Automation Engineer Contract Jobs in Manchester
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Senior Network Automation Engineer - Python - Global Tech
Posted Today by Principle
Senior Network Automation Engineer - Python £102,000 | 12-month contract | Central London - Hybrid | PAYE / Inside IR35...
- Rate £102,000 per year
- Category Inside
- Work type Hybrid
- Location London, England, United Kingdom
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Senior Mobile Automation Engineer (SC Cleared)
Posted 1 day ago by Sanderson Recruitment
Key ResponsibilitiesDefine and implement mobile automation testing strategies.Build, maintain and improve scalable autom...
- Rate £450 per day
- Category Outside
- Work type Remote
- Location London; City of London; East London; Central London; South East London; West London; Canary Wharf; South West London; North London; Greenwich; Stratford
Lead Automation Engineer (Information Technology) Active SC Clearance is require...
Posted 2 days ago by Infoplus Technologies UK Ltd
DescriptionAs part of this hands-on role, you will conduct and lead automation testing activities to ensure our systems...
- Rate Not specified
- Category Not specified
- Work type Not specified
- Location London, United Kingdom
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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 July 2026.