Automation Engineer

Michael Page; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company car

6% pension contribution

Health cash plan

Life insurance

25 days holiday + bank holidays

Performance-related bonus

Job summary

Michael Page seeks an Automation Engineer to support manufacturing across the UK, with site visits in Middleton, Greater Manchester. The role covers maintenance, commissioning, controls, and instrumentation for paper industry equipment.

Candidates should have a degree in Electrical Engineering or Automation, strong automation experience, and familiarity with PCS7 and industrial protocols. Travel and standby rotations are required. Competitive package with pension, health plan, and company car.

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent qualification in Electrical Engineering, Automation, or related field
• Proven experience in industrial automation, preferably in the paper industry
• Strong understanding of control systems, sensors, and actuators
• Familiarity with Siemens PCS7 and industrial communication protocols
• Excellent problem-solving and customer service skills
• Ability to work independently and proactively
• Willingness to travel and participate in standby rotations

Responsibilities

• Perform preventive maintenance during scheduled machine stops, including sensor calibration, system checks, and backup procedures.
• Conduct troubleshooting and corrective maintenance for system failures.
• Support commissioning and start-up of new automation equipment.
• Provide technical advice to customer technicians on equipment usage and maintenance.
• Recommend preventive part replacements to maximize system uptime.
• Identify and report opportunities for process improvement and promote products where applicable.
• Collaborate with experts via VPN hotline support when needed.
• Quality Control Systems (QCS): scanners, sensors
• Machine Direction (MD) and Cross Direction (CD) controls and actuators
• DCS systems (primarily Siemens PCS7)
• Field instruments and felt condition measurement
• Machine condition monitoring systems
• Communication protocols: Canbus, Fieldbus, Profibus

Skills

Industrial automation

Control systems

Sensors and actuators

Siemens PCS7

Education

Electrical Engineering / Automation degree or equivalent

Tools

Siemens PCS7

Canbus/Fieldbus/Profibus

Job description

As an Automation Engineer you will be tasked with supporting Manufacturing and Production businesses across the UK, both remotely and by visiting site. Your tasks will involve Maintenance, Commissioning, Controls and Instrumentation.

Located in Middleton, Greater Manchester, this long-established manufacturing site specialises in the production and development of high-performance fabrics used in the paper-making industry. The facility supplies engineered textile solutions that play a critical role in paper production processes, helping to improve efficiency, product quality, and machine performance.

With a strong focus on innovation, quality, and continuous improvement, the site combines advanced manufacturing technology with skilled technical expertise to deliver products for customers across the UK and international markets. Its operations include fabric design, production, testing, and quality assurance, ensuring products meet the demanding requirements of modern industrial environments.

The Middleton facility is also committed to health and safety, environmental responsibility, and sustainable manufacturing practices. Employees work within a collaborative environment that encourages professional development, operational excellence, and customer-focused service.

As part of a global network serving the paper and process industries, the site plays an important role in supporting manufacturers with reliable, high-quality fabric solutions that contribute to efficient and sustainable production.

Description

• Perform preventive maintenance during scheduled machine stops, including sensor calibration, system checks, and backup procedures.
• Conduct troubleshooting and corrective maintenance for system failures.
• Support commissioning and start-up of new automation equipment.
• Provide technical advice to customer technicians on equipment usage and maintenance.
• Recommend preventive part replacements to maximize system uptime.
• Identify and report opportunities for process improvement and promote products where applicable.
• Maintain regular standby availability for Palm Paper, King's Lynn, with limited call-out time.
• Collaborate with experts via VPN hotline support when needed.
• Quality Control Systems (QCS): scanners, sensors
• Machine Direction (MD) and Cross Direction (CD) controls and actuators
• DCS systems (primarily Siemens PCS7)
• Field instruments and felt condition measurement
• Machine condition monitoring systems
• Communication protocols: Canbus, Fieldbus, Profibus

Profile

• Degree or equivalent qualification in Electrical Engineering, Automation, or related field
• Proven experience in industrial automation, preferably in the paper industry
• Strong understanding of control systems, sensors, and actuators
Familiarity with Siemens PCS7 and industrial communication protocols
• Excellent problem-solving and customer service skills
• Ability to work independently and proactively
• Willingness to travel and participate in standby rotations

Job Offer

• Salary between £55,000 and £65,000, dependent on the level of experience.
• 6% company pension contribution.
• Health cash plan for medical-related expenses.
• Life insurance for added security.
• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays.
• Performance-related bonus.
• Company car for professional use.