Automation Engineer Contract Jobs in London
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813 Contract jobs sorted by:
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Updating results…
813 Contract jobs
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
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Finance Transformation Manager - Treasury (12 months FTC)
Posted 1 day ago by Efficio
The Finance Transformation Manager at Efficio will provide maternity cover within the Finance function, focusing on Tax...
- Rate Negotiable
- Category Undetermined
- Work type Undetermined
- Location London, England, United Kingdom
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About Our Automation Engineer Contract Roles in London
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 London?
London dominates the UK contractor market by volume, depth, and rate levels. The capital concentrates the headquarters and major offices of most FTSE 100 companies, the largest global banks, the Big Four professional services firms, and the central government departments that collectively generate the majority of UK contract demand. Every contracting discipline covered on this site has active demand in London, from niche specialisms like threat intelligence and LLM engineering through to high-volume disciplines like project management and business analysis. The sheer density of employers means contractors in London typically have more choice of engagement at any given time than anywhere else in the UK. Day rates carry a premium of 15 to 25 per cent over the national average across most disciplines, reflecting both the concentration of complex, high-value programmes and the cost of operating in the capital.
How much do automation engineer contractors usually earn in London?
Contract rates for automation engineer roles in London typically range from £440 to £825 per day, depending on the scope of the role, required expertise, and the delivery expectations of the engagement.
How many automation engineer vacancies in London are there on Quality Contracts?
Over the past twelve months, we have tracked over 150 automation engineer contract roles across the site, with London accounting for roughly one in three of those. Data reviewed up to June 2026.