Lead Automation Engineer – PLC/SCADA & Safety

ALKEGEN; Holywell; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

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.

Skills

Machinery Safety

Risk Assessment

Permit to Work

LOTO

Electrical Safety

Safe Isolation

PLC Programming

HMI/SCADA

Industrial Networks

Project Delivery

Education

Electrical Engineering Degree/HND

Apprenticeship in Electrical/Controls

NVQ Level 3 / 18th Edition (Desirable)

Tools

Allen Bradley PLCs

Siemens PLCs

Mitsubishi PLCs

Omron PLCs

HMI/SCADA Systems

Job description

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