Technical Specialist

Pioneer Selection Ltd; Darfield; On-site; GBP 58,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering recruitment firm in the UK is seeking a hands-on Automation Engineer for a flagship automated distribution centre. The ideal candidate will have solid PLC fault-finding skills and be able to act as the technical lead on shift, managing fault issues and optimizing equipment. This role offers a competitive salary of £57,600 plus overtime opportunities in a dynamic environment focused on continuous improvement.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Overtime opportunities

Standard pension scheme

Ongoing professional development

Qualifications

• Multi-skilled engineer with strong electrical and mechanical knowledge.
• Background in fast-paced factory or similar environments.
• Willingness to lead and drive team development.

Responsibilities

• Act as technical lead for the shift on PLC issues.
• Manage technical fault and ensure equipment availability.
• Deliver training and support data analysis.

Skills

PLC fault-finding skills

Electrical knowledge

Mechanical knowledge

Problem-solving ability

Job description

Overview

Automation Engineer

Salary: £57,600 + Overtime (£1,000-£2,000 on top) + Pension

Shifts: 2 nights on / 2 off / 3 days on / 3 off (40 hours per week)

About the Role

We're looking for a hands-on Automation Engineer to join one of the UK's most advanced automated distribution centres. This is a multi-skilled role with a strong focus on PLC, PC, and controls fault management. You'll act as the go-to technical specialist for the shift team, ensuring operationally critical equipment is maintained, optimised, and continuously improved. THIS ROLE IS A MULTI SKILLED MAINTENANCE ENGINEER AS WELL AS BEING THE POINT OF CONTACT FOR AALL PLC ISSUES.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as the technical lead on shift, supporting engineers with PLC/controls issues.
• Take ownership of technical fault management, liaising with wider support networks, contractors, and the customer.
• Carry out root cause analysis and drive continuous improvement to minimise downtime.
• Optimise equipment availability through targeted maintenance activities.
• Manage PLC backup, version control, and change management in line with company standards.
• Deliver on-the-job training and refresher sessions to shift technicians, raising the team's technical capability.
• Support data analysis, hardware mapping, and technical tooling requirements.
• Ensure safe working practices and contractor management on automation systems.

What We're Looking For

• A multi-skilled engineer with strong electrical and mechanical knowledge.
• PLC fault-finding and modification skills as a minimum (Siemens, Allen Bradley, or similar).
• Background in a fast-paced factory, distribution, or forces engineering environment.
• Strong problem-solving ability and the confidence to take the lead on technical issues.
• Hands-on, motivated, and keen to drive both personal and team development.

What’s on Offer

• Competitive salary of £57,600 + overtime opportunities (£1,000-£2,000 extra per year).
• A varied and technically challenging role in a flagship automated site.
• Standard pension scheme.
• Ongoing technical and professional development with access to a structured training academy