Automation Engineer -
Responsible for maintaining, troubleshooting, and continuously improving complex automated manufacturing systems in a high-volume production environment. The role focuses on ensuring equipment reliability, supporting production performance, and delivering automation improvements aligned with lean manufacturing principles and safety standards.
Key Responsibilities
- Maintain and support complex in-house automated production systems to ensure high process reliability.
- Troubleshoot and resolve automation and control system issues in a timely and effective manner.
- Monitor and improve overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) and line performance; identify bottlenecks and lead root cause analysis activities.
- Modify and optimise control systems to meet evolving production and product requirements.
- Deliver automation projects and continuous improvement initiatives from concept to implementation.
- Identify and implement opportunities where automation can enhance efficiency, quality, and safety.
- Stay current with emerging technologies, equipment upgrades, and system changes.
- Work closely with manufacturing, maintenance, engineering, and external suppliers to support operational goals.
- Actively promote and apply lean manufacturing and safety-first principles in daily operations.
Key Competencies
- Strong problem-solving, analytical, and troubleshooting capability.
- Clear, structured thinker with high attention to detail and planning.
- Effective communicator able to engage with all levels of the organisation.
- Results-driven, pragmatic, and adaptable in fast-paced environments.
- Demonstrates professionalism, ethical integrity, and strong teamwork.
- Capable of preparing clear reports and delivering technical presentations.
- Committed to continuous improvement and standardisation of processes.
Qualifications & Experience
- Honours degree (Level 8) in Automation, Electrical, Electronics, Mechatronics, Software Engineering, or related discipline.
- Minimum of 5 years' experience in a fast-paced, high-volume manufacturing environment (FMCG or similar).
- Strong hands-on experience with PLC-based control systems, vision systems, and manufacturing execution systems (MES).
- Knowledge of industrial networks and machine control principles.
- Experience with Siemens S7, WinCC, and Wonderware is advantageous.
- Proficient in MS Office and familiar with statistical process control tools.
- Practical experience applying lean manufacturing tools and process standardisation.
