DATS Recruitment
Automation Engineer
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Widnes | Permanent | Full Time
We’re currently looking for an experienced Automation Engineer to join a specialist engineering business delivering automation and control system solutions across a range of process industries.
Working as part of a multi-disciplinary engineering team, you will be involved throughout the full project lifecycle, from initial design and software development through to testing, commissioning and client handover. This role would suit a proactive and resourceful engineer with strong automation experience and a solid understanding of process engineering environments.
The position is primarily office-based in Widnes, although occasional travel within the UK and overseas will be required to support project delivery and commissioning activities.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop project documentation including Functional Design Specifications (FDS), Software Design Specifications (SDS) and Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) procedures.
- Design, program and develop PLC, HMI and SCADA software solutions.
- Support the production of wider project documentation including System Architecture drawings and I/O schedules.
- Carry out commissioning activities including:
- I/O testing
- Equipment configuration over fieldbus networks
- PID loop setup and optimisation
- Water and process/product testing
- Troubleshoot and modify existing control systems.
- Collaborate with process, electrical and mechanical engineers to deliver integrated automation solutions.
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Essential Skills & Experience
- Minimum 5 years' experience working with Siemens automation platforms.
- Experience programming PLC systems from scratch using P&IDs and process descriptions.
- Experience with SCADA systems and HMI development.
- Knowledge of Ethernet-based PLC communications.
- Experience with industrial networks including:
- Profibus, Profinet, AS-i, IO-Link
- Experience controlling and programming:
- Variable Speed Drives (VSDs), Instrumentation, Control valves
- Ability to design control systems from P&IDs and Process Data Sheets.
- Experience generating technical project documentation.
- Experience working within a process engineering environment.
- Strong Microsoft Office skills.
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Desirable
- Experience with Aveva SCADA systems.
- Knowledge of VMware and virtualised environments.
- Understanding of SQL databases.
- Experience with Visual Basic or other high-level programming languages.
- Understanding of liquid process systems.
Qualifications
- An Engineering Degree, HNC/HND or equivalent technical qualification is preferred.
- However, candidates with significant relevant automation and control systems experience will also be considered.
Personal Attributes
- Strong problem-solving and fault-finding skills.
- Proactive and resourceful approach.
- Excellent communication skills.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Strong planning and organisational abilities.
- Commitment to health and safety standards.
If you are an experienced Automation Engineer looking to work on complex automation and control projects within a growing engineering team, we'd love to hear from you.
Please note: This is a UK permanent role, and candidates will require existing eligibility to work in the UK to be considered for this role.
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