Automation Engineer Contract Jobs in Birmingham
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Design Engineer (Automation)
Posted 1 day ago by Ernest Gordon Recruitment
The RoleDesigning bespoke automated machinery for manufacturesUsing Siemens and Alan Bradley PLC's and creating Electric...
- Rate £60,000 per year
- Category Not specified
- Work type Hybrid
- Location Didcot, England, United Kingdom
Senior Test Automation Engineer / ASAP / 6 months+ / Remote
Posted 1 day ago by Red Global
We are looking for a Senior Test Automation Engineer to design and implement scalable test automation solutions for comp...
- Rate Not specified
- Category Outside
- Work type Remote
- Location Germany, Western Europe
Senior Network Automation Engineer - Python - Global Tech
Posted 1 day ago by Principle
Senior Network Automation Engineer - Python £102,000 | 12-month contract | Central London - Hybrid | PAYE / Inside IR35...
- Rate £102,000 per year
- Category Inside
- Work type Hybrid
- Location London, England, United Kingdom
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Senior Mobile Automation Engineer (SC Cleared)
Posted 3 days ago by Sanderson Recruitment
Key ResponsibilitiesDefine and implement mobile automation testing strategies.Build, maintain and improve scalable autom...
- Rate £450 per day
- Category Outside
- Work type Remote
- Location London; City of London; East London; Central London; South East London; West London; Canary Wharf; South West London; North London; Greenwich; Stratford
Lead Automation Engineer (Information Technology) Active SC Clearance is require...
Posted 3 days ago by Infoplus Technologies UK Ltd
DescriptionAs part of this hands-on role, you will conduct and lead automation testing activities to ensure our systems...
- Rate Not specified
- Category Not specified
- Work type Not specified
- Location London, United Kingdom
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About Our Automation Engineer Contract Roles in Birmingham
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.
What is the contracting market like in Birmingham?
HSBC's UK headquarters, alongside substantial operations from other major banks and insurers, anchors Birmingham's position as the UK's second largest commercial centre for contractor demand. HS2 and wider infrastructure investment across the West Midlands have added a layer of construction, engineering, and programme delivery work that is expected to persist for several years. Central government departments with Birmingham offices, including HMRC and the Home Office, contribute a steady volume of digital, project, and operational delivery roles. The city offers a broad spread of contracting disciplines rather than concentrating in one sector, which makes it resilient to downturns in any single industry. Disciplines tied to infrastructure and construction can command premiums where specialist experience is scarce, even as rates for more general roles sit comfortably below the capital.
How much do automation engineer contractors usually earn in Birmingham?
Contract rates for automation engineer roles in Birmingham 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 in Birmingham are there on Quality Contracts?
Over the past twelve months, we have tracked over 150 automation engineer contract roles across the site, with Birmingham representing a strong share. Data reviewed up to July 2026.