrate your practical skills during the interview. If possible, bring along a portfolio or examples of your previous work, like control panels you've designed or automation systems you've implemented.
✨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.