Automation Engineer job in Hereford – £50K – Packaging & Manufacturing Systems

A leading UK manufacturing organisation is seeking an Automation Engineer to join its engineering team in Hereford, supporting highly automated production and packaging operations.

This role offers the opportunity to work with a diverse range of industrial automation technologies, helping to improve plant reliability, efficiency, and performance across large-scale manufacturing processes. You’ll play a key role in maintaining, optimising, and developing automation systems while supporting continuous improvement initiatives throughout the site.

Working alongside engineering and maintenance teams, you’ll contribute to equipment upgrades, troubleshooting activities, commissioning projects, and long-term automation strategy within a modern production environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain and optimise industrial automation and control systems across manufacturing and packaging operations.
• Monitor, troubleshoot, and improve PLC programs to maximise equipment reliability and efficiency.
• Provide technical support and guidance to maintenance and engineering teams.
• Carry out root cause analysis and implement corrective actions for automation-related issues.
• Develop and maintain PLC backups, control system documentation, and automation standards.
• Support equipment integration, commissioning activities, and system upgrades.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements and increased production efficiency.
• Apply structured problem-solving methodologies such as 5 Whys, Kaizen, and continuous improvement techniques.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance operational performance and reduce downtime.
• Ensure automation systems remain secure, compliant, and aligned with industry best practices.

Technologies & Systems

You’ll work across a broad automation environment including:

• Rockwell Automation PLCs
• Siemens PLCs
• ControlLogix platforms
• Siemens S7-300, S7-400 and S7-1500 systems
• SCADA platforms including ProLeit BrewMaxx and AVEVA InTouch
• OEM HMI systems
• Ethernet/IP and Profinet communication networks
• AS-i, Profibus DP, DeviceNet and ControlNet architectures

Skills & Experience

• Strong experience working with industrial automation and control systems.
• Practical PLC programming, diagnostics, and fault-finding experience.
• Knowledge of manufacturing, packaging, process, or FMCG production environments.
• Experience supporting equipment commissioning and automation projects.
• Understanding of industrial networking and communication protocols.
• Ability to analyse complex technical issues and implement effective solutions.
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Experience mentoring technicians or supporting wider engineering teams is beneficial.

Technical Requirements

• Strong knowledge of Rockwell and Siemens automation platforms.
• Experience working with SCADA systems and industrial HMI interfaces.
• Understanding of industrial network architecture and control system integration.
• Awareness of ISA-95 automation standards.
• Knowledge of Process Control Design (PCD) principles.
• Understanding of industrial cybersecurity and cyber-safe automation practices.
• Experience implementing structured continuous improvement methodologies.

Qualifications

• NVQ Level 3, HNC, HND, or equivalent qualification in Electrical Engineering or a related discipline.
• Additional mechanical engineering exposure would be advantageous.

Why Join?

• Work with a highly advanced manufacturing automation environment.
• Exposure to over 100 PLC-controlled systems across multiple production areas.
• Opportunity to lead automation improvements and technology upgrades.
• Strong focus on continuous learning and technical development.
• Career progression opportunities within a large-scale manufacturing operation.
• Competitive salary up to £50,000 depending on experience.
• Annual bonus and enhanced pension contributions.
• Generous holiday allowance.
• Private health and wellbeing benefits.
• Employee discounts and additional lifestyle benefits.

Ideal Background

This role would suit an Automation Engineer, Controls Engineer, PLC Engineer, Electrical Controls Engineer, Industrial Automation Engineer, Manufacturing Engineer, Process Control Engineer, SCADA Engineer, Systems Engineer, or Maintenance Engineer with experience in FMCG, food and beverage, packaging, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, process industries, or industrial production environments.