WSR is recruiting for a Automation Engineer for our reputable client in Northampton.
Job Title: Automation Engineer
Location: Northampton
Salary: £50k - £55k
Job Type: Full-time, permanent
Working Hours: 8:00 am to 4:00 pm
Are you passionate about automation, robotics, and driving manufacturing excellence? We're looking for an experienced Automation Engineer to join a growing manufacturing business, supporting operations across two production facilities.
In this hands-on role, you'll design, develop, and implement automation solutions that improve efficiency, quality, safety, and productivity. Working closely with engineering, maintenance, and production teams, you'll play a key part in delivering innovative automation projects while optimising existing systems.
Automation Engineer Key Responsibilities:
- Design and implement automation systems including PLCs, HMIs, robotics, sensors, and vision systems.
- Troubleshoot, program, and support automated manufacturing equipment.
- Identify and deliver automation improvements that reduce costs and increase throughput.
- Support capital projects, from equipment specification through to commissioning.
- Develop, maintain, and control manufacturing process documentation, including PFMEAs, Control Plans, and work instructions.
- Lead root cause investigations and implement effective corrective actions using structured problem-solving techniques.
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on reliability, uptime, and operational efficiency.
- Train production and maintenance teams on automated systems.
- Work with external vendors and integrators on new installations and upgrades.
Automation Engineer Skills & Experience Required:
- Degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, or equivalent experience.
- Minimum 3 years' experience in automation or controls engineering within manufacturing.
- Strong PLC programming and HMI development experience.
- Knowledge of robotics, motion control, and vision inspection systems.
- Excellent troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
- Strong communication skills and the ability to manage multiple projects.
What's on Offer:
- Opportunity to work with advanced automation technologies.
- A varied role with involvement in both strategic projects and hands-on engineering.
- The chance to make a real impact on manufacturing performance and continuous improvement.
- Collaborative working environment with excellent career development potential.
Travel between sites will be required as part of the role.
This is an excellent opportunity to join a forward-thinking manufacturer investing heavily in automation, process improvement and operational excellence, where your ideas and expertise will have a direct impact on the future of the business.
Please click ‘APPLY NOW’, or call the WSR Team at 01908 616184 for more info.
We appreciate the time and effort invested in your application. While we strive to respond to all applicants promptly, we kindly ask for your understanding in case of delays. If you do not hear from us within 10 days of submitting your application, please assume that, unfortunately, you have not been successful this time.
We will however keep your CV on file and review your suitability against any other vacancies we may have available.
