Automation Engineer

Inspire Resourcing is proud to be partnering with our client as they recruit their first in-house Automation Engineer.

This is a fantastic opportunity to take ownership of warehouse automation projects and play a key role in the growth of the business.

You'll be responsible for installing, commissioning, fault-finding, and maintaining automated systems, combining hands-on electrical and mechanical engineering with support for control system development alongside automation partners.

This is a varied role involving travel across the UK, working closely with project teams, suppliers, and subcontractors to deliver reliable, high-quality automation solutions.

A company van is provided, and occasional overnight stays and flexible working hours will be required to support projects and maintenance activities.

As the role evolves, you'll take the lead on proactive maintenance programmes and become the go-to engineer for automation installations, improvements, and performance optimisation.

Key Responsibilities

• Read and interpret mechanical and electrical drawings, wiring schematics, installation instructions and bills of materials (BOMs). Check parts and site interfaces before installation.
• Carry out mechanical assembly, alignment and adjustment of automation equipment. Install and connect electrical components, cables, sensors and controls within your qualifications and authorisation.
• Commission and test systems with our automation suppliers. Check automatic operating sequences, human machine interfaces (HMIs), alarms, safety devices and fault recovery, and record the results.
• Work with project managers and subcontractors to plan installation activities, identify missing information or components, and resolve issues affecting site progress.
• Establish and deliver planned preventive maintenance, including inspections, servicing and adjustments in accordance with manufacturers' instructions. Maintain service schedules and equipment records.
• Diagnose electrical, mechanical and control faults, carry out repairs within your competence and coordinate specialist support where needed to restore operation.
• Investigate repeat failures with the supplier, recommend corrective action and maintain suitable spare parts and tools for the equipment supported.
• Provide practical support and operator training to clients, and complete clear service reports and handover records after each visit.
• Read and diagnose automation control software, write or modify code within your competence and agreed authority, and work with supplier developers to resolve software and integration issues.
• Support controller and HMI configuration, software testing and system integration. Keep software backups, version records and a record of approved changes.
• Communicate directly in Polish with our automation supply chain. Keep drawings, BOMs, test records and technical information current, and report progress and outstanding issues clearly to Oakway.
• Follow site inductions, permits, safe isolation procedures and agreed risk assessments and method statements. Maintain relevant electrical and site certifications and use equipment only where qualified and authorised.
• Verify relevant safety functions after work, report unresolved defects promptly and refer design changes or specialist work to the responsible supplier or subcontractor.

Requirements

• Practical experience of electrical and mechanical installation, commissioning, maintenance and fault finding on industrial machinery or automation equipment.
• Recognised electrical qualifications and certification appropriate to the installation, maintenance and testing work undertaken, supported by sound practical electrical competence.
• Ability to read engineering drawings, electrical schematics and BOMs, and to carry out accurate mechanical assembly and adjustment.
• Experience of coding or modifying automation control software, with the ability to diagnose control faults and work effectively with software developers.
• Fluent Polish, essential for direct technical communication with our Polish automation suppliers and their engineering teams.
• Working English sufficient for safe communication with UK clients, site teams and subcontractors, and for clear engineering records.
• Relevant site access and safety certifications, with willingness to complete any further certification required for assigned work.
• A full driving licence valid for driving a company van in the UK, and willingness to travel nationwide, stay away overnight and work occasional weekends, including at short notice.
• Ability to work independently, organise priorities and take ownership of outstanding tasks while coordinating effectively with suppliers and subcontractors.