Automation Engineer – Food Manufacturing & PLC Systems

Hilton Foods; Grimsby; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Great package

Life assurance

Share Save scheme

Free car parking on site

Enhanced Maternity/Paternity

Job summary

Hilton Food Group in Grimsby is seeking an experienced Automation Engineer to join our engineering team. You will provide frontline maintenance and breakdown support for automated equipment across the site, including the automated ColdStore, diagnosing faults safely to minimise downtime and keep production flowing.

The role requires a time-served apprenticeship (NVQ Level 3), a hands-on, flexible team player with strong communication skills, and a track record in fast-paced manufacturing.

Qualifications

• Time served craft apprenticeship or equivalent training to NVQ level 3.
• Multi-skilled with ability to work across disciplines.
• Proven track record in fast-paced manufacturing environments.

Responsibilities

• Ensure health and safety is the first priority during all activities.
• Correct, isolate or promptly report hazards that could cause injury or food safety risk.
• Work in line with food safety requirements and site standards.
• Respond quickly to automation breakdowns, prioritising critical equipment and communicating progress.
• Fault-find PLC-controlled systems, HMIs, sensors, safety circuits, drives and conveyors.
• Support reliable operation of the automated ColdStore with site teams and suppliers.
• Complete planned maintenance, inspections and functional checks on automated equipment.
• Identify repeat failures, support root cause analysis and implement improvements.
• Support automation projects, software and hardware changes, trials and commissioning.

Skills

Team player

Excellent communication

Hands-on approach

Flexible work style

Problem solving

Education

NVQ Level 3 or equivalent

Job description

Hilton Food Group in Grimsby is seeking an experienced Automation Engineer to join our engineering team. You will provide frontline maintenance and breakdown support for automated equipment across the site, including the automated ColdStore, diagnosing faults safely to minimise downtime and keep production flowing.

The role requires a time-served apprenticeship (NVQ Level 3), a hands-on, flexible team player with strong communication skills, and a track record in fast-paced manufacturing.