Packaging Automation Engineer – PLC/SCADA Specialist

The HEINEKEN Company; Hereford; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job description

Function: Supply Chain - Packaging

Location: Hereford

Salary: up to £50,000 per annum dependant on experience, plus amazing benefits listed below!

Contract: Permanent

Shift pattern: Days based, Monday – Friday

Latest closing date: Monday 8th June 2026.

About The Role

As the Automation Engineer, you will be working within a team directly reporting to the Engineering Manager, supporting on automation and electrical activities within the Packaging line of production. This role is responsible for maintaining the site’s automation systems, both hardware and software, to improve plant efficiency, reliability, and cost.

At the Hereford site, our automation systems cover Utilities, Cider Production & Packaging, using Rockwell and Siemens PLCs with SCADA systems including ProLeit BrewMaxx and AVEVA InTouch, alongside various OEM HMIs. The automation network is fully resilient and includes over 100 PLCs ranging from older Allen Bradley models to modern Rockwell ControlLogix and Siemens S7-300/400/1500 systems. Communication is primarily via EthernetIP or ProfiNet, with additional networks such as ASi, Profibus DP, DeviceNet, and ControlNet.

Key Responsibilities

• Monitoring, updating control systems and optimising PLC code.
• Providing technical support and mentoring to maintenance technicians to strengthen automation capabilities across the site.
• Programme and troubleshoot PLC systems; conduct root cause analysis on equipment issues.
• Use structured problem-solving techniques (e.g., 5 Whys, Kaizen) to drive improvements.
• Maintain PLC backups and keep automation documentation up to date.
• Lead automation aspects of equipment integration and commissioning.

Who We’re Looking For

• A recognised Electrical Engineering qualification such as an NVQ Level 3, HNC/HND level is mandatory. Mechanical experience is ideal but
• Prior experience in a packaging automation or fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) environment is highly desirable.
• Strong working knowledge of PLC systems, particularly Rockwell and Siemens platforms.
• Network architecture standards and ideally have a understanding of ISA-95 automation standard.
• Familiarity with SCADA systems; ability to interpret and work with automation interfaces.
• Practical experience in PLC programming, diagnostics, and fault finding.
• Awareness of Process Control Design (PCD) and cybersecurity practices in an industrial setting.
• Ability to apply structured problem-solving and cyber-safe techniques in automation systems.

Benefits

• Annual bonus
• Double-matched pension (up to 10%)
• 32 days’ holiday, plus three listed public holidays (Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year's Day – if any of these fall on a weekend, you’ll get the following weekday off instead)
• Life assurance (subject to policy terms)
• Critical illness insurance – comprehensive cover for you and your family
• Free ciders and beers (including low and zero alcohol options)
• Retail discounts
• Wellbeing support, including Mental health champions, free Counselling, access to Colleague Networks.
• Comprehensive opportunities to develop
• Option to join our Colleague Networks to connect, share and build inclusion