Automation Service Engineer

Mason James Appointments (UK) Ltd; Cheltenham; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading automation specialist in the UK is seeking an experienced Automation Service Engineer to support the installation and servicing of automation machinery across various industrial sectors. The ideal candidate will be self-motivated and able to work independently while managing extensive travel throughout the UK, Ireland, and North America. Responsibilities include electrical installation and troubleshooting, ensuring high-quality standards, and engaging directly with customers.

Benefits

Company vehicle

Private health insurance

Contributory pension scheme

Cycle to work scheme

Qualifications

• Solid experience with automation machinery and systems.
• Ability to work independently and manage workload.
• Eligible for visa-free entry to the USA (ESTA).

Responsibilities

• Installing control panels and automation machinery.
• Leading onsite build and commissioning of equipment.
• Providing troubleshooting and breakdown response.

Skills

Problem-solving ability

Interpreting electrical engineering drawings

Experience with automation machinery

Understanding of industrial control systems

Experience with pneumatic systems

Comfortable with extensive travel

Education

Apprentice-trained or qualified electrical fitter

Job description

Automation Service Engineer

Full-time, permanent

Location: Office-based between Cheltenham and Tewkesbury, with regular UK, Ireland and North America travel (approx. 70%)

Overview

An established automation and control systems specialist is seeking an experienced Automation Service Engineer to join their team. The role involves supporting the build, installation, commissioning and servicing of bespoke automation machinery and systems across a variety of industrial sectors, including food and beverage and high-volume container handling.

This position is hands‑on, customer‑facing, and central to delivering high‑quality automated machinery into operational environments. The successful candidate will work on varied, complex and often bespoke automation projects, both in‑house and on client sites.

The Role

This is a senior, multi‑disciplinary position covering electrical installation, machinery commissioning, servicing and breakdown support. Responsibilities include:

• Installing control panels, electrical systems and automation machinery
• Leading onsite build, installation and commissioning of equipment
• Providing post‑installation servicing, troubleshooting and breakdown response
• Ensuring all work is delivered to high standards, on time and in line with project requirements
• Working both independently and as part of a wider engineering team
• Managing your own workload and representing the business professionally on customer sites
• Supporting pre‑install build work at the main facility when not travelling
• Regular travel is essential, including periods of up to three weeks away from home

Candidate Profile

You will be a self‑motivated, organised engineer with strong problem‑solving ability and the confidence to work directly with customers. A mature, courteous approach is essential, along with the ability to communicate clearly and instil confidence.

Required Skills and Experience

• Apprentice‑trained and/or qualified electrical fitter (industrial background preferred)
• Strong ability to interpret electrical engineering drawings (mechanical interpretation an advantage)
• Solid experience with automation machinery and industrial automation systems
• High‑level understanding of industrial control systems and PLC‑based environments
• Experience with pneumatic systems, valves and industrial networks
• Confident working on medium‑sized assemblies and sub‑assemblies

Key Attributes

• Self‑starter able to work with minimal supervision while knowing when to seek support
• Comfortable with extensive travel (UK, Ireland and North America)
• Full UK driving licence (3 points or fewer preferred)
• Eligible for visa‑free entry to the USA (ESTA)

Salary and Benefits

• £45,000‑£50,000 depending on experience
• Additional pay for Saturday site work
• Extra payments for high weekly site hours
• Company vehicle (post‑probation)
• Travel subsistence
• Company mobile phone
• Contributory pension scheme (post‑probation)
• Private health insurance for employee and dependants (post‑probation)
• 21 days holiday plus statutory holidays
• Additional holiday for long service
• Spot bonuses for exceptional work
• Cycle to work scheme (post‑probation)
• Strong team culture and clear progression opportunities

Working Hours

Monday‑Thursday 08:00‑17:00

Friday 08:00‑14:00 (Additional hours expected during travel or commissioning periods)

Eligibility

Applicants must be legally able to work in the UK and have no travel or passport restrictions that would prevent travel to North America.