Automation Engineer Recruitment

What the role involves

• Programming and commissioning industrial robots using KUKA KRL, ABB RAPID, Fanuc Karel or TP, or YASKAWA Inform depending on the platform
• Developing PLC and HMI programs for automated production systems, integrating robot cells with wider line control architecture
• Designing and implementing automated material handling and conveyor systems, including sortation, accumulation, and end-of-line palletising
• Integrating vision systems, sensors, and end-of-arm tooling to enable automated inspection, part detection, and pick-and-place operations
• Supporting the specification and procurement of automation equipment, providing technical input to ITTs and supplier evaluation
• Troubleshooting automated systems and training maintenance teams to diagnose and resolve faults on live production lines

Who employers are looking for

A BEng in Electrical, Electronic, Mechanical, or Mechatronics Engineering provides the standard academic foundation, though strong HNC or HND qualified candidates with practical robotics and PLC experience are regularly placed at junior to mid-level. Robot programming experience is typically the key technical differentiator in this market. KUKA KRL and ABB RAPID are most common in automotive and general manufacturing; Fanuc TP and Karel are prevalent in food, packaging, and general pick-and-place applications.

PLC experience across Siemens TIA Portal and Rockwell Studio 5000 is increasingly expected alongside robot programming, as the boundary between robot and line PLC programming converges in modern cell designs. Vision system experience using Cognex or Keyence platforms is valued, and is a genuine differentiator for candidates targeting advanced automation roles. Safety system knowledge to IEC 62061 and ISO 13849 is required for engineers involved in CE or UKCA marking of automated machinery.

Salary growth for automation engineers has outpaced most engineering disciplines over the past three years. Contract rates range from £400 to £600 per day. Multi-robot platform experience and PLC proficiency across both Siemens and Rockwell commands a clear premium in the permanent market.

Salary benchmarks

Multi-robot platform experience and PLC proficiency across Siemens and Rockwell platforms command a premium. Automation engineers are in short supply relative to demand, salary growth in this role has outpaced many engineering disciplines over the past three years. Contract rates range £400-£600/day.

Industries that hire Automation Engineers

• Automotive: body shop, paint, and assembly line robotics, with high-volume production environments requiring robust and repeatable automated cells
• Food and beverage: automated packaging, palletising, and end-of-line systems, including hygienic design requirements in high-care areas
• Pharmaceutical: automated dispensing, filling, and inspection systems operating under GMP validation requirements
• Logistics and warehousing: conveyor, sortation, and automated storage and retrieval systems (ASRS) for e-commerce and distribution centres
• General manufacturing: press tending, welding, and machine tending robotics across a broad range of component and sub-assembly manufacturers

Related roles

• Controls Engineer: PLC and SCADA specialist, closely related to automation engineering with more focus on process control than robotics
• Electrical Design Engineer: produces the electrical schematics and panel designs that support automated systems
• Commissioning Engineer: handles the final testing and customer handover of automated systems, working closely with automation engineers during FAT
• Systems Engineer: coordinates automation as one element within complex multi-discipline programmes, particularly in defence and aerospace

Where we place Automation Engineer professionals

We place automation engineer professionals across the UK. Browse by location or register your CV for roles that match your experience.