Automation Engineer

Samuel Frank; Connah's Quay; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm in the Deeside/Chester area is looking for an Automation Engineer to lead a small team. Candidates must have at least an HNC in an Electrical discipline and knowledge of PLCs. The role involves both office and shopfloor activities with opportunities for regular training and career progression. Benefits include a salary of £50-56k, a bonus scheme, private medical insurance, and a generous pension contribution.

Benefits

Bonus scheme

Annual salary review

10% employer pension contribution

Private medical insurance

25 days holiday + Bank Holidays

Qualifications

• Minimum qualification of HNC in an Electrical discipline.
• Knowledge of variable speed drives is ideal.
• Experience with hydraulics and pneumatics is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Knowledge of PLCs, controls, and automation.
• Lead a small team including an Electrical Supervisor and Technicians.
• Receive regular specialist training on current and emerging technologies.

Job description

Overview

Automation Engineer - Deeside / Chester Area - Days - Electrical/Controls/PLCs. Salary: £50-56k + quarterly bonus scheme + 10% employer pension contribution + private medical. Package ~£57-68k with salary review in 2026.

Responsibilities

• Knowledge of PLCs, controls and automation. While the Automation Engineer won’t be programming PLCs, knowledge of how they work and how they are coded is a key element of the role.
• Lead a small team including an Electrical Supervisor and two Electrical Technicians.
• Role primarily office based (about 75%) with shopfloor activity (about 25%).
• Receive regular specialist training on current and emerging technologies.
• Note: Monthly payment for approx 170 hours annualised hours (equivalent to around 3-4 hours of overtime per week).

Qualifications

• Minimum qualification of HNC in an Electrical discipline; ideally time served with hands-on experience/background.
• Knowledge of variable speed drives (ideal).
• Hydraulics and pneumatics experience (desirable, not essential).
• Open to candidates seeking Chartered status; will be supported by the business.

Benefits and Terms

• Bonus scheme (not guaranteed) and historically paid around 5% of base salary.
• Annual salary review.
• 10% employer pension contribution.
• Private medical insurance.
• 25 days holiday + Bank Holidays.
• Location: Deeside / Chester area with easy commutes from Deeside, Chester, Wrexham, Ellesmere Port, Broughton, Liverpool, Northwich, Runcorn, Widnes and Warrington.