Automation Engineer

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Automation Engineer
Location: Stourton Dairy, Arla Foods
Job Type: Full Time
Shift Pattern: 4-on/4-off 12 hour day shifts. 06:00-18:00
About the Role
We’re looking for a skilled and proactive Automation Engineer to join our Engineering team at Stourton Dairy. You’ll play a key role in ensuring the efficiency, reliability, and continuous improvement of our automated production and packaging systems.
Working in a close-knit Automation/IT team, you’ll collaborate with production and process teams to troubleshoot, maintain, and optimise equipment and support both site and central projects from conception to delivery.
Key Responsibilities
* Perform structured troubleshooting on industrial controls systems and networks
* Provide support during breakdowns and coordinate with internal teams and external vendors
* Maintain, monitor, and optimise automation infrastructure — PLCs, HMIs, industrial networks, drives (VFDs/servos) — plus the supporting IT/OT layer (servers, switches, SCADA)
* Coach and mentor colleagues to strengthen automation skills across the department
* Own and deliver Continuous Improvement (CI) projects
* Support capital and local engineering projects from design through to implementation
* Investigate equipment issues, perform root cause analysis, and implement corrective actions
* Collaborate across departments to ensure compliance with Health, Safety, Environmental (HSE), regulatory and quality standards.
About You
You’re an experienced, self-starting Automation Engineer with strong technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and a continuous improvement mindset. You thrive in fast-paced environments and enjoy working both independently and as part of cross-functional teams. You are able to coordinate and communicate between external specialists and across all levels within the site, as well as sharing knowledge within the wider engineering team.
Essential Qualifications & Skills
* Time-served apprenticeship with HNC/HND (or equivalent) in Engineering.
* 5+ years of experience in an automated FMCG production environment.
* Proficiency in:
*
* PLC programming (Step 7 classic, TIA Portal, Studio 5000)
* Hardware diagnostics
* Industrial networks (Profinet, Profibus, AS-i)
* VFDs and servo drives (Danfoss, Siemens)
* Familiarity with:
*
* SCADA (Aveva System Platform)
* Virtualisation and backup/recovery systems (vSphere, Veeam)
* IPV4 subnetting and routing
* Machinery safety and safety PLCs
* Obsolescence management
* Clear and confident communicator across technical and non-technical teams.
* Demonstrated experience leading CI initiatives and delivering measurable results.
* Committed to safety and quality in all aspects of engineering work.
* Skilled in using SAP or similar CMMS systems.
Benefits
Competitive salary
24 days holiday (additional can be purchased)
Employer pension matched up to 6%
4x annual salary life assurance cover
Reward gateway scheme - discounts with various retailers via My Benefits platform.
Strong career development & training
Staff shop
Shape the Future of Dairy
Arla is a global leader in the dairy industry, committed to producing high-quality products while championing sustainability and innovation. We're passionate about people and our planet, striving to unleash the full potential in each of us. Our goal is to make healthy dairy nutrition and good food habits accessible to all. Join us at Arla Foods and become part of a worldwide cooperative dedicated to making a significant impact on the planet and steering the dairy industry towards a sustainable future.
We are devoted to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and empowered to bring their authentic selves to work. and collaboration are key to our success, propelling us to new heights in the dairy industry
Apply
Location:
Leeds
Job Type:
FullTime
Category:
Engineer, Automation, Automation Engineer, Engineering

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