Automation Engineer Contract Jobs in Manchester
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IT / OT Automation Engineer
Posted 1 day ago by Proclinical Consulting
Keep the heartbeat of innovation running! Join our client in this Automation Engineer position and ensure cutting-edge p...
- Rate Not specified
- Category Not specified
- Work type Onsite
- Location Milton Keynes, England, United Kingdom
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Senior Cybersecurity Automation & Integration Engineer - REMOTE (W2 ONLY)
Posted 1 day ago by Chandra Technologies, Inc.
Job Description***Only W2 resumes are acceptedWork Location: Fully Remote. Candidate Location: No South Carolina residen...
- Rate Not specified
- Category Outside
- Work type Remote
- Location Remote
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Security Engineer/Architect (Automation / IAM ) - 100% Remote (Occasional visit...
Posted 2 days ago by ERPA
Role: Security Engineer Automation / IAMLocation100% Remote U.S. OnlyCore Hours: 8:30 AM 5:00 PM ETDurationContractOn-Ca...
- Rate Not specified
- Category Outside
- Work type Remote
- Location Remote
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Senior Cybersecurity Automation Engineer - Fully REMOTE
Posted 2 days ago by RICEFW Technologies Inc
Interview Process1 round, virtual or onsite for local resourcesDuration of the Contract: 12 monthsPossibility for Extens...
- Rate Not specified
- Category Outside
- Work type Remote
- Location Remote or Columbia, South Carolina
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QA Automation Engineer - Denver, CO, Phoenix, AZ, St. Louis, MO, Nashville, TN,...
Posted 2 days ago by TechniPros, LLC
Job SummaryWe are looking for a QA Automation Engineer with expertise in cloud applications, ETL validation, API automat...
- Rate Not specified
- Category Outside
- Work type Remote
- Location Remote or Denver, Colorado
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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 August 2026.