1,648 Automation Professional jobs in the United Kingdom

Job Title: Business Process Automation Engineer

Rate: £325 per day (Inside IR35)

Duration: 12 months

Location: Central London – 3 days onsite, 2 days remote

Overview

We’re seeking a Business Process Automation Engineer to support the maintenance, optimisation, and development of internal automation tools that streamline key business operations. With over 50 in-house tools already deployed to automate data handling, reporting, and workflow management, this role will focus on improving system stability and driving further automation initiatives as the business scales.

Key Responsibilities

• Monitor and maintain existing automated tools and workflows.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues, performing root cause analysis and implementing both short- and long-term solutions.
• Enhance tool reliability, performance, and monitoring efficiency.
• Design and develop new automation tools to meet evolving business requirements.
• Collaborate closely with business users to understand processes and deliver practical automation solutions.
• Maintain clear documentation, including specifications and runbooks.
• Track daily progress, communicate updates to stakeholders, and adjust timelines as necessary.

Required Skills & Experience

Technical Skills:

• Advanced Excel knowledge, including VBA and VBS scripting .
• Working knowledge of Python for light automation and data processing.
• Experience with Power Automate , SharePoint , or Office Scripts is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with system monitoring and operational stability best practices.

Business Skills:

• Strong communication and stakeholder management – able to clarify requirements and manage expectations.
• Detail-oriented with a focus on process documentation and continuous improvement.
• Organised, adaptable, and capable of prioritising workload effectively.

• Design, develop, and implement automation solutions for manufacturing processes, including PLC programming, HMI development, and robot integration.
• Configure and commission automation hardware and software, ensuring seamless integration with existing systems.
• Develop and maintain process control strategies to optimize production efficiency and product quality.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues related to automation systems, identifying root causes and implementing corrective actions.
• Conduct feasibility studies and recommend innovative automation technologies to enhance operational performance.
• Create and maintain detailed technical documentation, including electrical schematics, program logic, and operating manuals.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including production, engineering, and maintenance, to support automation projects.
• Implement preventative maintenance programs for automated equipment to minimize downtime.
• Stay current with the latest advancements in automation technology, recommending adoption of new solutions where beneficial.
• Ensure all automation solutions comply with relevant safety standards and regulations.
• Provide remote technical support and training to on-site operational staff.

• BEng or MEng in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Control Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of hands-on experience in industrial automation and process control, preferably within a manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency in programming various PLC platforms (e.g., Siemens, Rockwell Automation, Omron) and HMI/SCADA systems.
• Experience with industrial robotics (e.g., KUKA, ABB, FANUC) and motion control systems.
• Strong understanding of electrical control systems, instrumentation, and network communication protocols (e.g., Profibus, Ethernet/IP).
• Excellent troubleshooting and problem-solving skills with a methodical approach.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects in a fully remote setting.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to effectively interact with technical and non-technical stakeholders remotely.
• Experience with simulation software for automation design and testing is a plus.
• Knowledge of Lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies.

• Design, develop, and implement automation solutions for manufacturing processes, including PLC programming, HMI development, and SCADA systems.
• Analyze existing production lines to identify opportunities for automation and efficiency gains.
• Develop and maintain documentation for automation systems, including P&IDs, functional specifications, and user manuals.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including production, engineering, and maintenance, to ensure seamless integration of automation solutions.
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues with automated systems to minimize downtime.
• Stay current with emerging automation technologies and industry best practices.
• Conduct risk assessments and implement safety features within automated systems.
• Provide remote support and training to operational teams on automated equipment.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of manufacturing processes through automation initiatives.

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
• Proven experience in industrial automation, including PLC programming (e.g., Siemens, Allen-Bradley), HMI/SCADA development, and robotic systems.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and principles.
• Experience with industrial communication protocols (e.g., Profibus, Ethernet/IP).
• Proficiency in troubleshooting automation hardware and software issues.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively in a remote team environment.
• Experience with IIoT and data acquisition systems is a plus.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously.

• Designing and developing sophisticated automation solutions for manufacturing and industrial processes.
• Programming and configuring Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), Distributed Control Systems (DCS), and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems.
• Developing and implementing Human-Machine Interface (HMI) applications for seamless operator interaction.
• Integrating various automation components and systems, ensuring interoperability and efficiency.
• Conducting system testing, commissioning, and validation to ensure optimal performance and reliability.
• Troubleshooting and resolving complex automation-related issues, minimizing downtime.
• Optimizing existing automated processes for improved efficiency, quality, and cost-effectiveness.
• Developing comprehensive documentation, including design specifications, programming logic, and operational manuals.
• Staying current with advancements in automation technology, robotics, and industrial IoT.
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams, including operations, engineering, and maintenance, to support automation initiatives.

• Designing, developing, and implementing automated control systems for manufacturing processes.
• Selecting appropriate hardware, software, and network components for automation solutions.
• Developing PLC, HMI, and SCADA system programming and configuration.
• Integrating automation systems with enterprise resource planning (ERP) and manufacturing execution systems (MES).
• Troubleshooting and resolving automation system issues to minimize downtime.
• Conducting root cause analysis for equipment and process malfunctions.
• Developing and executing commissioning plans for new automation systems.
• Creating and maintaining system documentation, including P&IDs, electrical drawings, and user manuals.
• Mentoring and guiding junior automation engineers and technicians.
• Staying current with the latest advancements in industrial automation technology.
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure automation solutions meet production needs.
• Driving continuous improvement initiatives in automation and process efficiency.

• Lead the design, development, and implementation of advanced automation and control systems for manufacturing processes.
• Develop and maintain PLC logic, HMI screens, and SCADA systems for new and existing equipment.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex automation issues, ensuring minimal downtime and maximum operational efficiency.
• Optimize existing automation systems to improve performance, reduce costs, and enhance product quality.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including operations, maintenance, and R&D, to identify automation opportunities and implement solutions.
• Develop and manage project documentation, including design specifications, user manuals, and validation reports.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior automation engineers.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in automation technology, including robotics, AI, and IIoT, and assess their applicability to our manufacturing operations.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant safety standards and regulations.
• Participate in FATs (Factory Acceptance Tests) and SATs (Site Acceptance Tests) for new automation equipment.
• Contribute to the strategic planning of automation roadmaps and capital investment decisions.

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Control Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• A minimum of 10 years of experience in process automation engineering within a manufacturing setting.
• Proficiency in programming multiple PLC platforms (e.g., Siemens, Rockwell, Mitsubishi).
• Extensive experience with SCADA/HMI software and industrial networking protocols.
• Strong understanding of industrial control systems, instrumentation, and process dynamics.
• Proven ability to lead projects and mentor technical staff.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and troubleshooting skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a remote team environment.
• Experience with robotic systems is a plus.

• Lead the architectural design and development of sophisticated process automation systems, including PLC, SCADA, HMI, and DCS.
• Develop and implement automation strategies that align with business objectives, focusing on efficiency, scalability, and reliability.
• Oversee the integration of new automation technologies and software solutions into existing manufacturing environments.
• Conduct feasibility studies, risk assessments, and technical evaluations for proposed automation projects.
• Provide expert technical guidance and mentorship to a team of automation engineers.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex automation control system issues remotely, ensuring minimal downtime.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive documentation, including control narratives, P&IDs, logic diagrams, and user manuals.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including operations, R&D, and maintenance, to define automation requirements and ensure successful project delivery.
• Stay abreast of emerging automation technologies, industry standards, and best practices.
• Champion a culture of continuous improvement within the automation engineering discipline.

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in industrial automation engineering, with a strong focus on process control.
• Extensive experience with major PLC/DCS platforms (e.g., Siemens, Rockwell, Emerson) and SCADA/HMI systems.
• Proven ability to lead complex automation projects from concept to commissioning in a remote setting.
• Deep understanding of industrial networking protocols and cybersecurity principles for automation systems.
• Experience with robotics integration, advanced process control (APC), and data analytics for manufacturing is highly desirable.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and critical thinking skills.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to mentor and guide technical teams.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and effectively in a fully remote, global team environment.