Automation Maintenance Engineer

Senex Recruitment Ltd; Sittingbourne; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency is seeking an experienced Automation Maintenance Engineer in Sittingbourne, Kent. This permanent role offers a competitive salary ranging from £40,000 to £48,000 and the opportunity for career progression into leadership positions. Candidates should have substantial experience in maintaining automated machinery and possess a strong understanding of mechanical and electrical systems. Join a supportive environment focused on quality and efficiency.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Clear progression into team leadership or management

Supportive manufacturing environment

Qualifications

• Substantial experience in automation maintenance within a manufacturing environment.
• Experience working as part of a maintenance team.
• Knowledge of pneumatic systems.
• Understanding of industrial automation.

Responsibilities

• Lead maintenance and servicing of automation machinery.
• Carry out scheduled maintenance to ensure machinery efficiency.
• Monitor machine performance and maintain detailed records.
• Tool change automated machinery according to production schedules.
• Maintain a stock of essential spare parts to reduce downtime.
• Oversight of contractors working on machines.

Skills

Maintenance of automated manufacturing machinery

Troubleshooting and problem-solving skills

Knowledge of mechanical, electrical, and automation systems

Supervising contractors or guiding team members

Commitment to Health & Safety standards

Ambition for leadership roles

Education

Recognised Engineering apprenticeship or HNC

Multi-skilled in mechanical and electrical engineering

Tools

PLC systems (Mitsubishi or Allen Bradley)

Job description

Automation Maintenance Engineer – Fixed Days

Location: Sittingbourne, Kent
Salary: £40,000 – £48,000 DOE
Hours: Monday – Friday, 08:00 – 16:00 (30-minute paid break daily, 40 hours/week)

About the Automation Maintenance Engineer Role

We are seeking an experienced Maintenance Engineer with experience in automation and automated systems to join a growing manufacturing team in Sittingbourne, Kent. This permanent, Monday‑to‑Friday role offers the opportunity to develop into a Team Leader or Manager position in the medium to long term.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the maintenance and servicing of automation machinery across production areas, including assembly, fabrication, spray‑shop, production, injection moulding, and ancillary equipment.
• Carry out regular scheduled maintenance to ensure machinery efficiency and product quality.
• Monitor machine performance, make adjustments as required, and maintain detailed maintenance records.
• Tool change automated machinery according to production schedules.
• Maintain a stock of essential spare parts to reduce downtime.
• Oversee contractors working on machinery when necessary.
• Ensure all machinery complies with Health & Safety standards.
• Carry out safety audits, ensure excellent housekeeping, and use PPE as trained.
• Communicate effectively with the Automation Engineering Team Leader, Automation Manager, and Planning Department regarding any issues or downtime.
• Support team operations by covering for sickness, holidays, or overtime as required.
• For insights into modern automated factory systems and maintenance strategies, candidates may also refer to automation news and factory systems insights.

About You and your engineering skills

You’ll be a technically confident engineer with substantial experience in automation maintenance within a manufacturing environment. You may be ready to take on leadership responsibilities and are looking for a role with clear career progression.

Skills and experience

• Proven experience in maintenance of automated manufacturing machinery.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem‑solving skills.
• Knowledge of mechanical, electrical, and automation systems.
• Experience supervising contractors or guiding team members.
• Commitment to Health & Safety standards and high‑quality work.
• Ambition to develop into a Team Leader / Manager role.
• To stay up to date with UK automation and manufacturing trends, you may find resources on UK manufacturing automation trends and news useful.

Essential Skills / Experience / Qualifications

• Recognised Engineering apprenticeship or HNC.
• Multi‑skilled in both mechanical and electrical engineering.
• Experience working as part of a maintenance team.
• Knowledge of pneumatic systems.
• Understanding of industrial automation.

Desirable Skills / Experience / Qualifications

• PLC experience on Mitsubishi or Allen Bradley systems.

Working Arrangements and Benefits

• Monday to Friday fixed working hours, 08:00 – 16:00 (40 hours/week).
• 30‑minute paid daily break.
• Competitive salary: £40,000 – £48,000 DOE.
• Clear progression into team leadership or management.
• Supportive manufacturing environment focused on quality and efficiency.

Apply via Senex Recruitment for the Automation Maintenance Engineer job

If you’re an experienced Maintenance Engineer with knowledge of Automation or Automated Systems looking for a role with career development opportunities in Sittingbourne, Kent, we’d like to hear from you.

Apply today or contact Kevin McHugh at Senex Recruitment for a confidential discussion.