Controls/Automation Support Engineer

Thatchers Cider Company Ltd; Bristol; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading cider manufacturer in Bristol is seeking a full-time Controls/Automation Support Engineer to ensure efficient production line operations. Applicants should have experience in industrial settings and possess troubleshooting skills in PLC systems. The role involves proactive maintenance, troubleshooting, and supporting automation equipment. Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits are offered, including discounts at our cider shop. If you're adaptable and eager to learn, this position is an excellent opportunity to advance your career.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Comprehensive benefits including IT equipment & pension

Discounts in cider shop & pub

Qualifications

• Experience working in an industrial setting.
• Competence in PLC configuration and setup.
• Ability to troubleshoot equipment efficiently.

Responsibilities

• Ensure production lines operate safely and efficiently.
• Identify and resolve production line issues.
• Implement continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills

Industrial experience

Fault finding in PLC systems

Maintenance of automation equipment

Understanding electrical schematics

Proactive problem-solving

Good attention to detail

Tools

Siemens PLCs

Allen Bradley PLCs

Electrical testing equipment

Job description

We have an exciting opportunity for a Controls/Automation Support Engineer to join our dynamic & growing engineering team, here at Myrtle Farm.

This is a full-time, permanent position, which will require you to carry out troubleshooting type work, including continuous improvements and maintenance to ensure high production efficiencies. With continued expansion, innovation and site improvements, it's a great time to join us!

This role will involve breakdown solutions so flexibility is a must. This is a key role within our team, where you can make a real difference and feel valued in all you do. This is an exciting and rewarding role where two days are never the same!

What will I be doing?

As a Controls/Automation Support Engineer you will operate predominately in an active and responsive role to ensure the various production lines continue to operate in a safe and efficient manner. Working closely with the Production Manager you will identify issues and improve line performance.

Our production lines include state-of-the-art, automated canning, kegging, bottling and fruit processing/fermentation systems. You will work across these areas and specifically you will:

• Work with Siemens and Allen Bradley PLCs
• Fault find and troubleshoot any software and electrical issues
• Undertake a mix of pro‑active maintenance activities, continuous improvement initiatives and break down response of production issues
• Production response will require investigating and resolving breakdowns and malfunctioning equipment, using programming tools, electrical testing equipment, and using remote dial‑in support services.
• Using experience & knowledge gained from line familiarity
• Be actively involved in the conception and implementation of 'Continuous Improvement' initiative or 'Energy Efficiency' improvement scheme
• Be a reactive support in the team; which includes occasional out of hours work that is split across the engineering team

What are the Perks?

• Competitive salary
• Comprehensive benefits including: IT equipment & pension
• Discounts in our cider shop & pub, The Railway Inn (after all, you’ll need to know just how good our cider is!)

What are we looking for?

The Thatchers team is action‑orientated, adaptable and flexible, with high levels of resilience to compete in an exciting yet competitive marketplace. We work had and together, we achieve great things. We have a desire to learn, a thirst for knowledge and a passion for quality cider that customers enjoy across the world.

What skills & qualities will I need to join the team?

• To have worked in an industrial setting
• Ideally have experience in maintaining and overseeing automation equipment such as plc drives & motors, sensors, control systems, robots and machinery in general
• Demonstrate a level of competence with accessing and fault finding of PLC control systems
• Competence in configuration and set‑up automation equipment such as PLC Inverter Drives, Motor Control, Safety Systems, Pneumatics
• Ability to understand and plan modifications to electrical schematics, pneumatic drawings etc.

Personal Qualities:

• A 'can-do' proactive attitude and problem solver
• A willingness to learn new things
• Good attention to detail
• Works well under pressure and in a busy environment
• Flexible and adaptable to change- we're a growing company
• Ability to communicate effectively with others (internal or external to the business)
• Honest & trustworthy

Who are Thatchers Cider?

Established in 1904 by William John Thatcher, we have grown into one of the top cider‑making businesses in the world. Now in our fifth generation of family cider makers, we're exceptionally proud of our Somerset roots.

We've experience tremendous growth through industry‑leading levels of investment in our marketing, people development, innovative technology and world‑class cider making facilities. The best part? We're just getting started.

If you have a desire to expand your skillset, you will discover an incredible environment where there is a thirst for knowledge. At Thatchers, we invest in you- providing training opportunities on our equipment, ensuring that you have the skills to further your career with us. Every person counts towards the success of our one common goal- making the best cider in the world!