Automation Engineer

Hales Group; Beccles; On-site; GBP 39,654 - 48,466; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free on-site parking

No rotating shifts

Career stability

Modern automation tech

Job summary

Hales Group is recruiting an experienced Automation Engineer to support a leading manufacturing business focused on sustainable packaging solutions in Beccles, Suffolk.

The role involves modernising PLC platforms, diagnosing faults, and integrating new technologies within existing systems. You will work on process control, data acquisition, vision and validation, reading and updating electrical schematics, and supporting maintenance and commissioning activities.

Qualifications

• Minimum Level 3 Engineering qualification with an electrical focus.
• Experience in a manufacturing or production environment.
• Strong PLC fault-finding and programming capabilities.
• Experience with inverters, servo drives and HMI systems.
• Knowledge of machine safety regulations and engineering best practice.
• Ability to read and update electrical schematics and technical drawings.
• Computer literacy with Microsoft Office applications.
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills.
• Reliable, adaptable and proactive approach.
• Team player with a continuous improvement mindset.

Responsibilities

• Modernise PLC platforms and integrated control systems
• Diagnose faults, problem‑solve and develop PLC code improvements
• Support integration of new technologies within existing manufacturing systems
• Work on process control, data acquisition, vision and validation systems
• Read, update and maintain schematics and technical documentation
• Support design, delivery and commissioning of manufacturing projects
• Drive automation and electrical obsolescence improvements
• Identify opportunities to improve performance through automation and technology
• Collaborate with project teams and OEMs to support design enhancements
• Develop and support preventative and autonomous maintenance programmes
• Provide reactive support during breakdowns
• Ensure compliance with machine safety, health & safety and environmental standards
• Maintain high housekeeping standards in line with BRC and 6S requirements

Skills

PLC fault-finding

Programming

Problem-solving

Communication

Continuous improvement mindset

Team player

Education

Level 3 Engineering qualification with electrical focus

Tools

Inverters

Servo drives

HMI systems

Electrical schematics

Job description

Automation Engineer
Beccles, Suffolk
£44,060.32+ per annum – Full Time, Permanent
Monday to Friday, 8:00am – 4:30pm (30‑minute lunch break)

Overview

Hales Group is recruiting an experienced Automation Engineer to support a leading manufacturing business focused on sustainable packaging solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Modernise PLC platforms and integrated control systems
• Diagnose faults, problem‑solve and develop PLC code improvements
• Support integration of new technologies within existing manufacturing systems
• Work on process control, data acquisition, vision and validation systems
• Read, update and maintain schematics and technical documentation
• Support design, delivery and commissioning of manufacturing projects
• Drive automation and electrical obsolescence improvements
• Identify opportunities to improve performance through automation and technology
• Collaborate with project teams and OEMs to support design enhancements
• Develop and support preventative and autonomous maintenance programmes
• Provide reactive support during breakdowns
• Ensure compliance with machine safety, health & safety and environmental standards
• Maintain high housekeeping standards in line with BRC and 6S requirements

Qualifications & Experience

• Minimum Level 3 Engineering qualification with an electrical focus or separate electrical qualification
• Experience in a manufacturing or production environment
• Strong PLC fault‑finding and programming capabilities
• Experience with inverters, servo drives and HMI systems
• Knowledge of machine safety regulations and engineering best practice
• Ability to read and update electrical schematics and technical drawings
• Computer literacy with Microsoft Office applications
• Strong communication and problem‑solving skills
• Reliable, adaptable and proactive approach
• Team player with a continuous improvement mindset

Benefits

• Starting salary of £44,060.32 per annum
• Monday to Friday working pattern with no rotating shifts
• Work with modern automation and control technologies
• Opportunity to lead and support continuous improvement projects
• Long‑term career stability within a specialist engineering team
• Excellent company benefits package
• Free on‑site parking

Legal Statement

Hales Group Ltd processes applicant data in line with its Equal Opportunities policy. Please inform your local branch if you prefer not to be contacted regarding future opportunities.