OT Automation Engineer

AkzoNobel; Gateshead; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company pension

Life Assurance

Employee Assistance Programme

Staff discount

Flexible benefits

Job summary

AkzoNobel in Gateshead is seeking an experienced OT and Automation Engineer to drive digital transformation at our Felling site. You will maintain and develop Industrial Control Systems, support automation projects and strengthen cyber security across the facility.

Reporting to the EC&I Lead, you will collaborate with IT, engineering and suppliers to design solutions, manage third-party contractors and deliver reliable, efficient plant performance within a highly automated manufacturing

Qualifications

• Degree (or equivalent) in Electronics, Industrial Control, Automation Engineering or a related discipline.
• Experience maintaining Industrial Control Systems within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of PLCs, SCADA systems and industrial communication protocols.
• Experience with automation platforms such as Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Honeywell or ABB.
• Understanding of OT cyber security, industrial networks and database technologies (OPC, SQL).
• Excellent troubleshooting, project management and stakeholder management skills.
• A proactive approach with the ability to manage multiple priorities and work independently.

Responsibilities

• Maintain, troubleshoot and improve Industrial Control Systems (PLCs, SCADA and associated equipment).
• Support the delivery of automation and digital transformation projects across the site.
• Develop and maintain ICs network architecture, software backups and business continuity plans.
• Work with internal teams and external suppliers to design and implement automation solutions.
• Act as the Site Cyber Security Officer, ensuring OT cyber security standards and policies are implemented.
• Carry out cyber security risk and vulnerability assessments for industrial control systems.
• Support functional safety activities including HAZOP studies and process safety management.
• Manage third-party contractors and collaborate closely with IT, engineering and regional digital teams.
• Provide technical expertise to improve reliability, efficiency and plant performance.

Job description

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OT Automation Engineer

Date: Jul 7, 2026

Location: Gateshead, GB

About AkzoNobel

Since 1792, we’ve been supplying the innovative paints and coatings that help to color people’s lives and protect what matters most. Our world class portfolio of brands – including Dulux, International, Sikkens and Interpon – is trusted by customers around the globe. We’re active in more than 150 countries and use our expertise to sustain and enhance the fabric of everyday life. Because we believe every surface is an opportunity. It’s what you’d expect from a pioneering and long-established paints company that’s dedicated to providing sustainable solutions and preserving the best of what we have today – while creating an even better tomorrow. Let’s paint the future together.

OT & Automation Engineer

Felling, Gateshead

We’ve been pioneering a world of possibilities to bring surfaces to life for over 200 years. As experts in making coatings, there’s a good chance you’re only ever a few metres away from one of our products.

Our world-class portfolio of brands – including Dulux, International, Sikkens and Interpon – is trusted by customers around the globe. Operating in more than 150 countries, we're committed to becoming the global industry leader in sustainable paints and coatings.

The Role

We're looking for an experienced OT & Automation Engineer to help drive the digital transformation of our manufacturing site in Felling.

Reporting to the EC&I Lead, you'll play a key role in maintaining, developing and safeguarding our Industrial Control Systems (ICS), while supporting automation projects, improving operational performance and strengthening cyber security across the site.

This is an exciting opportunity to work on a wide variety of automation and digitalisation projects within a highly automated manufacturing environment.

What You'll Be Doing

• Maintain, troubleshoot and improve Industrial Control Systems (PLCs, SCADA and associated equipment).
• Support the delivery of automation and digital transformation projects across the site.
• Develop and maintain ICs network architecture, software backups and business continuity plans.
• Work with internal teams and external suppliers to design and implement automation solutions.
• Act as the Site Cyber Security Officer, ensuring OT cyber security standards and policies are implemented.
• Carry out cyber security risk and vulnerability assessments for industrial control systems.
• Support functional safety activities including HAZOP studies and process safety management.
• Manage third-party contractors and collaborate closely with IT, engineering and regional digital teams.
• Provide technical expertise to improve reliability, efficiency and plant performance.

What You'll Bring

• Degree (or equivalent) in Electronics, Industrial Control, Automation Engineering or a related discipline.
• Experience maintaining Industrial Control Systems within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of PLCs, SCADA systems and industrial communication protocols.
• Experience with automation platforms such as Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Honeywell or ABB.
• Understanding of OT cyber security, industrial networks and database technologies (OPC, SQL).
• Excellent troubleshooting, project management and stakeholder management skills.
• A proactive approach with the ability to manage multiple priorities and work independently.

What Makes You Stand Out

• Experience supporting factory digital transformation programmes.
• Knowledge of functional safety and process safety management.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• A collaborative approach with a passion for continuous improvement.

What We Offer at AkzoNobel

We offer excellent opportunities for personal and professional development, alongside a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Competitive salary (dependent on experience).
• Company pension.
• Income protection.
• Employee Life Assurance.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Staff discount at Dulux Decorator Centres.
• Flexible benefits including GymFlex, dental cover, retail discounts and more.

We have been inventing the future for more than two centuries and need people like you to be part of the team.

Apply today and help shape the future of manufacturing through automation, digital innovation and operational excellence.

We are advocates of a healthy work-life balance and mental wellbeing and are happy to consider flexible working options wherever possible.

At AkzoNobel we are highly committed to ensuring an inclusive and respectful workplace where all employees can be their best self. We strive to embrace diversity in a context of tolerance. Our talent acquisition process plays an integral part in this journey, as setting the foundations for a diverse environment. For this reason we train and educate on the implications of our Unconscious Bias in order for our TA and hiring managers to be mindful of them and take corrective actions when applicable. In our organization, all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age or disability.