Job Title: Automation Engineer
Location: Coventry
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Job Overview:
Reporting to the Chief Engineer of Controls Systems, the Automation Engineer will take responsibility for delivering high-quality programmable systems (PLCs/Robots) across the full project lifecycle – from concept and design through to virtual commissioning, installation, and aftersales support. The role involves executing a variety of automation projects independently or as part of a team, ensuring the delivery of professional, efficient, and right-first-time automation systems.
Duties & Responsibilities:
– Design, install, and integrate automation systems at both company and customer sites in line with internal tools, procedures, and standards.
– Produce Functional Design Specifications (FDS) based on customer requirements and internal specifications.
– Assist or lead hardware design teams (ePLAN and Pneumatics) to select appropriate equipment for each application.
– Develop, test, and validate programmable systems including PLCs, HMIs, Robots, Safety Systems, Drive Systems, Vision Systems, and SCADA.
– Conduct virtual commissioning and demonstrate system performance prior to on-site commissioning.
– Configure and commission networking and distributed I/O systems (e.g. ProfiNet, Ethernet/IP).
– Lead or support FAT & SAT activities and ensure CE compliance through appropriate documentation.
– Train end users during handover and provide technical support for aftersales and warranty activities.
– Actively promote Industry 4.0 technologies and practices in line with the company’s digital strategy.
– Support the training and development of junior engineers and colleagues across the controls function.
Experience:
– Minimum of 2 years’ experience as a multi-skilled Automation Engineer with strong design and integration capabilities.
– Proficient in a range of control systems and technologies, including Siemens, Rockwell, Beckhoff, ABB, and Cognex.
– Background in manufacturing and assembly automation, ideally from an electrical or controls engineering environment.
– Experience producing technical documentation, leading commissioning activities, and collaborating across multidisciplinary teams.
Skills:
– PLC/HMI programming (Siemens TIA Portal, WinCC Unified, Rockwell, Beckhoff).
– Programmable safety systems (Siemens TIA Safety, Rockwell, Pilz).
– Robot programming (ABB, Fanuc, Kawasaki).
– Drive and Vision Systems integration (Siemens, SEW, Bosch, Cognex, Keyence).
– Proficiency with Microsoft Office and automation software tools.
– Preferred: ePLAN P8 Electrical Design, Pneumatics/Fluids design (Festo FluidDraw or ePLAN Fluid), SCADA programming, and experience with standards such as SICAR, DCP, TransLine, and PackML.
Qualifications:
– Time-served or formally trained Automation Engineer with a minimum Level 3 Apprenticeship or HNC in Engineering (Degree preferred).
– Electrical qualification or background strongly preferred.
– Recognised vendor training/accreditations (e.g. Siemens, Rockwell, ABB, Beckhoff, Fanuc) are advantageous.