Lead Automation Engineer

Reed; Slough; On-site; GBP 62,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

Reed is seeking a Lead Automation Engineer - Team Leader to oversee reliability, performance, and continuous improvement of automated production equipment in the plant. You will combine hands-on expertise with leadership to maintain electrical control systems, PLCs, HMIs, and automation software.

The role requires guiding a engineering team, driving improvement projects, leading commissioning of new equipment, and ensuring safety and GMP compliance.

Qualifications

• Recognized engineering degree in Electrical, Electronic, Automation, or Multi-Skilled Engineering.
• Extensive experience in a food manufacturing environment with automation and controls.
• Proven ability to lead and mentor engineering teams.
• Expertise in PLCs, HMIs, fault finding, and automated production lines.

Responsibilities

• Own the performance and continuous improvement of PLC, HMI, and automated control systems.
• Diagnose and resolve complex faults in PLC logic, electrical controls, and machine interfaces.
• Lead automation upgrades and new equipment integrations.
• Provide day-to-day technical guidance and mentorship to engineering staff.
• Lead root cause analysis and manage machinery upgrades and projects.
• Uphold safety standards including LOTO and GMP compliance.

Skills

Leadership

Mentoring engineering teams

Problem solving under pressure

Safety & GMP knowledge

Education

Engineering degree in Electrical, Electronic, Automation, or Multi-Skilled Engineering

Tools

PLCs

HMIs

Electrical fault finding

Automated production lines

Job description

Lead Automation Engineer - Team Leader

Job Title: Lead Automation Engineer - Team Leader
Salary: £62,000 - £66,000
Location: Slough

Job Purpose

The Lead Automation Engineer - Team Leader is responsible for overseeing the reliability, performance, and continuous improvement of automated production equipment within the factory. This role combines hands‑on technical expertise in automation and controls with leadership responsibilities, ensuring both effective maintenance and strategic enhancements of electrical control systems, PLCs, HMIs, and automation software.

Key Responsibilities

Automation and Controls:

• Own the performance and continuous improvement of PLC, HMI, and automated control systems.
• Diagnose and resolve complex faults in PLC logic, electrical controls, and machine interfaces.
• Maintain and optimize machine control systems to enhance uptime and efficiency.
• Lead automation upgrades and new equipment integrations, ensuring seamless commissioning and performance alignment.

Maintenance and Engineering:

• Lead the response to equipment breakdowns, prioritizing actions to minimize downtime while maintaining production integrity.
• Conduct and oversee planned preventative maintenance according to established schedules.
• Maintain detailed records and engineering documentation to uphold company standards.

Technical Leadership and Team Support:

• Provide day‑to‑day technical guidance and mentorship to engineering staff, enhancing team capabilities in automation and controls.
• Act as a primary technical contact during critical breakdown situations, offering expert advice and solutions.
• Support the Engineering Manager in developing and enforcing engineering standards and best practices.

Continuous Improvement and Projects:

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing automation reliability and operational efficiency.
• Lead root cause analysis for major or repetitive equipment failures, implementing strategic corrective actions.
• Manage and contribute to machinery upgrades and automation projects, ensuring objectives are met on time and within budget.

Health and Safety:

• Uphold stringent safety standards in line with company policies and legislation, including LOTO procedures.
• Conduct risk assessments and ensure all engineering activities are compliant with safety protocols.

Food Safety and Hygiene:

• Ensure all engineering activities align with GMP and food safety regulations, maintaining impeccable hygiene standards during maintenance.

Skills, Knowledge, and Experience

• Qualifications: Recognized engineering degree in Electrical, Electronic, Automation, or Multi‑Skilled Engineering.
• Experience: Extensive experience in a food manufacturing environment, with a strong background in automation and controls.
• Skills: Expertise in PLCs, HMIs, electrical fault finding, and automated production lines. Proficient in leading complex fault diagnosis and implementing effective solutions.
• Leadership: Proven ability to lead and mentor engineering teams, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and technical excellence.

Personal Attributes

• Methodical and calm, especially during high‑pressure situations.
• Proactive, hands‑on approach to problem‑solving.
• Strong sense of ownership and accountability, with a commitment to upholding high standards of safety and quality.
• Flexible and reliable, capable of working effectively within a dynamic team environment.