Automation Engineer Contract Jobs in Cardiff
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36 Contract jobs sorted by:
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36 Contract jobs
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
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
Senior Dev Ops Engineer
Posted 1 week ago by Morson Edge
The Senior DevOps Engineer will lead the design, build, and deployment of cloud-based environments while promoting DevOp...
- Rate Negotiable
- Category Inside
- Work type Hybrid
- Location UK; London; Birmingham; Manchester; Glasgow; Liverpool; Leeds; Edinburgh; Bristol; Cardiff; Nottingham
Test Analyst - Live Poker
Posted 1 week ago by Fruition Group
The Test Analyst - Live Poker role is a fully remote contract position focused on ensuring the accuracy and consistency...
- Rate Negotiable
- Category Outside
- Work type Remote
- Location UK; London; Birmingham; Manchester; Glasgow; Liverpool; Leeds; Edinburgh; Bristol; Cardiff; Nottingham
M365 Technical Lead / Specialist - Contract
Posted 1 week ago by RedRock Resourcing
The M365 Technical Lead/Specialist role involves providing hands-on technical leadership for Microsoft 365, with a focus...
- Rate Negotiable
- Category Undetermined
- Work type Undetermined
- Location Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom
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About Our Automation Engineer Contract Roles in Cardiff
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 Cardiff?
Devolved government makes Cardiff the administrative centre of Wales and a consistent source of programme management, policy, and digital delivery contracts. Insurance and financial services employers, several of whom have established significant operational centres in the city, provide a steady flow of IT, data, and change roles. An emerging technology sector around the city centre and Cardiff Gate business park has added software development and cloud engineering to the local mix, though volumes remain modest compared to larger English cities. The Welsh Government's investment in digital capability is a distinctive feature of the Cardiff market, creating opportunities in govtech and public service transformation that are structured and funded differently from equivalent programmes in England.
How much do automation engineer contractors usually earn in Cardiff?
Contract rates for automation engineer roles in Cardiff typically range from £360 to £675 per day, depending on the scope of the role, required expertise, and the delivery expectations of the engagement.
How many automation engineer vacancies in Cardiff are there on Quality Contracts?
Over the past twelve months, we have tracked over 150 automation engineer contract roles across the site, with Cardiff demonstrating consistent opportunities. Data reviewed up to June 2026.