Automation Development Engineer - Skelmersdale

Unternehmensgruppe Theo Müller; Skelmersdale; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

10% annual bonus

Pension scheme

Employee perks for wellbeing and work‑

Job summary

Unternehmensgruppe Theo Müller is seeking an Automation Development Engineer in Skelmersdale to lead automation elements of investment projects and provide SME support to suppliers across multiple sites. The role focuses on delivering high-quality automation solutions in a fast-paced FMCG environment.

You will drive standardisation, coach site Automation Support Engineers, and ensure OT-compliant architectures while delivering projects that improve efficiency and reduce costs.

Qualifications

• Experience in automation engineering within Dairy, FMCG or manufacturing.
• Strong understanding of automation systems and OT architecture.
• Ability to coach and mentor cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage automation elements of technical investment projects.
• Act as Automation SME when engaging with suppliers — validating quotes and supporting scope changes.
• Provide technical support to project teams and ensure delivery to specifications and quality standards.
• Design and deliver automation projects across Müller sites.
• Promote and maintain automation standards; ensure compliance and drive improvement.
• Ensure automation architectures align with OT standards.
• Support identification of obsolescence risks and develop Capex submissions.
• Deliver on-the-job training and technical coaching to site ASEs.
• Provide specialist support for CI activities and reactive automation/MIS issues.
• Design systems with Lowest Total Cost of Ownership in FMCG settings.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives and business performance impact.
• Collaborate across engineering and other departments to support OGSM.
• Champion health and safety.

Skills

Automation engineering

OT architecture

Project lifecycle management

Stakeholder engagement

Coaching / mentoring

Siemens PLC familiarity

Tools

Siemens TIA Portal

AVEVA InTouch

ProfiNET

P&IDs

Job description

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Location: Skelmersdale, ENG, GB, WN8 9PS

Are you passionate about automation and innovation? Do you thrive in a fast-paced FMCG environment where your technical expertise can make a real impact?

Müller is looking for a talented Automation Development Engineer to join our dynamic team and help shape the future of automation across our operations. (Requires familiarity with Siemens (TIA Portal), AVEVA InTouch, ProfiNET and P&IDs)

Key Responsibilities:

• As an Automation Development Engineer, you will:
• Lead and manage automation elements of technical investment projects, ensuring alignment with Müller’s project management and investment processes.
• Act as the Automation SME (Subject Matter Expert) when engaging with suppliers—validating quotes and supporting scope changes.
• Provide technical support to project teams and ensure delivery to agreed specifications and quality standards.
• Design and deliver both complex and less complex automation projects across Müller sites.
• Promote and maintain Müller’s automation standards, ensuring compliance and providing feedback for continuous improvement.
• Ensure automation architectures align with OT standards.
• Support central engineering and site teams in identifying obsolescence risks and developing Capex submissions.
• Deliver on-the-job training and technical coaching to site Automation Support Engineers (ASEs).
• Provide specialist support for site Continuous Improvement (CI) activities and reactive support for automation/MIS issues.
• Design systems with a focus on Lowest Total Cost of Ownership and the unique challenges of FMCG environments.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives and understand how your work impacts business performance.
• Collaborate across engineering and other departments to support Müller’s OGSM (Objectives, Goals, Strategies, Measures).
• Champion health and safety for yourself and others.

What We’re Looking For

• Proven experience in automation engineering, ideally within Dairy, FMCG or manufacturing.
• Strong understanding of automation systems, OT architecture, and project lifecycle management.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.Ability to coach and mentor others, with a collaborative and proactive mindset.
• Familiarity with Rockwell / Siemens PLC

At Müller, we don’t just make dairy products, we make careers. Joining our team means becoming part of a business that values innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Here’s why Müller could be your next great move:

• Be part of a company that invests in cutting-edge automation and engineering solutions to stay ahead in the FMCG sector.
• We support your development with tailored training, mentoring, and opportunities to progress within a global organisation.
• Your expertise will directly influence the efficiency and sustainability of our operations, helping us deliver high-quality products to millions.
• Work in an environment that values diversity, encourages ideas, and fosters a sense of belonging.
• Enjoy a competitive salary, 10% annual bonus, pension scheme, and a range of employee perks designed to support your wellbeing and work-life balance.
• Join a business that’s serious about reducing its environmental footprint and driving positive change.