Sr Automation Engineer

Overview

In this role you lead automation expertise for the Reliability Maintenance and Engineering team, owning automated systems across buildings and their interfaces. You drive fault resolution, process improvements, and multi-site project delivery, including installation and commissioning of new equipment. You collaborate with cross-functional teams to uphold high reliability and safety standards while advancing standardised processes regionally. This position offers impact across conveyors, sortation, and automation machinery with opportunities to mentor peers and shape maintenance practices.

Responsibilities

• Lead the automation domain within the engineering team as subject matter expert
• Develop software for multiple platforms
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex issues across Controls, Fieldbus and IT platforms
• Analyse process flow and metrics for optimisation
• Possess working knowledge of Warehouse Control Systems and Telegrams
• Lead FC and Regional Controls projects
• Advise and steer vendor projects
• Signatory/lead changes in Change Management processes
• Act as technical reference and escalation point for FC controls engineers and operations
• Ensure compliance with machine safety regulations and safe working practices
• Develop and drive regional standards and processes
• Collaborate in national/international engineering groups
• Support skill development of CSS within FC hubs/regions
• Deliver technical and non-technical system training to business groups
• Support or develop IT systems such as IP networks, Linux, SQL databases and cloud technology
• Travel approximately 50% to other sites within UK & Ireland

Key requirements

• Experience identifying, maintaining, troubleshooting, and modifying motor controls (starter motors, VFDs, DC drives, electrical components)
• Experience leading controls in manufacturing or complex industrial environments
• Experience with PLC-controlled automation
• Experience creating automated alarms, reports and KPI metrics for plant management
• Travel willingness ~50% within UK & Ireland

• Strong communication of complex problems across business teams
• Leadership and mentorship
• Proactivity in process improvement and knowledge sharing
• PLC-controlled automation
• Motor controls, VFDs, DC drives
• Controls engineering in manufacturing settings

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