Automation Engineer
Posted 1 week ago by STR Group
£61 Per hour
Outside
Undetermined
Northampton, England, United Kingdom
Summary: The Automation Engineer role is a 12-month contract position focused on a high-profile manufacturing program in the automotive sector. The successful candidate will leverage their experience with legacy machinery and KUKA robotics to implement robust automation and control systems. Responsibilities include analyzing and testing automated processes, collaborating with teams, and ensuring project performance aligns with budget and scope. This position is classified as outside IR35 and offers a competitive daily rate.
Key Responsibilities:
- Analyse, design, simulate, and test procedures for automated machinery and processes
- Implement and support automation technology systems, controls architecture and manufacturing standards
- Collaborate with suppliers and internal teams to deliver automation solutions from concept through to production
- Monitor project performance and timelines, ensuring delivery to scope and budget
- Support shop equipment specification, RfQ processes, and commissioning activities
- Work with PLCs (preferably Siemens S7, TIA Portal) and automation systems
- Translate technical language between programming and engineering disciplines
- Drive continuous improvement in manufacturing efficiency and process optimisation
- Support adherence to environmental protection standards and legal compliance
- Participate in team meetings and cross-functional collaboration
Key Skills:
- Experience working with legacy machinery and automation systems
- Ideally experience with KUKA robotics
- Experience with Beckhoff
- Solid understanding of PLC programming and automation software development
- Previous use of Siemens S7 and TIA Portal
- Strong problem-solving skills using programming, data analysis, and controls systems
- Familiarity with lean manufacturing principles and process engineering
- Excellent communication and documentation skills
- Ability to work independently and manage small-scale projects
- Comfortable in a fast-paced, change-driven manufacturing environment
Salary (Rate): £490.00 daily
City: Northampton
Country: United Kingdom
Working Arrangements: undetermined
IR35 Status: outside IR35
Seniority Level: undetermined
Industry: Other
Automation Engineer (Outside IR35 Contract) Northants 12 Months £490 per day
Overview
We are seeking an experienced Automation Engineer for a 12-month contract role, working on a high-profile manufacturing programme in the automotive sector. This position is inside IR35 and offers £490 per day. The successful candidate will bring strong experience with legacy machinery and, ideally, exposure to KUKA robotics. You’ll be responsible for supporting and implementing robust automation and control systems, with a focus on legacy integration, system availability, and process stability.
Key Responsibilities
- Analyse, design, simulate, and test procedures for automated machinery and processes
- Implement and support automation technology systems, controls architecture and manufacturing standards
- Collaborate with suppliers and internal teams to deliver automation solutions from concept through to production
- Monitor project performance and timelines, ensuring delivery to scope and budget
- Support shop equipment specification, RfQ processes, and commissioning activities
- Work with PLCs (preferably Siemens S7, TIA Portal) and automation systems
- Translate technical language between programming and engineering disciplines
- Drive continuous improvement in manufacturing efficiency and process optimisation
- Support adherence to environmental protection standards and legal compliance
- Participate in team meetings and cross-functional collaboration
Essential Skills & Experience
- Experience working with legacy machinery and automation systems
- Ideally experience with KUKA robotics
- Experience with Beckhoff
- Solid understanding of PLC programming and automation software development
- Previous use of Siemens S7 and TIA Portal
- Strong problem-solving skills using programming, data analysis, and controls systems
- Familiarity with lean manufacturing principles and process engineering
- Excellent communication and documentation skills
- Ability to work independently and manage small-scale projects
- Comfortable in a fast-paced, change-driven manufacturing environment
Qualifications
Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Automation, or similar field – or equivalent experience
Relevant experience in a similar role
Proven ability to deliver technical solutions in a production or industrial setting
If this role is of interest, please apply with your CV. If you have no heard back within 7 days, please assume that your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.