Automation Engineer

Automation Engineer

📍 Widnes | Permanent | Full Time

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 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.

If you are an experienced Automation Engineer looking to work on complex automation and control projects within a growing engineering team, we'd love to hear from you.

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.