Automation Specialist

Please note the content of this advert does not represent a live vacancy.

About the opportunity

This is an opportunity to register your interest in future Automation Specialist roles within manufacturing, process and automation environments. Roles of this type could support the delivery of efficient, scalable automation solutions that enhance operational performance across UK-based manufacturing facilities.

Positions of this type may sit within collaborative engineering teams at businesses advancing automation capabilities and digital transformation initiatives. The work could involve partnering across engineering, process improvement and operations to design, implement and maintain automation systems that drive productivity and quality outcomes, with scope to contribute to continuous improvement programmes.

Typical role overview

• Location: UK-wide
• Type: Contract · Full-time
• Day Rate: £250–280 per day, £380–450 per day (dependent on experience and seniority)
• Discipline: Manufacturing, Process and Automation Engineering
• Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Engineering
• Technical Standard: ISO 9001

What you would do

Typical responsibilities could include

• Designing and implementing automation solutions using PLC programming, SCADA systems and industrial control technologies
• Supporting the development and deployment of CI/CD pipelines and microservices architectures to enhance system reliability
• Contributing to the integration of APIs and distributed systems to streamline manufacturing processes
• Assisting with the configuration and maintenance of automation infrastructure on Azure, AWS or GCP cloud platforms
• Collaborating with process and quality teams to ensure automation solutions meet ISO 9001 standards
• Supporting the documentation and testing of automation systems using industry-standard tools such as BPMN and UML
• Contributing to the troubleshooting and optimization of existing automation systems

What you could bring

Most roles of this type require the following

• Experience in automation engineering, controls engineering or a closely related discipline
• Demonstrable knowledge of PLC programming, SCADA systems or industrial automation platforms
• Working knowledge of at least one programming language from: Python, Java, .NET, ASP.NET or Bash
• Understanding of distributed systems, microservices, or API integration concepts
• Familiarity with CI/CD principles and containerization technologies such as Docker and Kubernetes
• Experience working with SQL databases and data quality assurance
• Knowledge of Azure, AWS or cloud infrastructure fundamentals
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or equivalent professional experience
• Right to work in the United Kingdom

The following would be advantageous

• Experience with SAP S/4HANA, SAP ECC or SAP RISE enterprise systems
• Proficiency with infrastructure-as-code tools such as Terraform
• Knowledge of Linux and Windows operating systems in industrial contexts
• Experience with data pipeline design or data quality frameworks
• Familiarity with monitoring and analytics tools such as Power BI
• Security or network infrastructure knowledge (F5, DMZ)
• Health and safety certifications (SMSTS, First Aid, HV qualifications)
• QARA or QMS (Quality Management System) experience

What roles of this type could offer

Most roles of this type offer the following, dependent on the industry and seniority of the role:

• The opportunity to work on meaningful automation projects that enhance manufacturing efficiency and product quality
• Exposure to modern cloud platforms, containerization and distributed systems architectures
• Scope to develop technical expertise across multiple programming languages and automation frameworks
• Potential to contribute to continuous improvement initiatives and digital transformation programmes
• Collaborative working environment with experienced engineering teams
• Contract flexibility and the potential for role extension based on project delivery
• Professional development opportunities and exposure to industry best practices in manufacturing automation

About SThree

SThree is the global STEM workforce consultancy.

We advise businesses, build expert teams and deliver project solutions to outpace tomorrow, together.

Across the UK, we connect talented specialists with cutting-edge opportunities across technology, engineering, life sciences and financial services supported by our offices in London, Birmingham, Manchester, Glasgow and Leeds

How to register interest

If you are interested in being added to our database to be considered for future opportunities, registering is quick and easy. No cover letter required. We will be in touch when we are instructed on these roles to discuss the next step in your career.

Disclaimer

Please note that the content of this advert does not represent a live vacancy or any guarantee of future vacancies, and by responding to this advert you agree to us adding your details to our database for future opportunities.