ALKEGEN
Automation Engineer

How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
Job Requirements
Why work for us?
Want to join a truly global company with over 37 manufacturing facilities around the world? Want to be part of a forward thinking, progressive organisation that is growing at an extraordinary pace? Why not become part of an organisation that truly cares about its commitment to its customers and its fellow colleagues.
Alkegen is a global leader in high-performance specialty fibers and inorganic materials used in high-temperature industrial, automotive and fire protection applications. We have nearly 80 years' experience in providing innovative solutions to our customers' application problems across several different business sectors. Our products are known universally for their quality and proven performance with names like Fiberfrax® ceramic fiber products, revolutionary low bio-persistent Insulfrax® and Isofrax®.
Our purpose, mission and values are based on our commitment to produce high quality products that help our customers save energy, reduce pollution and improve fire safety.
Job Requirements:
Safety
- Understanding of Machinery Safety Standards and Risk Assessment processes
- Knowledge of Permit to Work, Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), Electrical Safety Rules and Safe Isolation procedures
Technical Qualifications
- HNC/HND or Degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering, Mechatronics, Control Systems Engineering, or related discipline (essential)
- Time-served Electrical/Controls Engineer apprenticeship (desirable)
- Relevant electrical qualifications (e.g., NVQ Level 3 Electrical Engineering, 18th Edition Wiring Regulations) desirable
Control Systems Experience
- Proven experience programming, commissioning, troubleshooting and maintaining PLC-controlled equipment (essential)
- Experience with Allen Bradley, Siemens, Mitsubishi, Omron or equivalent PLC platforms (essential)
- Experience developing and modifying HMI and SCADA systems (essential)
- Experience with industrial communications networks including Ethernet/IP, Profinet, Profibus, Modbus or similar (essential)
- Experience with servo drives, VSDs, motion control and instrumentation systems (desirable)
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
See breakdownIt searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
Project Management
- Proven experience delivering automation and controls projects from concept through commissioning (essential)
- Experience managing contractors, project budgets, schedules and technical specifications (desirable)
Continuous Improvement
- Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement experience (essential)
- Six Sigma Yellow Belt or equivalent (desirable)
Manufacturing Knowledge
- Experience working within a manufacturing environment (essential)
- Knowledge of root cause analysis methodologies and problem-solving tools (essential)
- Experience working within ISO9001 and/or IATF16949 environments (desirable)
Responsibilities
Safety
- Ensure all automation, controls and electrical systems comply with site safety standards and legal requirements
- Lead machinery safety assessments, electrical safety improvements and Management of Change (MOC) activities
- Support incident investigations and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence
- Promote safe working practices, permit-to-work compliance, LOTO and contractor safety management
Quality
- Develop and maintain control systems that support consistent product quality and process stability
- Investigate process and equipment issues using root cause analysis and implement permanent solutions
- Support quality improvement initiatives through automation and data-driven process control
- Ensure all automation changes are documented, tested and validated in line with quality requirements


Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
Cost
- Identify and implement automation solutions that reduce waste, energy consumption and operating costs
- Support preventive maintenance strategies to minimise unplanned downtime and repair costs
- Manage automation project budgets and ensure effective use of engineering resources
- Drive efficiency improvements through equipment optimisation and process standardisation
Delivery
- Improve equipment reliability, OEE and manufacturing throughput through automation and controls improvements
- Lead automation and capital projects from design through commissioning and handover
- Provide technical support to minimise downtime and restore production quickly during equipment failures
- Work with operations teams to identify and remove process bottlenecks
Improvement
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives using automation, data analysis and engineering best practices
- Identify opportunities for new technologies and digital solutions to improve manufacturing performance
- Develop and maintain PLC, HMI and SCADA systems to support operational excellence
- Contribute to site improvement roadmaps and long-term engineering strategies
People
- Provide technical leadership and expertise across automation, controls and electrical systems
- Coach and support maintenance and operations teams in fault finding and equipment operation
- Work collaboratively with cross-functional teams, contractors and equipment supplier
- Support skills development and knowledge sharing to improve overall engineering capability
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London
Skills
Location