Automation Project Engineer

Reed Specialist Recruitment; Carlisle; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus potential

Generous pension

34 days total leave + volunteering

Personal development

Job summary

Reed Specialist Recruitment is supporting a leading beverage factory in Cumbria to hire an Automation Project Engineer. The role focuses on the design, installation and commissioning of capital investment projects on site within a highly automated PLC controlled process plant.

You will collaborate with the start-up lead during project roll-outs, ensuring the scope, timing and budget are met while delivering advanced automation solutions and contributing to the factory's digitisation plans.

Qualifications

• Degree or apprenticeship in electrical/automation engineering with hands-on project exposure.
• Experience with PLC programming and on-site commissioning.
• Knowledge of PUWER and CDM health and safety requirements.

Responsibilities

• Support design, installation, and commissioning of capital investment projects on site.
• Collaborate with start-up lead during project roll-outs.
• Focus on automation to enhance factory capabilities with PLC-controlled processes.
• Ensure projects meet timing, cost, quality, and unit operation targets.

Skills

PLC programming

Stakeholder management

Continuous improvement

Adaptability

Health & Safety awareness

Team collaboration

Education

Electrical or Automation Engineering degree

Recognised apprenticeship

Tools

PLC programming tools

Electrical design software

Job description

Automation Project Engineer

Annual Salary: £50,000 - £55,000 (depending on experience)

Location: Dalston, Cumbria

Job Type: Full-time, PermanentJoin a dynamic team at a leading beverage factory, renowned for producing popular brands. We are excited to announce an opening for an Automation Project Engineer to support significant upcoming projects. This role offers a fantastic opportunity to contribute to our digitisation plans and work within a highly automated PLC controlled process plant.

Day-to-day of the role:

• Support the design, installation, and commissioning of capital investment projects on site.
• Collaborate closely with the start-up lead during the start-up phase of projects, ensuring all aspects are aligned with the defined scope of responsibility or specialisation.
• Focus on automation projects, enhancing the factory's capabilities through advanced automated solutions.
• Ensure that all project aspects, including buildings, equipment installations, and utilities, are implemented according to the defined timing, cost, quality, and unit operation characteristics.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• Experience as an Automation Engineer, preferably within a FMCG manufacturing environment.
• Experience managing and/or working on CapEx projects.
• Degree in Electrical or Automation Engineering, or completion of a recognised apprenticeship.
• Proficient in PLC programming.
• Technical knowledge and practical experience with Health & Safety legislation (e.g., PUWER, CDM).
• Strong stakeholder management skills.
• Openness to dynamic and future trends in technology, new business ideas, and opportunities.
• Continuous Improvement mindset and adaptability to change.

Benefits:

• Potential discretionary annual bonus.
• Generous pension scheme - up to 12% contribution.
• 37 days total holiday entitlement (25 days + 12 flexible days).
• 2 paid volunteering days.
• Emphasis on personal development and growth.
• Inclusion in various diversity and equality initiatives.