📍 Widnes | Permanent | Full Time
Are you looking to work for an employer who values you, supportsyou , and celebrates your input - whilst also giving sufficient autonomy to work off your own initiative? 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.
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.
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
Career development opportunities within a growing engineering business
Exposure to high-profile UK and international projects
Support towards Chartership
Uplift for trips / travel (£40 per night UK, £150 overseas)
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
Salary description
£55000.00 - £70000.00 per year