Automation Engineer

SC Engineering; Basildon; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

SC Engineering in the United Kingdom is seeking an Automation Engineer to join the Electrical & Automation team. You will design, program and commission PLC-based control systems for bespoke machinery across multiple industries.

The role involves hands-on work from design through to customer support, with domestic and international travel as needed. A formal electrical qualification and strong PLC experience are essential.

Qualifications

• Formal Electrical Engineering qualification (Apprenticeship, HNC, HND or Degree).
• Strong experience with PLC programming and industrial automation.
• Experience commissioning SP machinery or automated production equipment.
• Good understanding of electrical schematics and control panel design.
• Experience with HMIs, safety systems, servo drives and inverter drives.
• Knowledge of industrial networks and automation hardware.
• Strong fault-finding and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary engineering team.
• Flexible to travel for customer site work, including occasional international travel.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop PLC-based control systems for bespoke automated machinery.
• Program PLCs, HMIs and configurable safety systems.
• Configure remote I/O, servo drives and inverter drives.
• Integrate vision systems and other ancillary equipment into automated production lines.
• Produce and develop control system solutions from engineering specifications.
• Work closely with electrical designers, panel builders and project teams throughout project delivery.
• Carry out fault finding on PLCs, control panels and electrical systems.
• Commission automated machinery both in-house and at customer sites.
• Provide technical support, servicing and troubleshooting for installed systems.
• Ensure projects are delivered to the highest quality and safety standards.
• Travel within the UK and internationally to support installations and commissioning when required.

Skills

PLC programming

Industrial automation

Electrical schematics

Control panel design

HMIs

Servo drives

Inverter drives

Industrial networks

Fault finding

Communication skills

Travel readiness

Education

Formal Electrical Engineering qualification

Job description

Automation Engineer

Location: Essex
Salary: 50,000 - 65,000 + Benefits
Job Type: Permanent

The Opportunity

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Automation Engineer to join a growing engineering business specialising in bespoke automation and special purpose machinery.

Working within the Electrical & Automation team, you'll be involved in the full project lifecycle, from control system design and PLC programming through to commissioning and customer support. This is a varied, hands-on role offering the opportunity to work on technically challenging automation projects for customers across a range of industries.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop PLC-based control systems for bespoke automated machinery.
• Program PLCs, HMIs and configurable safety systems.
• Configure remote I/O, servo drives and inverter drives.
• Integrate vision systems and other ancillary equipment into automated production lines.
• Produce and develop control system solutions from engineering specifications.
• Work closely with electrical designers, panel builders and project teams throughout project delivery.
• Carry out fault finding on PLCs, control panels and electrical systems.
• Commission automated machinery both in-house and at customer sites.
• Provide technical support, servicing and troubleshooting for installed systems.
• Ensure projects are delivered to the highest quality and safety standards.
• Travel within the UK and internationally to support installations and commissioning when required.

About You

• Formal Electrical Engineering qualification (Apprenticeship, HNC, HND or Degree).
• Strong experience with PLC programming and industrial automation.
• Experience commissioning special purpose machinery or automated production equipment.
• Good understanding of electrical schematics and control panel design.
• Experience with HMIs, safety systems, servo drives and inverter drives.
• Knowledge of industrial networks and automation hardware.
• Strong fault-finding and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary engineering team.
• Flexible to travel for customer site work, including occasional international travel.

Desirable Skills

• Experience with SCADA systems.
• Knowledge of industrial vision systems.
• Experience within pharmaceutical manufacturing or highly regulated industries.
• Understanding of ATEX or explosive atmosphere regulations.

What's on Offer

• 50,000 - 65,000 basic salary.
• Permanent position with a growing engineering business.
• Opportunity to work on innovative automation and special purpose machinery projects.
• UK and international travel opportunities.
• Ongoing technical training and career development.
• Comprehensive benefits package.