Electrical & Automation Engineer

Alexander Steele; Chatham; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading manufacturing firm in Chatham is seeking an experienced Electrical & Automation Engineer to maintain high-speed systems. The role involves planned maintenance, rapid breakdown response, and support for production lines. Candidates should have over 5 years of experience, strong PLC knowledge, and a NVQ Level 3. This position offers a salary between £50,000 and £60,000 annually.

Qualifications

• 5+ years' electrical experience in high-speed manufacturing.
• Hands-on with PLCs (Siemens essential).
• Able to read electrical drawings and competent in report writing.

Responsibilities

• Carry out planned and reactive maintenance on electrical & automation systems.
• Support production during shifts to ensure performance.
• Maintain accurate documentation for PLC/HMI systems.

Skills

Electrical experience in high-speed manufacturing

Knowledge of industrial electrical systems

Hands-on with PLCs (Siemens essential)

Problem-solving skills

Attention to detail

Strong safety awareness

Education

NVQ Level 3 in Electrical Installation / Maintenance

Tools

Siemens PLC

Allen-Bradley PLC

SCADA

CMMS

Microsoft Office

Job description

Electrical & Automation Engineer

Chatham, Kent

Salary: £50,000 – £60,000

4 days on, 4 days off - Dayshift

Alexander Steele is partnering with a successful manufacturing business seeking an Electrical & Automation Engineer to keep a high-speed manufacturing site running smoothly—delivering effective maintenance, rapid breakdown response, and continuous improvement across automation assets.

Key Responsibilities

• Carry out planned and reactive maintenance on electrical & automation systems (PLCs, HMIs, drives, SCADA).
• Diagnose, repair, and optimise PLC-controlled equipment (e.g., Siemens; exposure to Allen‑Bradley / Omron beneficial) to minimise downtime.
• Support production during shifts, ensuring on‑time, in‑full performance across high‑speed lines (wrappers, sealers, conveyors, weighers, check‑weighers, X‑ray / metal detection, robotics).
• Assist with design, programming, testing and commissioning of automation changes and small projects.
• Perform root cause analysis and implement corrective / preventive actions.
• Contribute to Capex and continuous improvement projects (installation, commissioning, optimisation).
• Monitor system performance, recommending improvements to reliability, safety, and productivity.
• Maintain accurate documentation & backups for PLC / HMI / robotic systems and record all maintenance activities.
• Provide mechanical support where required as part of a multi‑skilled team.
• Use the CMMS to manage PPMs, work orders, spares, and compliance records.
• Adhere to Health, Safety & Hygiene standards and promote best practice.
• Share expertise by supporting and mentoring colleagues.

Skills & Experience

• 5+ years’ electrical experience in a high-speed manufacturing / production environment.
• Strong knowledge of industrial electrical systems, control circuits, motors, and advanced fault‑finding.
• Hands‑on with PLCs (Siemens essential; Allen‑Bradley / Omron advantageous), HMIs, servo drives, SCADA.
• NVQ Level 3 (or equivalent) in Electrical Installation / Maintenance.
• Experienced in breakdowns, PPM, routine checks, and implementing preventative measures.
• Able to read electrical drawings / wiring diagrams; competent report writing and documentation.
• Proficient with CMMS and Microsoft Office.
• Excellent problem‑solving, attention to detail, and strong safety awareness.
• Electrical / automation bias (≈70–80%) with willingness to support mechanical tasks (≈20–30%).
• Flexible, self‑motivated, and effective working independently or within a team on rotating shifts.