Graduate Automation Engineer

Hitachi Energy Ltd.; Stone; Hybrid; GBP 28,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Hitachi Energy Ltd. in the United Kingdom seeks a Graduate Automation Engineer to help modernise and secure substation automation solutions. You will contribute to hardware and software design and implement robust, field-ready controls.

You will collaborate across electrical, networking, computer science and cybersecurity teams, gaining exposure from concept through commissioning and supporting safe, efficient operations in real-world settings.

Qualifications

• Degree in electrical engineering, computer science, or similar field.
• Interest in engineering, design and development.
• Curiosity and willingness to learn new technologies.
• Teamwork oriented and collaborative mindset.

Responsibilities

• Assist in conceptualising, designing and developing substation automation systems.
• Participate in deploying automation technologies in real-world settings.
• Collaborate with electrical, networking, computer science and cybersecurity teams.
• Contribute to the full lifecycle from concept to testing and commissioning.

Skills

Teamwork

Curiosity

Passion for Engineering

Problem solving

Education

Degree in Electrical Engineering / Computer Science / Communications Engineering or similar

Tools

SCADA

RTU/PLC programming

Industrial Networking

OT Cybersecurity

Job description

The Graduate Automation Engineer position is foundational and intended for individuals at the beginning of their careers who wish to impact the modernisation, optimisation, and safety of electrical operations through substation automation solutions. This role is crucial in creating and implementing solutions in the energy sector.

How you'll make an impact

• Supporting Design and Development: You will assist in conceptualising, designing, and developing substation automation systems. This includes working on both hardware and software components to ensure seamless integration and robust performance.
• Deployment of Automation Solutions: The role involves hands‑on participation in deploying automation technologies in real‑world settings, ensuring that solutions are not only theoretically sound but also practical and effective in the field.
• Cross‑Disciplinary Collaboration: As automation spans multiple engineering domains, you will work closely with experts in electrical engineering, networking, computer science, and cybersecurity. This multidisciplinary approach ensures that solutions are secure, efficient, and compliant with industry standards.
• Project Lifecycle Involvement: From initial concept through to testing and commissioning, you will gain exposure to the full lifecycle of substation automation projects. This end‑to‑end involvement provides a comprehensive understanding of how substation automation solutions are brought to life.

Technical Exposure

• SCADA Systems: Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems are at the heart of electrical substation automation. You will learn how to design, configure, and maintain these systems to monitor and control industrial processes.
• RTU/PLC Programming: Remote Control Unit and Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) are essential for substation automation solutions. You will develop skills in PLC programming, troubleshooting, and optimisation.
• Industrial Networking: Modern automation relies on robust networking to connect devices and systems. You will work with industrial communication protocols and network architectures.
• OT Cybersecurity: Operational Technology (OT) cybersecurity is increasingly important as industrial systems become more connected. You will learn about frameworks and best practices to protect critical infrastructure from cyber threats.
• Teamwork: Success in this role depends on effective collaboration with multidisciplinary teams. You will contribute to integrating hardware and software, optimising system performance, and ensuring that solutions meet both technical and regulatory requirements.

Your Background

• Degree within Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Communication Engineering or similar.
• Passion for Engineering: A genuine interest in engineering, design, and development is essential.
• Curiosity and Inquisitiveness: The role is suited for those who are eager to learn, explore new technologies, and solve complex problems.
• Teamwork: An intrinsic interest in people and achieving success through teamwork is highly valued.

We are a global leader in electrification, powering the electricity era to meet the energy demands of today, and the next 25 years. As the energy arm of Hitachi Group, over three billion people depend on our pioneering, mission‑critical technologies to power their daily lives.

With over a century of innovation, we are addressing the most urgent energy challenge of our time: driving the evolution of the world’s energy system to ensure abundant, secure, affordable, and sustainable power for today’s generation and the next.

With an unparalleled installed base in over 140 countries, we are the grid ecosystem partner across the utility, industry, data center, and transportation sectors. Headquartered in Switzerland, we employ over 56,000 people in 60 countries and generate revenues of around $20 billion USD.