Project & Automation Engineer

Ambitions Personnel; Nottingham; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A fast-growing, innovation-led food manufacturer is seeking an automation/controls engineer in Nottingham. You’ll lead automation projects, design systems, and support a hands-on team culture. The position offers autonomy in workshop decisions and a clear path for career progression.

Benefits

Private medical (AXA)

28 days holiday + birthday off

Option to sell back a week of holiday

Volunteer day

Quarterly socials

Product discounts

Qualifications

• Proven experience in automation/controls engineering within FMCG or food manufacturing.
• Strong grasp of control systems and sensor logic.
• Mechanical skills including fabrication and welding.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support automation upgrades and process improvement projects.
• Design, build, and install control panels and automation systems.
• Collaborate with teams on new equipment and upgrades.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI programming

Mechanical fabrication

Welding (MIG/TIG)

Control systems knowledge

Sensor logic

Job description

The Opportunity:
Join a fast-growing, innovation-led food manufacturer on a mission to shake up the industry with smarter, faster, more automated production. If you love building systems, solving real-world problems, and getting your hands dirty — this one’s for you.

What You’ll Be Doing:

Lead and support automation upgrades and process improvement projects.

Design, build, and install control panels, mechanical rigs, and automation systems.

Modify and program PLCs and HMIs (Siemens, Omron etc.).

Install and calibrate sensors, motors, solenoids, and safety systems.

Collaborate with maintenance, production, and tech teams on new equipment and upgrades.

Help build out a workshop from scratch — spec the kit, tools, and layout.

Support junior engineers and contribute to a high-performance, hands-on culture.

What You’ll Need:

Proven experience in automation/controls engineering within FMCG or food manufacturing.

PLC/HMI programming knowledge and a strong grasp of control systems and sensor logic.

Mechanical skills including fabrication and welding (MIG/TIG).

A proactive, solutions-led mindset with the ability to take projects from concept to commissioning.

Awareness of food safety, hygiene, and health & safety standards.

The Vibe:

60/40 split of mechanical and electrical work — or tailored to your strengths.

Real autonomy — take ownership of projects, not just tasks.

Workshop setup and tech decisions in your hands.

Role can evolve into a technical specialist or leadership track.

Mon–Fri 10:00–19:00 (weekend OT or TOIL available)

Private medical (AXA)

28 days holiday + birthday off + option to sell back a week

Volunteer day + quarterly socials + product discounts

Give me a call on07810 022392 / 01636 611320…… happy to take calls after 5pm or What’s app me and I’ll call you back!

LinkedInJo Botton – drop me a message if that's easier.

Don't worry about having an up to date CV, we can sort that out later.

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