Automation Engineer

Staffline; Darwen; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension scheme (up to 10% employer)

Healthcare cover

Dental and optical care

Life assurance 4x salary

Employee assistance programme

On-site parking

25 days holiday + bank holidays

Job summary

Staffline are seeking an experienced Automation Engineer to join a leading manufacturing business in Darwen. The role is hands-on, delivering controls and instrumentation projects across a busy production environment.

Key responsibilities include planning and executing automation projects, maintaining PLC/HMI/SCADA systems, and coordinating with internal teams, contractors and suppliers to ensure on-time delivery.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Electrical/Automation engineering or related field.
• Proven experience as Automation/Controls/Project/Improvement engineer in manufacturing.
• Strong PLC, HMI, SCADA and instrumentation knowledge; project delivery experience.
• Good understanding of engineering principles and project management methods.

Responsibilities

• Plan, design and deliver automation and controls projects from concept to handover.
• Develop project plans, schedules, budgets and resources.
• Program, modify and maintain PLC, HMI and SCADA systems for operations.
• Coordinate with stakeholders, contractors and suppliers to hit objectives.
• Carry out site surveys, inspections and progress reviews for safe delivery.
• Prepare technical docs, reports, specs and presentations.
• Support procurement with specs and supplier selection.
• Identify and mitigate risks throughout the project lifecycle.
• Ensure compliance with health & safety regulations and standards.
• Provide mentoring to engineering colleagues and drive improvements.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI

SCADA

Project management

Communication

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree / HNC / HND in Electrical Engineering or related

Tools

Engineering design tools

Project management software

Job description

Automation Engineer

Days
Darwen
£50,000 - £55,000

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Automation Engineer to join a leading manufacturing business. This is a varied and hands‑on role focused on delivering controls and instrumentation projects across a busy production environment.

Responsibilities - Automation Engineer

• Plan, design and deliver automation and controls engineering projects from initial concept through to commissioning and handover.


• Develop and manage project plans, schedules, budgets and resource requirements.


• Program, modify and maintain PLC, HMI and SCADA systems to support manufacturing operations and improvement initiatives.


• Coordinate with internal stakeholders, contractors and suppliers to ensure project objectives are achieved.


• Conduct site surveys, inspections and progress reviews to ensure projects are delivered safely, on time and within budget.


• Prepare technical documentation, reports, specifications and project presentations.


• Support procurement activities, including specification reviews and supplier selection.


• Identify, assess and mitigate project risks throughout the project lifecycle.


• Ensure compliance with relevant industry standards, health & safety regulations and contractor management requirements.


• Provide technical support, coaching and mentorship to engineering colleagues.


• Drive continuous improvement and operational excellence initiatives across site automation systems.

Experience / Qualifications - Automation Engineer

• Bachelor's degree/HNC/HND in Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering or a related engineering discipline.


• Previous experience as an Automation Engineer, Controls Engineer, Project Engineer or Improvement Engineer within a manufacturing or industrial environment.


• Strong knowledge of PLC, HMI, SCADA and instrumentation systems.


• Experience managing engineering projects from design through to implementation.


• Excellent understanding of engineering principles and project management methodologies.


• Proficient in engineering design tools and project management software.


• Strong communication, organisational and problem‑solving skills.


• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver results in a fast‑paced environment.


• Knowledge of health & safety legislation, industry standards and contractor management processes.


• Experience of continuous improvement, lean manufacturing or operational excellence programmes would be highly advantageous.

Benefits - Automation Engineer

• Pension Scheme with company contributions of up to 10%


• Free BUPA healthcare cover with the option to add family members


• Dental and optical healthcare programme


• Life assurance at 4x annual salary


• Employee Assistance Programme and wellbeing services


• Discounts platform offering savings across supermarkets, retail and hospitality


• Christmas shutdown between Christmas and New Year


• Christmas Savings Scheme


• Free secure on-site parking


• Canteen facilities


• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays


• Option to buy or sell up to 5 days annual leave


• Online Health & Safety and Business Compliance training


• Full PPE provided, including safety boots and spectacles


• Profit share scheme and performance‑related bonuses


• Long service awards and incentive programmes


• On-site Occupational Health Therapist


• Physical and mental wellbeing initiatives, including company fitness activities


• Ongoing external training and development opport