Lead Automation Engineer – PLC/SCADA & Safety

ALKEGEN

Holywell

On-site

GBP 60,000 - 75,000

Full time

13 days ago

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Job summary

Alkegen in the United Kingdom seeks an experienced automation and controls engineer to lead PLC programming, commissioning and maintenance of automated systems in a manufacturing environment. You will work with Allen Bradley, Siemens, Mitsubishi or Omron platforms, develop HMI/SCADA, and drive continuous improvement and project delivery from concept through handover.

Strong knowledge of safety standards, ISO 9001 and IATF16949 compliance, and cost-focused delivery are essential for success in

Qualifications

Understanding of Machinery Safety Standards and Risk Assessment processes.
Knowledge of Permit to Work, Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), Electrical Safety Rules and Safe Isolation procedures.
HNC/HND or Degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering, Mechatronics, Control Systems Engineering, or related discipline (essential).
Time-served Electrical/Controls Engineer apprenticeship (desirable).
Relevant electrical qualifications (e.g., NVQ Level 3 Electrical Engineering, 18th Edition Wiring Regulations) desirable.
Proven experience programming, commissioning, troubleshooting and maintaining PLC-controlled equipment (essential).
Experience with Allen Bradley, Siemens, Mitsubishi, Omron or equivalent PLC platforms (essential).
Experience developing and modifying HMI and SCADA systems (essential).
Experience with industrial communications networks including Ethernet/IP, Profinet, Profibus, Modbus or similar (essential).
Experience with servo drives, VSDs, motion control and instrumentation systems (desirable).
Proven experience delivering automation and controls projects from concept through commissioning (essential).
Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement experience (essential).
Six Sigma Yellow Belt or equivalent (desirable).
Experience working within ISO9001 and/or IATF16949 environments (desirable).
Experience working within a manufacturing environment (essential).
Knowledge of root cause analysis methodologies and problem-solving tools (essential).

Responsibilities

Ensure all automation, controls and electrical systems comply with site safety standards and legal requirements.
Lead machinery safety assessments, electrical safety improvements and Management of Change (MOC) activities.
Support incident investigations and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
Promote safe working practices, permit-to-work compliance, LOTO and contractor safety management.
Develop and maintain control systems that support consistent product quality and process stability.
Investigate process and equipment issues using root cause analysis and implement permanent solutions.
Support quality improvement initiatives through automation and data-driven process control.
Ensure all automation changes are documented, tested and validated in line with quality requirements.
Identify and implement automation solutions that reduce waste, energy consumption and operating costs.
Support preventive maintenance strategies to minimise unplanned downtime and repair costs.
Manage automation project budgets and ensure effective use of engineering resources.
Drive efficiency improvements through equipment optimisation and process standardisation.
Improve equipment reliability, OEE and manufacturing throughput through automation and controls improvements.
Lead automation and capital projects from design through commissioning and handover.
Provide technical support to minimise downtime and restore production quickly during equipment failures.
Work with operations teams to identify and remove process bottlenecks.
Drive continuous improvement initiatives using automation, data analysis and engineering best practices.
Identify opportunities for new technologies and digital solutions to improve manufacturing performance.
Develop and maintain PLC, HMI and SCADA systems to support operational excellence.
Contribute to site improvement roadmaps and long-term engineering strategies.
Provide technical leadership and expertise across automation, controls and electrical systems.
Coach and support maintenance and operations teams in fault finding and equipment operation.
Work collaboratively with cross-functional teams, contractors and equipment supplier.
Support skills development and knowledge sharing to improve overall engineering capability.