Automation Maintenance Engineer (Pool)

Royal Mail; Chester; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

A major postal service provider in Cheshire is seeking an Automation Maintenance Technician to support their mechanised parcel sortation process. Responsibilities include performing maintenance on automation assets, leading continuous improvement projects, and ensuring safety compliance. Ideal candidates will possess a relevant engineering qualification and experience with automation equipment. The role offers a competitive salary along with benefits including additional allowances, annual leave, and a pension scheme.

Benefits

Night shift allowance

22.5 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Defined contribution pension scheme

Qualifications

• Minimum ONC Electrical Engineering / NVQ Level 3 or equivalent required.
• Experience in maintaining automation equipment is essential.
• Must have a full UK driving licence for occasional site travel.

Responsibilities

• Perform preventative, predictive and corrective maintenance on automation assets.
• Lead Continuous Improvement projects from conception to implementation.
• Monitor equipment performance and improve automation outputs.

Skills

Maintenance of automation equipment

Strong communication skills

Understanding of Health & Safety legislation

Education

Minimum ONC Electrical Engineering / NVQ Level 3 or equivalent

Tools

PLC programming

Job description

We are now recruiting for an Automation Maintenance Technician at our Chester Mail Centre, located at the Chester West Employment Park, Chester, CH1 4PA. This role supports Royal Mail’s transition to a predominantly mechanised parcel sortation process, driving innovation and efficiency across our network.

Responsibilities

• Perform preventative, predictive and corrective maintenance on automation assets.
• Conduct continuous improvement activities to enhance system performance.
• Provide effective support to the Engineering Manager, Maintenance Team Leader and Engineering Team Coaches, including completion of end‑of‑shift reports, fault logging and data entry.
• Identify the root cause of automation breakdowns and prioritise corrective actions to meet operational processing requirements.
• Monitor equipment performance and collaborate with operational stakeholders to improve automation outputs.
• Lead Continuous Improvement projects from conception to implementation for machinery in the Hub/Mail Centre.
• Work independently and as part of a team to achieve common goals.

Qualifications

• Minimum ONC Electrical Engineering / NVQ Level 3 or equivalent.
• Experience maintaining automation equipment, ideally PLC programming.
• Understanding of Health & Safety legislation.
• Full UK driving licence required; occasional travel to other sites may be necessary.
• Strong communication skills, able to explain complex technical issues effectively.

Benefits & Compensation

Salary: £53,195 per annum plus night shift allowance, 22.5 days annual leave plus bank holidays, and a defined contribution pension scheme. Weekend supplement: Saturday (£51 per attendance) and Sunday (£102 per attendance). Potential welcome bonus of £1,500 (subject to terms).

Shift Schedule

Standard shift: Day shift 06:00–14:30, Monday‑Friday. Coverage required on early, late and night shifts as described below, with volunteer overtime and shift pattern flexibility sometimes needed.

Company Commitment

Royal Mail is committed to inclusion and diversity, supporting adjustments during the application and hiring process.