Automation Engineer

KP Snacks; Loughborough; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading snack food company in Loughborough is seeking an experienced Automation Engineer to spearhead automation systems and project management. You will work closely with cross-functional teams to deliver impactful automation solutions while ensuring compliance with safety standards. Ideal candidates will have strong qualifications in engineering, including hands-on experience with PLC systems such as Siemens TIA Portal. This role offers a robust benefits package including healthcare support and an annual bonus.

Benefits

Annual bonus scheme

Comprehensive healthcare support

KP Pension Plan

25 days holiday

Employee benefits platform

Qualifications

• HNC or above in an engineering discipline, or time-served apprenticeship with strong practical experience.
• A background in automation engineering.
• A solid foundation in electrical engineering and control systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead automation and PLC support across the Ashby site.
• Collaborate with site teams, suppliers, and contractors to deliver automation projects.
• Support 24/7 emergency cover for automation systems.

Skills

Automation engineering

Electrical engineering

Control systems

Education

HNC or above in an engineering discipline or time-served apprenticeship

Tools

Siemens TIA Portal

GX Works

CX Programmer

Rockwell Automation

Job description

Overview

You'll be responsible for supporting and improving our automation systems, leading site projects and ensuring safe, efficient operations. This is a hands-on role where you'll work closely with colleagues across Engineering, Manufacturing and Technical to deliver automation solutions that make a real difference.

Responsibilities

• Lead automation and PLC support across the Ashby site, building fault-finding capability across all shifts
• Tackle automation challenges with confidence, including obsolescence upgrades and CAPEX project delivery
• Collaborate with site teams, suppliers and contractors to deliver automation projects from concept to completion
• Make a real impact on automation standards, training and coaching - ensuring safe systems and consistent processes
• Learn and grow through cross-functional teamwork, supporting both site-driven and centrally driven engineering projects
• Support 24/7 emergency cover and ensure automation systems are available and safeguarded at all times
• Drive continuous improvement through Intersnack Work Systems and Initiative Management principles
• Ensure compliance with Health and Safety, Environment and Hygiene policies, with a focus on safe working practices
• Manage automation documentation, contracts and warranties, ensuring systems are fit for purpose and aligned with KP Snacks standards

Qualifications

• HNC or above in an engineering discipline, or time-served apprenticeship with strong practical experience
• A background in automation engineering
• A solid foundation in electrical engineering and control systems

Technical Experience

• Siemens TIA Portal (essential)
• Other PLC systems such as GX Works, CX Programmer, Rockwell Automation
• MES platforms and data collection systems
• Operational technology and energy management systems

Project & CI Experience

• Providing hands-on coaching and development to wider teams in automation engineering (essential)
• Demonstrated experience in project engineering and management
• Involvement in maintenance and continuous improvement programmes
• Familiarity with quality management systems and legislative/food safety compliance
• Comfortable with budgeting, CapEx processes, and procurement

Benefits

• Annual bonus scheme, with a strong track record of overachievement
• Comprehensive healthcare support - including Medicash Health Cash Plan or Private Healthcare, Digital GP, Best Doctors second opinion service and specialist cancer care
• KP Pension Plan - contribution matching up to 7% of your salary
• 25 days holiday, plus the option to buy more
• KP4ME - our online platform for benefits, discounts, wellbeing tools and more