Automation Engineer

ALKEGEN; Holywell; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Alkegen in the United Kingdom seeks an experienced automation and controls engineer to lead PLC programming, commissioning and maintenance of automated systems in a manufacturing environment. You will work with Allen Bradley, Siemens, Mitsubishi or Omron platforms, develop HMI/SCADA, and drive continuous improvement and project delivery from concept through handover.

Strong knowledge of safety standards, ISO 9001 and IATF16949 compliance, and cost-focused delivery are essential for success in

Qualifications

• Understanding of Machinery Safety Standards and Risk Assessment processes.
• Knowledge of Permit to Work, Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), Electrical Safety Rules and Safe Isolation procedures.
• HNC/HND or Degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering, Mechatronics, Control Systems Engineering, or related discipline (essential).
• Time-served Electrical/Controls Engineer apprenticeship (desirable).
• Relevant electrical qualifications (e.g., NVQ Level 3 Electrical Engineering, 18th Edition Wiring Regulations) desirable.
• Proven experience programming, commissioning, troubleshooting and maintaining PLC-controlled equipment (essential).
• Experience with Allen Bradley, Siemens, Mitsubishi, Omron or equivalent PLC platforms (essential).
• Experience developing and modifying HMI and SCADA systems (essential).
• Experience with industrial communications networks including Ethernet/IP, Profinet, Profibus, Modbus or similar (essential).
• Experience with servo drives, VSDs, motion control and instrumentation systems (desirable).
• Proven experience delivering automation and controls projects from concept through commissioning (essential).
• Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement experience (essential).
• Six Sigma Yellow Belt or equivalent (desirable).
• Experience working within ISO9001 and/or IATF16949 environments (desirable).
• Experience working within a manufacturing environment (essential).
• Knowledge of root cause analysis methodologies and problem-solving tools (essential).

Responsibilities

• Ensure all automation, controls and electrical systems comply with site safety standards and legal requirements.
• Lead machinery safety assessments, electrical safety improvements and Management of Change (MOC) activities.
• Support incident investigations and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
• Promote safe working practices, permit-to-work compliance, LOTO and contractor safety management.
• Develop and maintain control systems that support consistent product quality and process stability.
• Investigate process and equipment issues using root cause analysis and implement permanent solutions.
• Support quality improvement initiatives through automation and data-driven process control.
• Ensure all automation changes are documented, tested and validated in line with quality requirements.
• Identify and implement automation solutions that reduce waste, energy consumption and operating costs.
• Support preventive maintenance strategies to minimise unplanned downtime and repair costs.
• Manage automation project budgets and ensure effective use of engineering resources.
• Drive efficiency improvements through equipment optimisation and process standardisation.
• Improve equipment reliability, OEE and manufacturing throughput through automation and controls improvements.
• Lead automation and capital projects from design through commissioning and handover.
• Provide technical support to minimise downtime and restore production quickly during equipment failures.
• Work with operations teams to identify and remove process bottlenecks.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives using automation, data analysis and engineering best practices.
• Identify opportunities for new technologies and digital solutions to improve manufacturing performance.
• Develop and maintain PLC, HMI and SCADA systems to support operational excellence.
• Contribute to site improvement roadmaps and long-term engineering strategies.
• Provide technical leadership and expertise across automation, controls and electrical systems.
• Coach and support maintenance and operations teams in fault finding and equipment operation.
• Work collaboratively with cross-functional teams, contractors and equipment supplier.
• Support skills development and knowledge sharing to improve overall engineering capability.

Skills

Machinery Safety

Risk Assessment

Permit to Work

LOTO

Electrical Safety

Safe Isolation

PLC Programming

HMI/SCADA

Industrial Networks

Project Delivery

Education

Electrical Engineering Degree/HND

Apprenticeship in Electrical/Controls

NVQ Level 3 / 18th Edition (Desirable)

Tools

Allen Bradley PLCs

Siemens PLCs

Mitsubishi PLCs

Omron PLCs

HMI/SCADA Systems

Job description

Job Requirements

Why work for us?

Want to join a truly global company with over37manufacturing facilities around the world? Want to be part of a forward thinking, progressive organisation that is growing at an extraordinary pace? Why not become part of an organisation that truly cares about its commitment to its customers and its fellow colleagues.

Alkegenis a global leader in high-performance specialty fibers and inorganic materials used in high-temperature industrial, automotive and fire protection applications. We have nearly 80 years’ experience in providing innovative solutions to our customers’ application problems across several different business sectors. Our products are known universally for their quality and proven performance with names like Fiberfrax® ceramic fiber products, revolutionary low bio-persistent Insulfrax® and Isofrax®.

Our purpose, mission and values are based on our commitment to produce high quality products that help our customers save energy, reduce pollution and improve fire safety

Job Requirements:

Safety

• Understanding of Machinery Safety Standards and Risk Assessment processes
• Knowledge of Permit to Work, Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), Electrical Safety Rules and Safe Isolation procedures

Technical Qualifications

• HNC/HND or Degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering, Mechatronics, Control Systems Engineering, or related discipline (essential)
• Time-served Electrical/Controls Engineer apprenticeship (desirable)
• Relevant electrical qualifications (e.g., NVQ Level 3 Electrical Engineering, 18th Edition Wiring Regulations) desirable

Control Systems Experience

• Proven experience programming, commissioning, troubleshooting and maintaining PLC-controlled equipment (essential)
• Experience with Allen Bradley, Siemens, Mitsubishi, Omron or equivalent PLC platforms (essential)
• Experience developing and modifying HMI and SCADA systems (essential)
• Experience with industrial communications networks including Ethernet/IP, Profinet, Profibus, Modbus or similar (essential)
• Experience with servo drives, VSDs, motion control and instrumentation systems (desirable)

Project Management

• Proven experience delivering automation and controls projects from concept through commissioning (essential)
• Experience managing contractors, project budgets, schedules and technical specifications (desirable)

Continuous Improvement

• Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement experience (essential)
• Six Sigma Yellow Belt or equivalent (desirable)

Manufacturing Knowledge

• Experience working within a manufacturing environment (essential)
• Knowledge of root cause analysis methodologies and problem-solving tools (essential)
• Experience working within ISO9001 and/or IATF16949 environments (desirable)

Responsibilities

Safety

• Ensure all automation, controls and electrical systems comply with site safety standards and legal requirements
• Lead machinery safety assessments, electrical safety improvements and Management of Change (MOC) activities
• Support incident investigations and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence
• Promote safe working practices, permit-to-work compliance, LOTO and contractor safety management
  

Quality

• Develop and maintain control systems that support consistent product quality and process stability
• Investigate process and equipment issues using root cause analysis and implement permanent solutions
• Support quality improvement initiatives through automation and data-driven process control
• Ensure all automation changes are documented, tested and validated in line with quality requirements
  

Cost

• Identify and implement automation solutions that reduce waste, energy consumption and operating costs
• Support preventive maintenance strategies to minimise unplanned downtime and repair costs
• Manage automation project budgets and ensure effective use of engineering resources
• Drive efficiency improvements through equipment optimisation and process standardisation
  

Delivery

• Improve equipment reliability, OEE and manufacturing throughput through automation and controls improvements
• Lead automation and capital projects from design through commissioning and handover
• Provide technical support to minimise downtime and restore production quickly during equipment failures
• Work with operations teams to identify and remove process bottlenecks
  

Improvement

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives using automation, data analysis and engineering best practices
• Identify opportunities for new technologies and digital solutions to improve manufacturing performance
• Develop and maintain PLC, HMI and SCADA systems to support operational excellence
• Contribute to site improvement roadmaps and long-term engineering strategies
  

People

• Provide technical leadership and expertise across automation, controls and electrical systems
• Coach and support maintenance and operations teams in fault finding and equipment operation
• Work collaboratively with cross-functional teams, contractors and equipment supplier
• Support skills development and knowledge sharing to improve overall engineering capability