Project & Automation Engineer

Job Title: Project & Automation Engineer

Salary: £55,000 - £60,000

Location: Nottinghamshire

Job Type: Full-time, Permanent (Direct with Employer)

Overview

The Flavour Network are partnered with a growing food manufacturing business in the East Midlands to recruit a Project & Automation Engineer.

This is an excellent opportunity for a hands-on engineering professional to lead and deliver a range of automation, process improvement, and capital projects within a fast-paced manufacturing environment. The successful candidate will take ownership of projects from initial concept through to installation, commissioning, and handover, combining practical engineering expertise with strong project delivery skills.

Working closely with Production and Engineering teams, the Project & Automation Engineer will play a key role in identifying opportunities for improvement, designing and implementing engineering solutions, and supporting the site's ongoing investment programme. This is a varied role that requires both technical problem-solving and a willingness to be actively involved on the factory floor, whether fabricating equipment, building control systems, supporting commissioning activities, or delivering automation improvements.

The position offers significant autonomy, technical variety, and the opportunity to make a tangible contribution to manufacturing performance, efficiency, and future site development.

Key Responsibilities for the Project & Automation Engineer

• Lead and deliver automation, engineering, and continuous improvement projects from concept through to commissioning
• Design, fabricate, and install mechanical improvements, bespoke equipment, and production aids
• Build, wire, and modify electrical control panels, including VFDs, relays, contactors, and PLC systems
• Programme and modify PLCs and HMIs to support automation and process improvements
• Install and calibrate sensors, solenoids, motors, drives, and safety devices
• Support the planning and delivery of CAPEX projects across the manufacturing site
• Install, commission, and optimise new machinery and production line upgrades
• Work closely with Production teams to trial, evaluate, and implement engineering improvements
• Maintain accurate project documentation, technical drawings, and engineering records
• Ensure all projects and installations comply with food safety, quality, and health & safety standards
• Support and mentor junior engineers or apprentices where required

Requirements for the Project & Automation Engineer

• Proven experience within a food manufacturing, FMCG, or manufacturing environment
• Strong understanding of automation, controls, and production machinery
• PLC and HMI programming experience (Mitsubishi, Omron, Siemens, or similar)
• Experience designing, building, and wiring electrical control panels
• Hands-on mechanical engineering and fabrication skills, including MIG and TIG welding
• Knowledge of sensors, drives, control systems, and automation integration
• Experience delivering engineering projects from concept through to implementation
• A practical and solutions-focused approach with strong fault-finding and problem-solving abilities
• Self-motivated with the ability to manage multiple priorities and take ownership of projects
• Strong communication and documentation skills

What's on Offer for the Project & Automation Engineer

• Competitive salary plus a comprehensive benefits package
• Opportunity to work on varied and technically challenging engineering projects
• A highly autonomous role with genuine ownership of projects
• A supportive environment where engineering improvements are encouraged and implemented

If you're an engineer who enjoys designing, building, improving, and delivering practical solutions that make a measurable impact, we'd love to hear from you.