Automation Engineer Contract Jobs in Birmingham
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(Senior) Test Automation Engineer - Frontend & API Testing (m/w/d)
Posted 1 day ago by Hays
Über das UnternehmenDer Einsatz erfolgt bei einem international tätigen Unternehmen aus dem Finanzsektor.Sie arbeiten an...
- Rate Not specified
- Category Outside
- Work type Not specified
- Location Berlin, Germany
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Sign UpAppViewX & Keyfactor Integration Automation Engineer
Posted 1 day ago by ST Global Tech LLC
Job SummaryWe are looking for an experienced Automation Engineer with strong expertise in AppViewX and Keyfactor Command...
- Rate £400 per day
- Category Inside
- Work type Hybrid
- Location Leeds, England, United Kingdom
Senior Electrical Engineer – BESS & Engineering Automation
Posted 2 days ago by Hydrogen Group
Hydrogen Group is seeking an experienced Senior Electrical Engineer – BESS & Engineering Automation for a 12-month r...
- Rate Not specified
- Category Not specified
- Work type Remote
- Location United Kingdom
n8n Engineer (Contract) – Process Automation, Integration & AI
Posted 4 days ago by Giant Group
About Giant GroupEstablished in 1992, Giant Group is a workforce management platform and solutions provider.We support b...
- Rate Not specified
- Category Not specified
- Work type Hybrid
- Location United Kingdom
SCADA & Automation Engineer (62785)
Posted 4 days ago by NEI Electric Power Engineering, Inc
About the PositionAs a mid-level SCADA & Automation Engineer in the SCADA & Automation group, you will be respon...
- Rate Not specified
- Category Outside
- Work type Hybrid
- Location Remote or Lakewood, Colorado
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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 August 2026.