Automation Engineer

Home Bargains; West Kirby; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

28 days annual leave

Pension scheme

Discounted bus service

Store discount

Employee assistance programme

Health cash plans

Cancer cover

Job summary

Home Bargains, a TJ Morris Limited company, is seeking an experienced Automation Engineer for its busy distribution centre in Liverpool area. You will support operation, maintenance and optimisation of automated handling systems, ensuring high equipment availability and safety.

You’ll respond to faults, perform preventative maintenance and contribute to continuous improvement. Join a fast-paced team and lead escalation in the absence of the Shift Manager.

Qualifications

• Recognised Engineering Apprenticeship or equivalent.
• Level 3 qualification in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering.
• Proven experience in automated FMCG environments.
• Hands-on fault finding in electrical and mechanical systems.
• Strong understanding of conveyors and automated handling systems.
• Experience with Siemens PLCs and SCADA systems.
• Ability to read electrical and mechanical drawings.

Responsibilities

• Maintain automation and material handling systems to minimise downtime.
• Respond to faults and diagnose issues quickly.
• Perform Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM).
• Monitor system performance and identify recurring faults.
• Maintain CMMS records for maintenance activities.
• Drive continuous improvement in maintenance tasks.
• Coordinate with Shift Managers and contractors.
• Follow health and safety procedures and report hazards.
• Troubleshoot using SCADA, PLCs, and schematics.
• Interpret electrical/mechanical drawings and procedures.

Skills

Fault finding

PLC programming

SCADA systems

Electrical engineering

Mechanical engineering

CMMS management

Health and safety

Siemens PLCs

Automated handling

Education

Engineering Apprenticeship

NVQ/City & Guilds in Electrical/Mechanical

Tools

SCADA software

Industrial networks (Profibus/AS-i)

Job description

The following content displays a map of the jobs location - Axis Business Park, Portal Way, Liverpool

Axis Business Park, Portal Way, Liverpool

Closing Date:

26/11/2026

Job Category:

Engineering and Facilities

Business Unit:

Package

• 4 on 4 off shift pattern, day shift, 6am to 6pm

Employee benefits:

Full-time colleagues receive 28 days of annual leave (inclusive of bank holidays), increasing to 33 days after 5 years of service. Annual leave is pro-rated for part-time or alternative working arrangements.

• Contributable company pension scheme
• Discounted bus service to and from Omega DC
• 10%store discount at all our retail stores
• MyHB colleague benefits platform with access to:
  • Discounts UK wide on retail, leisure, hospitality venues
  • Employee Assistance Programme with 24/7 confidential counselling and advice line
  • Low cost voluntary insured health cash plans and cancer cover

Job Introduction

We are seeking an experienced and proactive Automation Engineer to support the operation, maintenance, and optimisation of our automated handling systems within a busy Distribution Centre. This role is essential in ensuring high levels of equipment availability, reliability, and performance to keep our operations running smoothly.

Working as part of the engineering shift team, you will be responsible for responding to faults, conducting planned preventative maintenance, and participating in continuous improvement initiatives. Your focus will be on both proactive and reactive engineering tasks, all while maintaining the highest standards of safety, quality, and operational efficiency.

In addition to your core responsibilities, you will provide vital escalation support in the absence of the Shift Manager, helping to lead and coordinate the engineering response. This is an excellent opportunity for a skilled engineer looking to make a tangible impact in a fast-paced, automated environment.

Job Overview

• Maintenance : Carry out regular upkeep of automation and material handling systems to minimise downtime and maximise operational efficiency.
• Fault response : Respond quickly to system breakdowns, performing accurate diagnosis and timely resolution to keep operations running.
• Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM) : Complete scheduled maintenance activities to the required standards and within agreed timescales.
• System monitoring : Track and analyse system performance, highlighting recurring faults to support the development of permanent solutions.
• CMMS management : Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of all maintenance activities within the Computerised Maintenance Management System.
• Continuous improvement : Identify and elevate engineering improvements and help reduce the volume of reactive maintenance over time.
• Collaboration : Work closely with Shift Managers, fellow Engineers, and third-party contractors to ensure consistent service levels and teamwork.
• Health & Safety compliance : Follow all safety procedures, report hazards or unsafe behaviours, and contribute to a safe, well-maintained working environment.
• Technical troubleshooting : Use SCADA, PLCs, and engineering schematics to investigate faults and support efficient problem-solving.
• Recognised Engineering Apprenticeship or equivalent formal training in electrical or mechanical engineering.
• Level 3 qualification such as NVQ, BTEC, or City & Guilds in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering.
• Proven experience in a similar Engineering role within an automated, FMCG, or high-throughput environment.
• Hands-on fault finding and repair experience in both electrical and mechanical systems.
• Strong understanding of automated handling systems such as conveyors or automated cranes.
• Working knowledge of Siemens PLCs, SCADA systems, and industrial communication networks (e.g., Profibus, AS-i).
• Ability to interpret technical documentation , including electrical/mechanical drawings and maintenance procedures.

About The Company

TJ Morris Limited trading as Home Bargains is a privately owned family run discount retailer selling top brands at the lowest possible price on the UK high street.

Having started 45 years ago in Liverpool our customers continue to be at the heart of everything we do and throughout our 580 stores we have over 5 million customers each week.

With plans to increase our store portfolio to 1,000 stores throughout the UK we are a fast-paced retailer opening 50 stores a year (nearly one every weekend)-and we wouldn't have it any other way!