Controls & Automation Engineering·Updated on Nov 15·
Full-timeSouthampton, UKNo salary listed
About the Job
Requirements
Hands-on experience in PLC programming, HMI/SCADA design, and automation system implementation.
Experience in testing, commissioning, and fault-finding of control panels and automation systems.
Experience working from schematics, wiring diagrams, and bills of materials to implement automation solutions.
Experience collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to deliver electrical and automation projects.
Proven knowledge of PLC programming and HMI/SCADA configuration.
Experience with multiple PLC platforms, such as Siemens, Allen-Bradley, or Schneider.
ECS/CSCS card or equivalent site access certification.
Responsibilities
Design and configure PLC programs, HMI/SCADA interfaces, I/O schemes, telemetry systems, and network architectures for control panels, MCCs, and plant-wide solutions.
Collaborate with design engineers to integrate automation with electrical schematics and mechanical assemblies.
Develop automation software that meets client specifications and project requirements.
Identify opportunities to improve automation processes, build efficiency, and system reliability.
Support the selection of hardware, instrumentation, and control devices.
Attend site for surveys and commissioning, sometimes staying away from home for short periods.
Work closely with Engineering, Workshop, Wiring, and Testing teams to deliver automation systems.
Support the Automation Lead in multi-project planning and execution.
Provide technical support to production teams on automation queries and build issues.
Perform functional and operational testing of automation systems.
Support Factory Acceptance Tests and site commissioning of software (SATs).
Troubleshoot and resolve faults in PLC, HMI, and control systems.
Ensure automation solutions conform to industrial standards and client-specific requirements.
Maintain traceability of design changes, software versions, and documentation in accordance with company policies and procedures.
Support internal and external audits related to automation systems.
Promote continuous improvement in automation design and delivery.
Ensure automation activities are performed safely in accordance with company and statutory health and safety requirements.
Maintain accurate project documentation, including PLC/HMI/SCADA/telemetry system documentation, test records, and commissioning reports.
Support risk assessments and method statements for automation works.
Liaise with clients, consultants, suppliers, contractors, and installation teams as required.
Uphold and promote the company’s values of Care, Trust, Respect, and Sustainability.
Undertake additional duties consistent with the responsibilities and level of the role.
Desired Qualifications
Experience with Factory Acceptance Testing and client site commissioning.
Previous work with custom-built panels, MCCs, and automation systems.
Experience in municipal, industrial process, or water-sector automation projects.
Experience liaising with clients, consultants, or third-party integrators on technical automation solutions.
HNC/HND or a degree in Electrical, Control, Automation, Mechatronics, or Instrumentation Engineering.
Understanding of BS EN 61439-2:2021 and relevant electrical standards.
Electrical safety awareness and training, such as safe isolation and workshop health and safety.
Experience with intelligent MCCs from Form 1 to Form 4 systems.
Knowledge of networked industrial automation, IIoT, or remote monitoring systems.
Professional development or certification in project management, leadership, or automation engineering.
Join Trant Engineering and help shape the delivery of complex, high-impact projects.
Trant Engineering is a leading EPC contractor with a strong reputation for delivering innovative engineering solutions across the UK and internationally. With over 1,000 employees and a £150m turnover, we’re growing—and now looking for an experienced Automation Engineer to play a key role in our project delivery teams as part of our controls and automation division Te-Tech.
The Role
As an Automation Engineer you'll be responsible for the design, programming, testing, and commissioning of automation and control systems across multiple projects. This role ensures automation solutions meet client requirements, comply with relevant standards and integrate seamlessly with electrical and mechanical systems.
Design and configure PLC programs, HMI/SCADA interfaces, I/O schemes, telemetry systems and network architectures for control panels, MCCs and plant-wide solutions.
Collaborate with design engineers to ensure seamless integration with electrical schematics and mechanical assemblies.
Develop automation software that meets client specifications and project requirements.
Identify opportunities to improve automation processes, build efficiency, and system reliability.
Support the selection of hardware, instrumentation, and control devices.
Attend site for surveys and commissioning activities often requiring staying away from home for short periods.
2) Technical Support & Collaboration
Work closely with the Engineering, Workshop, Wiring and Testing teams to ensure smooth delivery of automation systems.
Support the Automation Lead in multi-project planning and execution.
Provide technical support to production teams regarding automation queries and build issues.
Perform functional and operational testing of automation systems.
Support Factory Acceptance Tests (FATs) and site commissioning of software (SATs).
Troubleshoot and resolve faults in PLC, HMI, and control systems.
3) SHE&Q and Compliance
Ensure all automation solutions conform to industrial standards and client-specific requirements.
Maintain traceability of design changes, software versions, and documentation in accordance with company policies and procedures.
Support internal and external audits related to automation systems.
Promote continuous improvement in automation design and delivery.
Ensure all automation activities are performed safely in accordance with company and statutory H&S requirements.
Maintain accurate project documentation, including automation systems (PLC / HMI / SCADA / Telemetry etc), test records, and commissioning reports.
Support risk assessments and method statements for automation works.
4) Key Interfaces, Internal Interfaces:
Automation Lead / Technical Manager / Production Manager.
Design & Engineering Teams (Electrical, automation and production) / Production. Manager / Technical Manager / Quality Team.
Workshop Wiring and Test engineering Teams.
External Interfaces:
Clients / Consultants.
Suppliers.
Contractors / Installation Teams (where applicable).
5) Core Values
Uphold and promote the Company’s Core Values – Care, Trust, Respect and Sustainability.
You may be required to undertake additional duties, consistent with the responsibilities and level of this role, beyond those specified above.
Essential
Hands-on experience in PLC programming, HMI/SCADA design, and automation system implementation.
Experience in testing, commissioning, and fault-finding of control panels and automation systems.
Experience working from schematics, wiring diagrams, and BOMs to implement automation solutions.
Experience collaborating with multi-disciplinary teams to deliver electrical and automation projects.
Proven knowledge of PLC programming and HMI/SCADA configuration.