Automation Engineer Contract Jobs in Bristol
Lead Data Engineers - Outside IR35 - Remote - UK
Posted 1 day ago by Sanderson Recruitment
The OpportunityWe're supporting a a major household brand supporting their loyalty and rewards arm of the organisation.T...
- Rate £800 per day
- Category Outside
- Work type Remote
- Location UK; London; Birmingham; Manchester; Glasgow; Liverpool; Leeds; Edinburgh; Bristol; Cardiff; Nottingham
Data Integration Engineers (Datastage & Azure Data Factory)
Posted 1 day ago by Reed Technology
ResponsibilitiesYou'll be involved in a variety of high-profile integration projects, including:Building and enhancing d...
- Rate £500 per day
- Category Outside
- Work type Remote
- Location UK; London; Birmingham; Manchester; Glasgow; Liverpool; Leeds; Edinburgh; Bristol; Cardiff; Nottingham
Salesforce Engineer / Administrator - South West
Posted 1 day ago by Sanderson Recruitment
Key ResponsibilitiesDevelop and enhance solutions within Salesforce Service CloudBuild and maintain Salesforce Flows and...
- Rate £500 per day
- Category Outside
- Work type Undetermined
- Location South West; Bristol; Swindon; Plymouth; Cornwall; Bath; Exeter; Bournemouth; Devon; Gloucester; Salisbury
SailPoint Engineer
Posted 1 day ago by Fruition Group
Job Title: SailPoint EngineerContract: 6 Month Contract - Outside IR35Location: UK - RemoteDescriptionFruition is workin...
- Rate Negotiable
- Category Outside
- Work type Remote
- Location UK; London; Birmingham; Manchester; Glasgow; Liverpool; Leeds; Edinburgh; Bristol; Cardiff; Nottingham
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Controls Engineer
Posted 1 day ago by Oscar Associates (UK) Limited
Key ResponsibilitiesDesign, develop and modify PLC and HMI software using Siemens TIA Portal.Carry out Factory Acceptanc...
- Rate £60 per hour
- Category Outside
- Work type Onsite
- Location UK; London; Birmingham; Manchester; Glasgow; Liverpool; Leeds; Edinburgh; Bristol; Cardiff; Nottingham
Systems Verification Engineer - Bradley Stoke, Bristol (BS34), BS34 7QW
Posted 1 day ago by Guidant Global
What you'll be doingWorking within the certification team to capture and review evidence, run technical investigations,...
- Rate £70 per hour
- Category Inside
- Work type Hybrid
- Location Bradley Stoke, Bristol (BS34), BS34 7QW
Systems Engineer - V&V Certification - Filton, Bristol (BS34), BS34 7QS
Posted 1 day ago by Certain Advantage
Job DescriptionWorld Class Defence Organisation based in Bristol is currently looking to recruit 2x Systems Engineer – V...
- Rate £70 per hour
- Category Inside
- Work type Hybrid
- Location Filton, Bristol (BS34), BS34 7QS
Counter-UAS Engineering Lead Associate Contractor
Posted 1 day ago by Infinity Systems Engineering LTD
Counter-UAS Engineering Lead Associate ContractorLocation: Hybrid expected 2 days per week at Abbey Wood, BristolRate: £...
- Rate Negotiable
- Category Inside
- Work type Hybrid
- Location Bristol, Somerset
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About Our Automation Engineer Contract Roles in Bristol
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 Bristol?
Aerospace, defence, and advanced engineering distinguish Bristol from other cities of comparable size. Major employers in the north fringe and surrounding area generate consistent requirements for systems engineering, safety-critical software, and security-cleared contractors, while the Temple Quarter and harbour area house a thriving technology and digital scene producing roles in product, design, data, and full stack development. Financial services and insurance employers add further breadth. This combination of engineering heritage and a vibrant digital economy gives the city unusual variety in its contracting opportunities. Defence and aerospace roles requiring security clearance command rates that rival the capital, while the broader technology and change market offers strong opportunity at a noticeably lower cost of living.
How much do automation engineer contractors usually earn in Bristol?
Contract rates for automation engineer roles in Bristol 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 Bristol are there on Quality Contracts?
Over the past twelve months, we have tracked over 150 automation engineer contract roles across the site, with Bristol showing consistent demand. Data reviewed up to June 2026.