Automation Engineer Contract Jobs in Manchester
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115 Contract jobs sorted by:
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115 Contract jobs
QA Engineer/QA Automation Test Engineer
Posted Today by LA International Computer Consultants Lt...
Role OverviewWe are seeking an experienced QA Automation Test Engineer to join a financial services programme based in G...
- Rate £350 per day
- Category Inside
- Work type Hybrid
- Location Glasgow, Scotland
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Senior Network Engineer - London (Hybrid) - Cisco, Check Point, F5, Network Auto...
Posted 1 day ago by TrinIT Talent Ltd
Job Description:You'll look after Cisco switching and routing, Check Point firewalls and F5 load balancing, and you'll b...
- Rate £550 per day
- Category Inside
- Work type Hybrid
- Location London
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automation engineer (ansible / infrastructure)
Posted 1 day ago by Randstand (USA)
Job SummaryWe are seeking a skilled Ansible Automation Engineer to join our team to transform manual operational workflo...
- Rate Not specified
- Category Outside
- Work type Remote
- Location nashville, tennessee (remote)
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About Our Automation Engineer Contract Roles in Manchester
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 Manchester?
Manchester has established itself as the strongest contractor hub outside London, supported by a diverse economy spanning financial services, technology, media, and the public sector. MediaCityUK at Salford Quays anchors a cluster of digital, creative, and broadcasting employers, while Spinningfields and the wider city centre house the financial and professional services concentration. Several major insurers and banks run significant operations from Manchester, and the technology sector has matured considerably, with both established firms and scale-ups competing for software engineering, cloud, and data contractors. The rate gap with London has narrowed over the past few years as employer competition for experienced contractors in the city has intensified, and for many disciplines Manchester now offers comparable depth of opportunity at a materially lower cost base.
How much do automation engineer contractors usually earn in Manchester?
Contract rates for automation engineer roles in Manchester 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 Manchester are there on Quality Contracts?
Over the past twelve months, we have tracked over 150 automation engineer contract roles across the site, with Manchester accounting for a significant portion. Data reviewed up to September 2026.