Automation Engineer

KP Snacks; Tamworth; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading snack manufacturer in Tamworth seeks an Automation Engineer to lead automation projects and support PLC systems. The ideal candidate should have a background in automation engineering and electrical control systems, with experience in Siemens technology. This role offers an opportunity to join a committed team focused on safety, compliance, and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Background in automation engineering required.
• Solid foundation in electrical engineering and control systems.
• Familiar with quality management systems and food safety compliance.

Responsibilities

• Lead automation and PLC support across the Ashby site.
• Collaborate to deliver automation projects from concept to completion.
• Ensure compliance with Health and Safety and Hygiene policies.

Skills

Automation engineering

Electrical engineering

Control systems

Siemens

Project management

Education

HNC or above in engineering

Time-served apprenticeship

Tools

TIA Portal

GX Works

CX Programmer

Rockwell Automation

Job description

Overview

On-site | Monday - Friday | Days (some flexibility required). Join our snack-loving team. We're looking for an Automation Engineer to join us at KP Snacks. If you're ready to bring your ideas to the table, grow your skills and be part of a team that values what makes you, you - this could be your next big move.

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 & Background

• 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 (essential) and TIA Portal (desirable but not 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

About KP Snacks

We\'re KP Snacks, part of the Intersnack family. Across more than 30 countries, over 15,000 of us work together to make the snacks people love - from Hula Hoops to McCoy\'s. In the UK, we\'re a team of around 2,400 colleagues, based across seven sites and our Slough HQ. We\'re proud of our close-knit culture, where we speak up, celebrate differences and push boundaries together.

We\'re committed to inclusion. We\'re building a workplace where everyone belongs. If you don\'t tick every box, we\'d still love to hear from you - your unique perspective could be just what we need. And if there\'s anything we can do to make the process easier for you, just let us know.

EEO statement: We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and ensure equal opportunities in all aspects of employment.