Automation Engineer
📍 Widnes | Permanent | Full Time
Are you looking to work for an employer who values you, supports you, and celebrates your input - whilst also giving sufficient autonomy to work off your own iniative? We’re currently looking for an experienced Automation Engineer to join a specialist engineering business delivering automation and control system solutions across a range of process industries.
Working as part of a multi-disciplinary engineering team, you will be involved throughout the full project lifecycle, from initial design and software development through to testing, commissioning and client handover. This role would suit a proactive and resourceful engineer with strong automation and PLC programming experience and a solid understanding of process engineering environments.
The position is primarily office-based in Widnes, although occasional travel within the UK and overseas will be required to support project delivery and commissioning activities.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop project documentation including Functional Design Specifications (FDS), Software Design Specifications (SDS) and Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) procedures.
- Design, program and develop PLC, HMI and SCADA software solutions.
- Support the production of wider project documentation including System Architecture drawings and I/O schedules.
- Carry out commissioning activities including:
- I/O testing
- Equipment configuration over fieldbus networks
- PID loop setup and optimisation
- Water and process/product testing
- Troubleshoot and modify existing control systems.
- Collaborate with process, electrical and mechanical engineers to deliver integrated automation solutions.
Skills & Experience
Essential
- Minimum 5 years' experience working with Siemens automation platforms.
- Experience programming PLC systems from scratch using P&IDs and process descriptions.
- Experience with SCADA systems and HMI development.
- Knowledge of Ethernet-based PLC communications.
- Experience with industrial networks including:
- Profibus
- Profinet
- AS-i
- IO-Link
- Experience controlling and programming:
- Variable Speed Drives (VSDs)
- Instrumentation
- Control valves
- Ability to design control systems from P&IDs and Process Data Sheets.
- Experience generating technical project documentation.
- Experience working within a process engineering environment.
- Strong Microsoft Office skills.
Desirable
- Experience with Aveva SCADA systems.
- Knowledge of VMware and virtualised environments.
- Understanding of SQL databases.
- Experience with Visual Basic or other high-level programming languages.
- Understanding of liquid process systems.
Qualifications
An Engineering Degree, HNC/HND or equivalent technical qualification is preferred.
However, candidates with significant relevant automation and control systems experience will also be considered.
Personal Attributes
- Strong problem-solving and fault-finding skills.
- Proactive and resourceful approach.
- Excellent communication skills.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Strong planning and organisational abilities.
- Commitment to health and safety standards.
What's on Offer?
- Competitive salary (circa 55-70K per annum)
- 28 days annual leave + Bank Holidays
- Company pension scheme
- Health cash plan with discounted gym membership
- Enhanced maternity and paternity benefits
- Company sick pay (following qualifying period)
- Option to purchase additional annual leave
- Uplift for trips / travel (£40 per night UK, £150 overseas)
- Career development opportunities within a growing engineering business
- Exposure to high-profile UK and international projects
- Support towards Chartership
This is an excellent opportunity for an Automation / Software Engineer seeking a varied role with genuine career progression and involvement in complex, high-value engineering projects from concept through to completion.
Please note: This is a UK permanent role, and candidates will require existing eligibility to work in the UK to be considered for this role.