Automation Engineer

Automation Engineer – 12-Month Contract – £45–50 per Hour – South West, Doreset to Somerset IR35: Status to be determined via independent assessment
 

If you’re an Automation Engineer who thrives on solving complex problems and) seeing projects through from concept to commissioning, this role will put your skills to the test and keep you fully engaged. You’ll be part of an experienced automation team, delivering PLC, HMI, and telemetry control systems that keep critical water and utilities infrastructure running smoothly across the South West

Why This Automation Engineer Role?

• Work on projects with real-world impact in the water and utilities sector

• Be involved in the full project lifecycle — from design to commissioning

• Join a collaborative, technically skilled team where knowledge-sharing is valued

• Enjoy variety — office-based programming and on-site commissioning across multiple sites

• Competitive £45–50 per hour rate, 12-month contract

What You’ll Be Doing as an Automation Engineer

• Programming PLC control software (Siemens TIA Portal, Siemens Step 7, Mitsubishi GXIEC) to URS

• Designing and creating HMI/SCADA interfaces for operational control

• Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) — bench and MCC panel

• Configuring and commissioning site telemetry systems (Prism/ScopeX)

• Installing, testing, and validating PLC code against URS on-site

• Integrating with legacy PLC systems to ensure operational continuity

• Commissioning fibre optic networks, radio Ethernet, and Profibus DP

• Troubleshooting and resolving issues during commissioning

• Providing regular updates to the Senior Automation Engineer

What We’re Looking For in an Automation Engineer

• Proven Automation Engineer experience in PLC, HMI, and telemetry systems

• Confident with Siemens and Mitsubishi PLCs and HMI programming

• Ability to integrate with existing/legacy control systems

• Strong problem-solving and fault-finding skills

• Excellent communication and teamworking abilities

• Water/wastewater industry background — advantageous but not essential

What we would like you to have:

• Valid CSCS card

• Full UK driving licence and reliable vehicle

• High computer literacy (MS Office, virtual machines)

• Self-motivated, proactive, and adaptable

• Right to work in the UK

• IR35: Status to be determined via independent assessment
  (For transparency, similar roles have previously fallen Inside IR35)

Apply now for a confidential conversation about this role.

Winhurst Recruitment are working in Partnership with Vantage Recruitment for the purposes of this vacancy so by applying to this role you are agreeing for us to share your details with them to assess the suitability of your application.