Automation Service Engineer

Hewett Recruitment; Cheltenham; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A specialist engineering company in Cheltenham is seeking a skilled Automation Service Engineer to install and service bespoke automation systems. In this senior field role, you'll work extensively on customer sites across the UK, Ireland, and North America. Responsibilities include electrical installation and ensuring the highest quality standards in your projects. The ideal candidate will possess strong experience with automation machinery, excellent communication skills, and a proactive attitude. This role offers a competitive salary and excellent benefits including a company vehicle and health insurance.

Benefits

Company vehicle (post-probation)

Generous travel subsistence

Private health insurance

Cycle to work scheme

Spot bonuses for outstanding contributions

Qualifications

• Strong experience with automation machinery.
• Understanding of industrial control systems / PLC principles.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical and mechanical drawings.

Responsibilities

• Electrical installation and commissioning of bespoke machinery.
• Onsite build and installation of control panels.
• Fault-finding, breakdown support, and servicing.

Skills

Electrical installation

Automation machinery

Pneumatic systems

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Teamwork

Education

Apprentice-trained and/or qualified industrial electrical background

Job description

Automation Service Engineer

Location: Cheltenham
Salary: £45,000-£50,000 DOE + generous travel pay + benefits
Hours: Full-time, Permanent

The Company

Our client is a specialist engineering business providing bespoke control systems and factory automation solutions to customers across a range of industries, primarily within food, beverage and plastics. Their innovative systems include unique machinery, conveyors, vision inspection and robotic automation, with every project tailored to meet complex customer needs.

They are now seeking a skilled Automation Service Engineer to join their growing team and support the delivery, installation and servicing of cutting‑edge automation systems.

The Role

This is a senior, hands‑on field engineering role, working both at the company's headquarters and extensively on customer sites across the UK, Ireland and North America.

You’ll bring projects to life through electrical installation, machinery commissioning, system testing and ongoing servicing. You will take a lead role in onsite build work, ensuring installations run smoothly and to the highest quality standards.

This position suits a motivated engineer who enjoys solving problems, working independently, and delivering exceptional customer service. You will be joining a friendly, hardworking team and will report to the Director of Commissioning & Services.

Key Responsibilities

• Electrical installation and commissioning of bespoke machinery and automation equipment
• Onsite build and installation of control panels and automation systems
• Fault‑finding, breakdown support and post‑purchase servicing
• Interpreting engineering drawings (electrical essential)
• Working with pneumatics, industrial networks and control systems
• Ensuring high‑quality workmanship and timely project delivery
• Acting as a knowledgeable, confident and courteous ambassador for the business
• Supporting pre‑install build work when not travelling
• Leading small teams onsite when required
• Following method statements, safety procedures and hygiene standards

Skills & Experience

• Apprentice‑trained and/or qualified industrial electrical background
• Strong experience with automation machinery
• Understanding of industrial control systems / PLC principles
• Experience with pneumatic systems and valves
• Ability to read and interpret electrical and mechanical drawings
• Experience working on assemblies and sub‑assemblies
• Excellent communication and customer‑facing skills
• A proactive, organised and solutions‑focused approach
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
• Willingness to learn and continuously improve

Key Requirements

• Willing to travel extensively (UK, Ireland, North America) – approx. 70%
• Mature and dependable self‑starter
• Neat, tidy and methodical working style
• Full UK driving licence (3 points or fewer)
• UK/EU passport with eligibility for USA ESTA entry
• Fluent in English; second language beneficial
• Presentable, articulate and customer‑focused
• Team player with a “no divas” attitude

Benefits

• Salary: £45,000‑£50,000 DOE
• Additional Saturday site‑work pay
• Bonuses for heavy weekday site hours
• Company vehicle (post‑probation)
• Generous travel subsistence
• Company iPhone
• Contributory pension scheme (post‑probation)
• Private health insurance for you and your family (post‑probation)
• 21 days holiday + bank holidays
• Additional holidays for long service
• Spot bonuses for outstanding contributions
• Cycle to work scheme (post‑probation)
• Supportive, friendly team environment
• Excellent development and progression opportunities

Hours: Mon‑Thu 08:00‑17:00
Fri 08:00‑14:00
(Travel may require longer hours)

Additional Information

• You must be legally eligible to work in the UK.
• You must have no passport or travel restrictions that prevent travel to North America.
• Our client welcomes applications from all sections of the community.

Why Apply?

• Work on innovative, bespoke automation projects
• Significant travel and variety
• Join a growing technical team with real progression opportunities
• Competitive salary, generous travel package and excellent benefits