Automation Controls Engineer — Drive Safety, Uptime & Innovation

Smurfit Kappa Group

Northampton

Remote

GBP 45,000 - 65,000

Full time

9 days ago

Get a reply from this employer

Your resume and cover letter, tailored to exactly what they’re hiring for.

Get past ATS filters

Job summary

Smurfit Kappa Group is seeking an Automation Controls Engineer to lead the development of control systems, drive automation projects and improve equipment performance within a fast-paced packaging environment in the United Kingdom. You will champion safety, support machine safety systems, and act as the site expert for PLCs.

You will work with production, maintenance and quality teams to optimise plant performance, modernise equipment and deliver reliable automation solutions that meet high

Qualifications

  • Strong PLC programming and troubleshooting experience, including ladder logic.
  • Knowledge of industrial control systems, electrical schematics and automation technologies.
  • Experience with AC/DC motors, drives, servos and 3‑phase power systems.
  • A proactive approach to safety, problem-solving and continuous improvement.
  • Excellent teamwork and communication skills.

Responsibilities

  • Lead the design, programming, testing and commissioning of automation projects.
  • Act as the site expert for PLC and control systems.
  • Troubleshoot and resolve electrical and control system issues.
  • Maintain accurate technical documentation and control system standards.
  • Drive improvements in uptime, reliability and Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE).
  • Collaborate with production, maintenance, quality and safety teams to optimise plant performance.

Skills

PLC programming
Industrial controls
Motors and drives
Safety mindset
Teamwork & comms

Education

Degree / HNC / HND / apprenticeship

Tools

Siemens PLC
Mitsubishi PLC
Allen-Bradley PLC
Omron PLC

Job description

Smurfit Kappa Group is seeking an Automation Controls Engineer to lead the development of control systems, drive automation projects and improve equipment performance within a fast-paced packaging environment in the United Kingdom. You will champion safety, support machine safety systems, and act as the site expert for PLCs.

You will work with production, maintenance and quality teams to optimise plant performance, modernise equipment and deliver reliable automation solutions that meet high

Get your free, confidential resume review.

or drag and drop your file here.

Similar jobs

Similar jobs worth comparing

Automation Controls Engineer - Packaging Ops & Safety Lead
Automation Controls Engineer - Packaging Ops & Safety Lead

Smurfit Westrock • Northampton

On-site
GBP 45,000 - 65,000
Lead Automation Controls Engineer - PLC & Safety
Lead Automation Controls Engineer - PLC & Safety

Smurfit Westrock • England

On-site
GBP 45,000 - 65,000
Automation Controls Engineer
Automation Controls Engineer

Smurfit Kappa Group • Northampton

Remote
GBP 45,000 - 65,000
Automation Controls Engineer
Automation Controls Engineer

Smurfit Westrock • Northampton

On-site
GBP 45,000 - 65,000
Sustainable Automation Engineer – PLCs, Vision & Control
Sustainable Automation Engineer – PLCs, Vision & Control

Amcor • Burgh St. Peter

On-site
GBP 38,000 - 52,000
Packaging Automation: Control Systems Engineer (R&D)
Packaging Automation: Control Systems Engineer (R&D)

Automation Experts • Alderley Edge

On-site
GBP 40,000 - 70,000
Benefits package
Automation Engineer: Drive Safe, Efficient Manufacturing
Automation Engineer: Drive Safe, Efficient Manufacturing

Bespak Limited • United Kingdom

Remote
GBP 50,000 - 65,000
Private medical insurance
Private dental insurance
Wellbeing programme
+6
Automation Engineer — PLC/SCADA Innovator with Autonomy
Automation Engineer — PLC/SCADA Innovator with Autonomy

Mizkan Europe Ltd • United Kingdom

Remote
GBP 42,000 - 64,000
Early Friday finish
No night/weekend shifts
Pension 10%
+4
Automation & Controls Engineer — Lead PLC/SCADA Upgrades
Automation & Controls Engineer — Lead PLC/SCADA Upgrades

Yolk Recruitment • Shaftesbury

On-site
GBP 47,000 - 57,000
9% company pension contribution
28 days holiday
Regular overtime opportunities
+2
Multi-Skilled Maintenance Engineer (Automation & PLCs)
Multi-Skilled Maintenance Engineer (Automation & PLCs)

Smurfit-Westrock • Norwich

On-site
GBP 45,000 - 65,000
Competitive salary & benefits
Annual leave and pension
Cycle to Work scheme
+2