Automation Engineer - Stourton

Arla Foods Deutschland GmbH; Leeds; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading dairy company in Leeds is seeking a skilled Automation Engineer to ensure the efficiency and reliability of automated production systems. The role involves troubleshooting, maintaining, and optimising automation infrastructure, as well as leading continuous improvement projects. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in engineering and a passion for innovation. This position offers competitive benefits and opportunities for professional growth.

Benefits

24 days holiday

Employer pension matched up to 6%

4x annual salary life assurance cover

Discounts with various retailers

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in an automated FMCG production environment.
• Demonstrated experience leading CI initiatives and delivering measurable results.
• Committed to safety and quality in all engineering work.

Responsibilities

• Perform structured troubleshooting on industrial controls systems.
• Maintain and optimise automation infrastructure.
• Support capital and local engineering projects from design to implementation.

Skills

Technical skills

Problem-solving abilities

Communication skills

Continuous improvement mindset

Education

HNC/HND or equivalent in Engineering

Tools

SAP or similar CMMS systems

VFDs and servo drives (Danfoss, Siemens)

vSphere, Veeam

Job description

We’re looking for a skilled and proactive Automation Engineer to join our Engineering team at Stourton Dairy. You’ll play a key role in ensuring the efficiency, reliability, and continuous improvement of our automated production and packaging systems.

Working in a close-knit Automation/IT team, you’ll collaborate with production and process teams to troubleshoot, maintain, and optimise equipment and support both site and central projects from conception to delivery.

About the Role

The successful candidate will be responsible for:

• Performing structured troubleshooting on industrial controls systems and networks
• Providing support during breakdowns and coordinating with internal teams and external vendors
• Maintaining, monitoring, and optimising automation infrastructure — PLCs, HMIs, industrial networks, drives (VFDs/servos) — plus the supporting IT/OT layer (servers, switches, SCADA)
• Coaching and mentoring colleagues to strengthen automation skills across the department
• Own and delivering Continuous Improvement (CI) projects
• Supporting capital and local engineering projects from design through to implementation
• Investigating equipment issues, performing root cause analysis, and implementing corrective actions
• Collaborating across departments to ensure compliance with Health, Safety, Environmental (HSE), regulatory and quality standards.

About You

You’re an experienced, self-starting Automation Engineer with strong technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and a continuous improvement mindset. You thrive in fast-paced environments and enjoy working both independently and as part of cross-functional teams.

Essential Qualifications & Skills

• Time-served apprenticeship with HNC/HND (or equivalent) in Engineering.
• 5+ years of experience in an automated FMCG production environment.
• Proficiency in VFDs and servo drives (Danfoss, Siemens)
• Familiarity with virtualisation and backup/recovery systems (vSphere, Veeam)
• IPV4 subnetting and routing
• Machinery safety and safety PLCs
• Obsolescence management
• Clear and confident communicator across technical and non-technical teams.
• Demonstrated experience leading CI initiatives and delivering measurable results.
• Committed to safety and quality in all aspects of engineering work.
• Skilled in using SAP or similar CMMS systems.

Benefits

• 24 days holiday (additional can be purchased)
• Employer pension matched up to 6%
• 4x annual salary life assurance cover
• Reward gateway scheme - discounts with various retailers via My Benefits platform.
• Staff shop

Arla is a global leader in the dairy industry, committed to producing high-quality products while championing sustainability and innovation. We're passionate about people and our planet, striving to unleash the full potential in each of us. Our goal is to make healthy dairy nutrition and good food habits accessible to all. Join us at Arla Foods and become part of a worldwide cooperative dedicated to making a significant impact on the planet and steering the dairy industry towards a sustainable future.

We are devoted to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and empowered to bring their authentic selves to work. Diversity and collaboration are key to our success, propelling us to new heights in the dairy industry.

Arla Foods is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates.