Senior Automation Service Engineer

SPX FLOW, Inc.; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A global process solutions leader in Birmingham seeks a Senior Automation Engineer to lead automation projects in the food, beverage, and pharmaceutical sectors. The role involves designing and implementing PLC/HMI/SCADA systems, with responsibilities including technical leadership, cross-functional collaboration, and mentoring junior engineers. The ideal candidate will have a degree in Automation, significant industry experience, and proficiency in Siemens and Rockwell systems, alongside strong communication and analytical skills.

Qualifications

• Significant experience delivering automation systems in hygienic industries.
• Advanced proficiency with Siemens and/or Rockwell systems.
• Strong experience with Wonderware SCADA solutions.

Responsibilities

• Lead the automation scope across assigned projects.
• Develop PLC applications and design HMI/SCADA systems.
• Support project managers in estimating and planning automation activities.

Skills

PLC applications (Siemens TIA Portal / S7)

Wonderware SCADA solutions (InTouch)

Analytical and problem-solving skills

Communication skills

Education

Degree in Automation or Electrical Engineering

Tools

Siemens TIA Portal

Rockwell Studio5000

Job description

JOB SUMMARY :

SPX Flow is looking for a Senior Automation Engineer to take a leading role in delivering automation solutions for projects across the food, beverage, pharmaceutical and other hygienic industries.

In this role, you will own the design, development and implementation of PLC / HMI / SCADA systems, act as a technical lead within multi-disciplinary project teams, and ensure that solutions meet the highest standards of safety, quality, and compliance. You will also contribute to the continuous improvement of automation tools, standards, and engineering practices across the organisation.

About the Role

SPX Flow is looking for a Senior Automation Engineer to take a leading role in delivering automation solutions for projects across the food, beverage, pharmaceutical and other hygienic industries.

In this role, you will own the design, development and implementation of PLC / HMI / SCADA systems, act as a technical lead within multi-disciplinary project teams, and ensure that solutions meet the highest standards of safety, quality and compliance. You will also contribute to continuous improvement of automation tools, standards and engineering practices across the organisation.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Leadership

• Lead the automation scope across assigned projects, acting as the primary technical authority.
• Define automation architecture and key design decisions to ensure technical integrity.
• Review and approve engineering documentation (FDS, DDS, control philosophy, architecture diagrams).
• Ensure full compliance with relevant legislation, including EU Machinery Directive and safety requirements.

Automation Design & Implementation

• Develop PLC applications (Siemens TIA Portal / S7, Rockwell Studio5000 / ControlLogix).
• Design and configure HMI / SCADA systems, primarily Wonderware InTouch.
• Configure industrial networks, communication interfaces and data exchange with SCADA, MES, MIS and ERP systems.
• Maintain consistent use of S88-based structures across installations.
• Conduct simulation, FAT, SAT and lead commissioning activities on customer sites.

Cross-functional Collaboration

• Represent automation engineering in customer meetings, design reviews, risk assessments and project workshops.
• Work closely with process, electrical and supply chain teams to deliver complete engineering solutions.
• Support project managers in estimating, planning and tracking automation activities.

Mentoring & Knowledge Sharing

• Guide and support junior and mid-level engineers, providing technical reviews and coaching.
• Drive continuous improvement of automation standards and engineering methodologies.

Aftermarket Support

• Lead troubleshooting and root cause analysis for complex customer issues.
• Participate in a 24 / 7 support rota (up to one week per month), with occasional travel.

Qualifications & Experience

Required

• Degree in Automation, Electrical Engineering or related discipline.
• Significant experience delivering automation systems in food, beverage, pharmaceutical or other hygienic industries.
• Advanced proficiency with Siemens (S7, TIA Portal) and / or Rockwell (ControlLogix, Studio5000).
• Strong experience with Wonderware SCADA solutions (InTouch).
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to resolve complex issues independently.
• Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate with internal and external stakeholders.
• Fluent English (spoken and written).

Preferred

• Experience mentoring engineers or leading automation workstreams.
• Knowledge of SQL Server, C#, C++, Visual Studio or MES / MIS / ERP integrations.
• SAP experience.

Working Conditions

• Work may take place in office, workshop or customer-site environments.
• Travel may be required during commissioning or support activities.
• Ability to lift up to 40 lbs; accommodations can be provided as needed.

Why SPX Flow

SPX Flow is a global leader in innovative process solutions, working with top manufacturers in hygienic industries. You will join an international engineering team with opportunities to work on complex, high-impact projects, develop your expertise, and grow within a collaborative and technology-driven environment.

Equal Opportunity Statement

SPX Flow is an equal opportunity employer. We make employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, disability, veteran status or any other status protected by law.