Lead Automation Engineer – Site Controls & Improvement

Synergi Recruitment; England; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive Salary

Annual bonus scheme

Company pension

Overtime opportunities

Job summary

Synergi Recruitment is seeking an experienced Lead Automation Engineer for a leading UK bakery manufacturer. The role is heavily automation-focused and offers autonomy to shape automation strategy and major investment projects.

Ideal candidates will have strong PLC/Siemens experience, electrical fault-finding and a proven record delivering engineering improvements. You will support site development and drive OEE enhancements with cross-functional teams.

Qualifications

• Strong experience in electrical fault-finding and PLC diagnostics in manufacturing.
• Proven track record with automated manufacturing machinery and Siemens systems.
• Experience with VSDs, HMIs, sensors, and control systems.
• Ability to read electrical schematics and fault-find control panels.
• Demonstrated root cause analysis and long-term fixes on production lines.

Responsibilities

• Lead automation and controls activities across the site.
• Diagnose and resolve PLC, electrical and automation faults.
• Support and maintain PLC-controlled equipment, HMIs, VSDs and sensors.
• Improve plant reliability, OEE and equipment performance.
• Lead and deliver automation, engineering and CI projects.
• Support commissioning and installation of new equipment.
• Maintain PLC backups, documentation and standards.
• Identify opportunities to improve automation and efficiency.
• Support major capital investment and site expansion projects.
• Develop and improve automation maintenance strategies.
• Collaborate with Production, Engineering and Operations teams.
• Provide technical coaching on controls issues.
• Drive root-cause analysis and continuous improvement.
• Participate in engineering call-out rota and shift cover.

Skills

Electrical fault-finding

PLC diagnostics

Siemens PLC

VSDs HMIs

Electrical schematics

Conveyors & motors

Root cause analysis

Automation projects

Stakeholder management

Ownership mindset

Shutdown readiness

Tools

Siemens S7/TIA Portal

SCADA systems

Industrial networking

Automation commissioning

Job description

Synergi Recruitment is seeking an experienced Lead Automation Engineer for a leading UK bakery manufacturer. The role is heavily automation-focused and offers autonomy to shape automation strategy and major investment projects.

Ideal candidates will have strong PLC/Siemens experience, electrical fault-finding and a proven record delivering engineering improvements. You will support site development and drive OEE enhancements with cross-functional teams.