
Automation Specialist
- Shirebrook, Derbyshire
- Permanent
- Full-time
- Think without limits - Think fast, think fearlessly, and take the team with you
- Own it and back yourself - Own the basics, own your role and own the results
- Be relevant - Relevant to our people, our partners and the planet
- Identify and deliver automation improvement projects across electrical, mechanical, and process domains.
- Perform corrective maintenance and improvement projects on automated equipment and systems including conveyors, robotics, sorters, and AS/RS.
- Analyse machine performance and failure data to target inefficiencies and waste.
- Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions for recurring issues.
- Diagnose and troubleshoot electrical, mechanical, and control issues in real-time to maintain workflow efficiency.
- Ensure adherence to safety regulations and standard operating procedures while performing all tasks.
- Propose and implement solutions for in-house repairs of high-spend or frequently replaced parts.
- Collaborate with Engineering, Operations, IT and Health & Safety teams to deliver improvement initiatives.
- Support the Asset and Reliability Manager in executing new and existing reliability and CI projects.
- Utilise shift engineering teams to assist with modifications and improvement execution.
- Document and adjust conveyor timing parameters to improve equipment performance.
- Create reports and dashboards to track improvement activities and provide visibility of performance gains.
- Maintain technical documentation and update the CMMS after modifications.
- Train and assist automation engineers in the proper use and basic troubleshooting of automated systems as well as guidance on current PM process, and new procedures.
- Promote a culture of safety, innovation, and continuous improvement.
- Technical certification in Mechatronics, Industrial Automation, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
- 3+ years of hands-on experience in automation maintenance or a similar technical role.
- Strong knowledge of PLCs (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, etc.), HMIs, VFDs, sensors, and industrial networking.
- Proficiency with tools for electrical and mechanical diagnostics, calibration, and repair.
- Ability to read electrical schematics, mechanical drawings, and system diagrams.
- Excellent troubleshooting, organizational, and communication skills.
- Willingness to work flexible shifts, including nights, weekends, or on-call as needed.
- Certification in PLC programming, robotics maintenance, or industrial automation.
- Experience with warehouse management systems (WMS/WCS), SCADA, or MES platforms.
- Familiarity with lean manufacturing principles or Six Sigma methodologies.