Automation Engineer

In Cork; East Midlands; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job description

Automation Engineer Jobs in Derby

Showing 7 Automation Engineer jobs in Derby

KP Snacks – Automation Engineer (Ashby de la Zouch)

Automation Engineer
Ashby de la Zouch (Home of Hula Hoops, Space Raiders, Nik Naks and more)
On‑site | Monday - Friday | Days (some flexibility required)

Join our snack‑loving team
We’re looking for an Automation Engineer to join us at KP Snacks. If you’re ready to bring your ideas to the table, grow your skills and be part of a team that values what makes you, you – this could be your next big move.

About the role
You’ll be responsible for supporting and improving our automation systems, leading site projects and ensuring safe, efficient operations. This is a hands‑on role where you’ll work closely with colleagues across Engineering, Manufacturing and Technical to deliver automation solutions that make a real difference.

What’s in it for you?
We believe in rewarding our colleagues and helping them thrive. Here’s a flavour of what we offer:

• Annual bonus scheme, with a strong track record of overachievement
• Comprehensive healthcare support – including Medicash Health Cash Plan or Private Healthcare, Digital GP, Best Doctors second opinion service and specialist cancer care
• KP Pension Plan – contribution matching up to 7% of your salary
• 25 days holiday, plus the option to buy more
• KP4ME – our online platform for benefits, discounts, wellbeing tools and more

What will you be doing?

Lead automation and PLC support across the Ashby site, building fault‑finding capability across all shifts

Tackle automation challenges with confidence, including obsolescence upgrades and CAPEX project delivery

Collaborate with site teams, suppliers and contractors to deliver automation projects from concept to completion

Make a real impact on automation standards, training and coaching – ensuring safe systems and consistent processes

Learn and grow through cross‑functional teamwork, supporting both site‑driven and centrally driven engineering projects

Support 24/7 emergency cover and ensure automation systems are available and safeguarded at all times

Drive continuous improvement through Intersnack Work Systems and Initiative Management principles

Ensure compliance with Health and Safety, Environment and Hygiene policies, with a focus on safe working practices

Manage automation documentation, contracts and warranties, ensuring systems are fit for purpose and aligned with KP Snacks standards

Who are we?
We’re KP Snacks, part of the Intersnack family. Across more than 30 countries, over 15,000 of us work together to make the snacks people love – from Hula Hoops to McCoy’s. In the UK, we’re a team of around 2,400 colleagues, based across seven sites and our Slough HQ. We’re proud of our close‑knit culture, where we speak up, celebrate differences and push boundaries together.

We’re committed to inclusion
We’re building a workplace where everyone belongs. If you don’t tick every box, we’d still love to hear from you – your unique perspective could be just what we need. And if there’s anything we can do to make the process easier for you, just let us know.

Principal Automation Engineer – Derby (Flex‑Hybrid)

Our client, a major player in the manufacturing sector, is seeking a highly experienced Principal Automation Engineer to join their innovative team in Derby, Derbyshire, UK. This role offers a flexible hybrid working arrangement, enabling you to blend office‑based collaboration with remote work. As a Principal Automation Engineer, you will be at the forefront of designing, implementing, and optimizing automated systems and processes across our manufacturing facilities. Your expertise will be critical in driving efficiency, improving product quality, and ensuring the seamless integration of advanced manufacturing technologies. You will lead complex automation projects, mentor engineering staff, and collaborate with cross‑functional teams to achieve strategic operational goals.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the design, development, and implementation of complex automation solutions for manufacturing processes.
• Oversee the integration of robotics, PLCs, HMIs, SCADA systems, and other automation technologies.
• Develop and execute automation strategies to enhance production efficiency, reduce operational costs, and improve product quality.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to a team of automation engineers and technicians.
• Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and software engineering teams to ensure seamless system integration.
• Develop and implement robust testing and validation protocols for automated systems.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex automation‑related issues in a timely manner.
• Stay current with emerging technologies in industrial automation, robotics, and Industry 4.0.
• Manage vendor relationships and evaluate new automation technologies and suppliers.
• Ensure all automation projects adhere to safety standards, regulatory requirements, and company best practices.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of automation processes and documentation.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in industrial automation engineering, with a significant portion in a senior or lead role.
• Proven expertise in PLC programming (e.g., Siemens, Allen‑Bradley), robotics (e.g., Fanuc, KUKA), HMI/SCADA development, and industrial networking.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and automation principles.
• Demonstrated experience leading complex automation projects from conception to completion.
• Excellent analytical, problem‑solving, and troubleshooting skills.
• Strong leadership and team management capabilities.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate with technical and non‑technical stakeholders.
• Knowledge of Industry 4.0 concepts and implementation is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with project management methodologies.

Lead Industrial Automation Engineer – Derby (Remote)

Our client is looking for an exceptional Lead Industrial Automation Engineer to spearhead their automation initiatives. This is a fully remote role, enabling you to contribute your expertise from anywhere within the UK. You will be responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining cutting‑edge automation systems that enhance operational efficiency and productivity across their facilities.

Responsibilities:

• Lead the design and development of PLC, HMI, and SCADA systems for industrial automation projects.
• Oversee the selection, integration, and commissioning of automation hardware and software.
• Develop and maintain detailed electrical schematics, control logic, and system documentation.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex automation issues, ensuring minimal downtime for production lines.
• Implement advanced control strategies, robotics integration, and data acquisition systems.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams, including mechanical engineers and operations personnel, to define automation requirements.
• Mentor and guide junior automation engineers, providing technical expertise and support.
• Stay current with the latest advancements in industrial automation technology and best practices.
• Develop and manage automation project budgets and timelines effectively.
• Ensure compliance with all safety standards, industry regulations, and company policies related to automation systems.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in industrial automation engineering, with a strong focus on PLC programming (e.g., Siemens, Rockwell), HMI development, and SCADA systems.
• Proven experience leading automation projects from concept to completion.
• Expertise in various control system architectures and networking protocols.
• Proficiency in CAD software for electrical design.
• Strong understanding of safety standards (e.g., SIL) and machine safety.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and troubleshooting skills.
• Strong leadership and team management abilities, with experience mentoring junior engineers.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse teams in a remote setting.
• Familiarity with robotics integration and motion control is a plus.

Lead DevOps Engineer – Derby (Remote)

We are looking for an accomplished Senior DevOps Engineer to join our fully remote, cutting‑edge technology team. This pivotal role is based in Derby, Derbyshire, UK, where you will be responsible for architecting, implementing, and maintaining scalable, reliable, and secure cloud‑based systems.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design, build, and maintain robust CI/CD pipelines for automated building, testing, and deployment.
• Manage and optimize cloud infrastructure (e.g., AWS, Azure, GCP), focusing on cost, performance, and security.
• Implement and manage infrastructure as code (IaC) using tools like Terraform or CloudFormation.
• Develop and maintain containerization strategies using Docker and orchestration tools like Kubernetes.
• Establish and enforce monitoring, logging, and alerting systems to ensure high availability and performance.
• Automate operational tasks and processes to improve efficiency and reduce manual intervention.
• Collaborate closely with development and QA teams to ensure smooth software delivery.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex infrastructure and deployment issues.
• Define and implement security best practices across the infrastructure and application stack.
• Lead and mentor a team of DevOps engineers, fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous learning.
• Evaluate and adopt new technologies to enhance our DevOps capabilities.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
• 5+ years of experience in DevOps, SRE, or a related infrastructure engineering role.
• Proven expertise in cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, or GCP).
• Strong experience with CI/CD tools (e.g., Jenkins, GitLab CI, CircleCI).
• Proficiency in containerization technologies (Docker) and orchestration (Kubernetes).
• Hands‑on experience with infrastructure as code (e.g., Terraform, Ansible, Chef, Puppet).
  
• Solid understanding of scripting languages (e.g., Bash, Python, PowerShell).
• Experience with monitoring and logging tools (e.g., Prometheus, Grafana, ELK stack).
• Knowledge of networking concepts and security best practices.
• Excellent problem‑solving and troubleshooting skills.
• Strong leadership and communication abilities, with the capacity to mentor a team.
• Relevant cloud certifications (e.g., AWS Certified DevOps Engineer, Azure DevOps Engineer Expert) are highly desirable.
• Strong self‑discipline and excellent virtual communication skills are required for a fully remote environment.

Senior DevOps Engineer – Remote (Derby)

Our client is seeking a highly experienced Senior DevOps Engineer to join their fully remote, cutting‑edge technology team. This role is pivotal in designing, building, and maintaining scalable, reliable, and secure cloud infrastructure that supports the company's diverse software applications and services.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design, implement, and manage robust cloud infrastructure solutions, primarily on AWS or Azure.
• Develop and maintain CI/CD pipelines for automated build, testing, and deployment processes.
• Implement and manage infrastructure as code (IaC) using tools such as Terraform, CloudFormation, or Ansible.
• Monitor system performance, identify bottlenecks, and implement solutions to optimise efficiency and scalability.
• Ensure the security and compliance of cloud environments, implementing best practices and conducting regular audits.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex infrastructure and application issues in a timely manner.
• Collaborate with development and operations teams to foster a DevOps culture and streamline workflows.
• Manage containerization technologies like Docker and orchestration platforms such as Kubernetes.
• Develop and maintain robust monitoring, logging, and alerting systems.
• Automate operational tasks and processes to improve efficiency and reduce manual effort.
• Participate in on‑call rotation for incident response.
• Stay current with emerging cloud technologies and DevOps practices.

Qualifications:

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in a DevOps, SRE, or Systems Engineering role, with a strong focus on cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP).
• Proven experience designing, building, and managing CI/CD pipelines.
• Proficiency with infrastructure as code tools (Terraform, Ansible, etc.).
• Strong understanding of containerization (Docker) and orchestration (Kubernetes).
• Experience with scripting languages such as Python, Bash, or Go.
• Solid knowledge of networking concepts, security best practices, and system administration.
• Experience with monitoring and logging tools (e.g., Prometheus, Grafana, ELK stack).
• Excellent problem‑solving, analytical, and troubleshooting skills.
• Strong communication and collaboration abilities, particularly in a remote setting.
• Relevant cloud certifications (e.g., AWS Certified DevOps Engineer, Azure DevOps Engineer Expert) are highly desirable.
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
• This role is fully remote, requiring strong self‑discipline and excellent virtual communication skills.

Lead Field Service Engineer – UK (Remote)

Our client, a leader in industrial automation solutions, is looking for a highly skilled Lead Field Service Engineer to join their remote team. While the role involves extensive travel to client sites across the UK, your home base will be your primary operational hub. You will be responsible for the installation, commissioning, troubleshooting, and maintenance of advanced automation systems, including robotics, PLC controls, and HMI interfaces. This senior role requires you to provide expert technical support to customers, ensuring maximum uptime and operational efficiency of their equipment. You will conduct in‑depth diagnostics, identify root causes of failures, and implement effective repair solutions. This position also involves training customer personnel on system operation and maintenance best practices. The ideal candidate will possess a strong engineering background (e.g., Electrical, Mechanical, Mechatronics), with extensive hands‑on experience in industrial automation. Proficiency with PLCs (Siemens, Allen‑Bradley), robotic systems (e.g., KUKA, FANUC), and SCADA/HMI software is essential. Excellent problem‑solving abilities, strong mechanical aptitude, and exceptional customer service skills are paramount. You must be comfortable working independently, managing your schedule effectively, and traveling frequently. A commitment to safety protocols and quality workmanship is crucial. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced engineer to leverage their expertise in a remote capacity while delivering critical support to a diverse client base.