Automation Engineer Contract Jobs in Sheffield
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Deployment Engineer (NPPV3), £200 per day inside IR35
Posted 3 days ago by Bench IT Limited
The Deployment Engineer role requires experienced professionals with NPPV3 clearance to assist in a W11 deployment proje...
- Rate £200 per day
- Category Inside
- Work type Undetermined
- Location Sheffield, South Yorkshire, UK
Data Engineer - Azure databricks - python - pyspark - Azure Data Factory - Azure...
Posted 4 days ago by Nexere Consulting Limited
The role of Junior Data Engineer focuses on developing and evolving a cloud-based data platform using Azure technologies...
- Rate £50,000 per year
- Category Fixed-Term
- Work type Remote
- Location United Kingdom/London/Sheffield
Full Stack Engineer - Sheffield (3x a Week) - React/Java
Posted 4 days ago by DWI Consulting Ltd
We are seeking a Full Stack Engineer to enhance a platform team focused on digital infrastructure for client onboarding,...
- Rate Negotiable
- Category Inside
- Work type Hybrid
- Location Sheffield, South Yorkshire, UK
Data Engineer - Azure databricks - python - pyspark - Azure Data Factory - Azure...
Posted 5 days ago by Jobserve
The role of Junior Data Engineer focuses on developing and evolving a cloud-based data platform using Azure technologies...
- Rate £50,000 per year
- Category Fixed-Term
- Work type Remote
- Location United Kingdom/London/Sheffield
Sr Cyber Analytics Engineer - Contract
Posted 5 days ago by Caspian One
The role of Sr Cyber Analytics Engineer involves joining a Cybersecurity Analytics function within a global banking orga...
- Rate Negotiable
- Category Undetermined
- Work type Undetermined
- Location Sheffield, England, United Kingdom
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About Our Automation Engineer Contract Roles in Sheffield
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 Sheffield?
Advanced manufacturing and engineering research, linked to the University of Sheffield and surrounding firms, give the city a specialist contractor niche that sets it apart from its Yorkshire neighbour Leeds. Engineering, materials science, and technical project management roles generated by this cluster are difficult to replicate elsewhere in the north of England. NHS trusts serving South Yorkshire are substantial employers across clinical systems, operational improvement, and IT. A smaller but visible digital and technology community around the city centre is adding development, data, and design work year on year. Many contractors operate across both Sheffield and Leeds, treating the two as a single market. For those with engineering or manufacturing backgrounds, Sheffield offers a concentration of relevant opportunity that larger cities often lack.
How much do automation engineer contractors usually earn in Sheffield?
Contract rates for automation engineer roles in Sheffield 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 Sheffield are there on Quality Contracts?
Over the past twelve months, we have tracked over 150 automation engineer contract roles across the site, with Sheffield showing regular listings. Data reviewed up to June 2026.