Automation Engineer

Automation Engineer
Location: Nationwide Travel Required
Salary: £45,000 - £55,000 DOE + Company Vehicle
Inspire Resourcing is delighted to be partnering with a growing and innovative business in the recruitment of an Automation Engineer. This is an exciting opportunity for a motivated engineer to play a pivotal role in delivering cutting-edge warehouse automation projects across the UK.
This position offers the chance to take ownership of automation installations from concept through to commissioning, while supporting the ongoing development, optimisation and maintenance of sophisticated automated systems. Combining electrical, mechanical and controls expertise, you'll work closely with project teams, automation partners and clients to deliver reliable, high-performance solutions that drive operational excellence.
As the business continues to expand, you'll become a key technical expert, leading preventative maintenance programmes, supporting continuous improvement initiatives, and ensuring automation systems operate at peak efficiency.
A company vehicle will be provided, and the role will involve UK-wide travel, occasional overnight stays and flexibility to support project schedules and critical maintenance activities.
Key Responsibilities
Interpret and work from electrical schematics, mechanical drawings, installation instructions and bills of materials, ensuring all components and site interfaces are verified prior to installation.
Carry out the installation, assembly, alignment and commissioning of automated warehouse systems and associated equipment.
Install and connect electrical components, sensors, controls, motors and cabling in line with qualifications, industry standards and site requirements.
Support system commissioning activities alongside automation partners, validating operating sequences, HMIs, safety systems, alarms and fault recovery functions.
Collaborate with project managers, suppliers and subcontractors to coordinate installation activities and resolve technical challenges.
Develop and deliver planned preventative maintenance programmes, maintaining service schedules, equipment records and performance data.
Diagnose and rectify electrical, mechanical and automation control faults, coordinating specialist support where required.
Investigate recurring issues, implement corrective actions and manage spare parts to minimise downtime.
Provide on-site technical support and operator training, ensuring clients are confident in the operation and maintenance of installed systems.
Read, modify and troubleshoot automation software and control logic within agreed authority levels, working alongside software development teams when required.
Assist with controller configuration, HMI development, software testing and full system integration activities.
Maintain software backups, version control records and change documentation to support ongoing system reliability.
Liaise directly with Polish automation suppliers and engineering teams, ensuring effective technical communication and project progression.
Ensure all work is completed in compliance with health and safety regulations, site procedures, permits and risk assessments.
Verify system safety functions following maintenance or modification work and escalate complex design changes when necessary.
About You
To be successful in this role, you will ideally possess:
* Proven experience in the installation, commissioning, maintenance and fault-finding of industrial automation systems, machinery or material handling equipment.
* Recognised electrical engineering qualifications, supported by strong practical electrical and mechanical engineering skills.
* The ability to interpret electrical schematics, engineering drawings and technical documentation.
* Experience working with PLCs, HMIs and automation control systems, including software modifications and fault diagnosis.
* Fluent Polish language skills, enabling direct communication with overseas automation suppliers and technical teams.
* Good English communication skills, both written and verbal.
* Strong organisational skills with the ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities.
* Relevant site safety certifications or a willingness to obtain them.
* A full UK driving licence and the flexibility to travel nationwide, including occasional overnight stays and weekend work when required.
What's On Offer?
* Competitive salary of £45,000 - £55,000 DOE
* Company vehicle
* Opportunity to work on innovative automation and warehouse technology projects
* Significant autonomy and responsibility within a growing business
* Ongoing technical development and career progression opportunities
* Varied role combining installation, commissioning, maintenance and continuous improvement projects
* Exposure to cutting-edge automation systems and technologies across multiple customer sites