Automation Engineer Contract Jobs
Updating results…
4,675 Contract jobs sorted by:
Date Posted
Date Posted
Rate
Updating results…
4,675 Contract jobs
Stay Updated on Contract Jobs
Never miss another opportunity with our email alerts.
Save your searches to be notified as soon as new jobs are added.
Senior Engineer - Mechanical - Auxiliary Systems
Posted 1 day ago by JAM Recruitment Ltd
Join a prestigious aerospace and defence organization as a Senior Engineer Auxiliary in Glasgow, focusing on advanced ma...
- Rate Negotiable
- Category Undetermined
- Work type Undetermined
- Location Glasgow, Lanarkshire, UK
Google Cloud Application Support Engineer
Posted 1 day ago by Summer Browning Associates
The role of Google Cloud Application Support Engineer involves providing technical support and engineering for applicati...
- Rate Negotiable
- Category Outside
- Work type Hybrid
- Location City Of Westminster, London, UK
Azure/Databricks Engineer-Southampton/Hybrid-Up to £37.24ph
Posted 1 day ago by Bond Williams Limited
The role of Azure/Databricks Engineer involves developing secure and scalable cloud solutions within a high-profile clou...
- Rate Negotiable
- Category Undetermined
- Work type Hybrid
- Location Southampton, Hampshire, UK
Azure Infrastructure Cloud Engineer
Posted 1 day ago by SUMMER-BROWNING ASSOCIATES LIMITED
Summer-Browning Associates is seeking an Azure Cloud Infrastructure Engineer for a six-month assignment with a Central G...
- Rate Negotiable
- Category Undetermined
- Work type Hybrid
- Location Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, UK
Sort By
Saved Searches
No saved searches yet
Filters
IR35 Status
Working Arrangements
Industry
Sector
Country
Seniority Level
Posted By
Contract Rate
Date Posted
IR35 Status
Working Arrangements
Industry
Sector
Posted By
Country
Seniority Level
Date Posted
Contract Rate
£
—
£
About Our Automation Engineer Contract Roles
What does a automation engineer contractor do?
Automation Engineer contractors are engaged to design, build, and maintain automated systems that improve the efficiency, reliability, and scalability of engineering, manufacturing, and software delivery processes. The term covers two distinct but related domains: industrial automation, which involves the design and implementation of automated machinery, control systems, and robotics within manufacturing and process environments, and software test or process automation, which involves building automated testing frameworks and DevOps pipelines within technology delivery programmes. Contractors are typically brought in for defined automation projects, system upgrades, or to provide specialist expertise that a permanent team does not hold.
Technical skills expected vary significantly by domain. Industrial Automation Engineers need expertise in PLC programming, SCADA systems, robotics integration, and the relevant safety standards for automated machinery, with proficiency in platforms from vendors such as Siemens, Rockwell, or Mitsubishi depending on the client environment. Software and test automation contractors need strong programming skills, typically in Python, Java, or JavaScript, alongside experience with testing frameworks such as Selenium, Playwright, or Cypress, and familiarity with CI/CD tooling. Across both domains, the ability to design automation solutions that are maintainable, well-documented, and capable of being handed over cleanly to permanent teams is consistently valued.
What is the market like for automation engineer contractors?
Automation Engineering contracting is active across both its main domains. Industrial automation demand is being driven by manufacturing investment in productivity improvement, reshoring initiatives, and Industry 4.0 adoption, with particular activity in automotive, food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and utilities. Software and test automation demand remains strong within technology and financial services organisations running large agile delivery programmes that require scalable test coverage. Contractors who span both programming ability and process knowledge are in the strongest demand across both segments, as the boundaries between industrial and software automation continue to converge.
How much do automation engineer contractors usually earn?
Contract rates for automation engineer roles typically range from £400 to £750 per day, depending on the scope of the role, required expertise, and the delivery expectations of the engagement.
How many automation engineer vacancies are there on Quality Contracts?
Over the past twelve months, we have tracked over 150 automation engineer contract roles across the site. Data reviewed up to June 2026.