Field Service Engineer

SPX Flow; Bolton; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering company in Northern Ireland is seeking a Senior Automation Engineer to lead the design and implementation of automated systems across the food and beverage sectors. You will ensure compliance with safety standards and mentor junior engineers. Key responsibilities include leading automation projects, developing PLC applications, and conducting system simulations. The ideal candidate will have significant experience with Siemens and Rockwell systems, alongside strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Qualifications

• Significant experience delivering automation systems in relevant industries.
• Advanced proficiency with Siemens and/or Rockwell systems.
• Strong experience with Wonderware SCADA solutions.

Responsibilities

• Lead automation scope across assigned projects, acting as primary technical authority.
• Develop PLC applications and configure HMI/SCADA systems.
• Conduct simulation, FAT, SAT and lead commissioning activities.

Skills

Siemens TIA Portal

Rockwell Studio5000

Wonderware InTouch

SQL Server

C#

C++

Analytical skills

Problem-solving skills

Communication skills

Education

Degree in Automation or Electrical Engineering

Job description

SPX Flow is looking for a Senior Automation Engineer to lead the design, development and implementation of PLC/HMI/SCADA systems across projects in the food, beverage, pharmaceutical and other hygienic industries. In this role, you will act as a technical lead within multidisciplinary teams, ensuring solutions meet the highest standards of safety, quality and compliance, and contribute to continuous improvement of automation tools, standards and engineering practices.

Technical Leadership

• Lead the automation scope across assigned projects, acting as the primary technical authority.
• Define automation architecture and key design decisions to ensure technical integrity.
• Review and approve engineering documentation (FDS, DDS, control philosophy, architecture diagrams).
• Ensure full compliance with relevant legislation, including EU Machinery Directive and safety requirements.

Automation Design & Implementation

• Develop PLC applications using Siemens TIA Portal (S7) and/or Rockwell Studio5000/ControlLogix.
• Design and configure HMI/SCADA systems, primarily Wonderware InTouch.
• Configure industrial networks, communication interfaces and data exchange with SCADA, MES, MIS and ERP systems.
• Maintain consistent use of S88-based structures across installations.
• Conduct simulation, FAT, SAT and lead commissioning activities on customer sites.

Cross-functional Collaboration

• Represent automation engineering in customer meetings, design reviews, risk assessments and project workshops.
• Work closely with process, electrical and supply chain teams to deliver complete engineering solutions.
• Support project managers in estimating, planning and tracking automation activities.

Mentoring & Knowledge Sharing

• Guide and support junior and mid-level engineers, providing technical reviews and coaching.
• Drive continuous improvement of automation standards and engineering methodologies.

Aftermarket Support

• Lead troubleshooting and root cause analysis for complex customer issues.
• Participate in a 24/7 support rota (up to one week per month), with occasional travel.

Requirements

• Degree in Automation, Electrical Engineering or related discipline.
• Significant experience delivering automation systems in food, beverage, pharmaceutical or other hygienic industries.
• Advanced proficiency with Siemens (S7, TIA Portal) and/or Rockwell (ControlLogix, Studio5000).
• Strong experience with Wonderware SCADA solutions (InTouch).
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to resolve complex issues independently.
• Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate with internal and external stakeholders.
• Fluent English (spoken and written).

Preferred

• Experience mentoring engineers or leading automation workstreams.
• Knowledge of SQL Server, C#, C++, Visual Studio or MES/MIS/ERP integrations.
• SAP experience.

Working Conditions

• Work may take place in office, workshop or customer-site environments.
• Travel may be required during commissioning or support activities.
• Ability to lift up to 40 lbs; accommodations can be provided as needed.