Automation Engineer

Omega Plc; Preston; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension scheme up to 10%

Free BUPA healthcare cover

Life assurance 4x annual salary

Employee Assistance Programme

Discounts platform

25 days holiday plus bank holidays

On-site parking

Canteen facilities

Job summary

Omega Plc is seeking an experienced Automation Engineer to lead control projects across a busy production environment. Plan, design and deliver from concept to handover, managing plans, budgets and resources while coordinating with internal teams and external suppliers.

You will program and maintain PLC/HMI/SCADA systems, ensure safety and quality, and drive continuous improvement across site automation. A strong engineering background and lean mindset are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree/HNC/HND in Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering or related discipline.
• Experience as Automation Engineer, Controls Engineer, Project Engineer or Improvement Engineer in manufacturing/industrial environments.
• 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 in a fast-paced environment.
• Knowledge of health & safety legislation, industry standards and contractor management.
• Experience of continuous improvement, lean manufacturing or operational excellence programmes would be advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Plan, design and deliver automation and controls engineering projects from concept to commissioning.
• Develop and manage project plans, schedules, budgets and resources.
• Program, modify and maintain PLC, HMI and SCADA systems to support operations.
• Coordinate with stakeholders, contractors and suppliers to meet objectives.
• Conduct site surveys, inspections and progress reviews for safe delivery.
• Prepare technical documentation, reports, specifications and presentations.
• Support procurement activities including specification reviews and supplier selection.
• Identify, assess and mitigate project risks through lifecycle.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards, safety regulations and contractor management.
• Provide technical support, coaching and mentorship to engineering colleagues.

Skills

PLC

HMI

SCADA

Instrumentation

Project management

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

HNC/HND in Automation Engineering

Job description

Job DescriptionAutomation EngineerDays Darwen £50,000 - £55,000An 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