About the Role:
Blackwood has a strong manufacturing and engineering heritage, and at Gavik Technology and Engineering Solutions, we develop automation systems that help industrial businesses improve productivity, reliability and operational control.
We design and deliver practical automation solutions for manufacturing equipment, production lines and process driven environments.
We believe that effective automation should do more than replace manual tasks. It should reduce downtime, improve consistency and give operators better visibility across their systems.
We are looking for an experienced Senior Automation Engineer who can take ownership of automation projects from initial requirements through programming, testing and commissioning.
You will work closely with electrical engineers, mechanical designers, production teams and project managers to develop reliable control solutions that meet operational and safety requirements.
You are not simply programming machinery. You are translating complex production needs into maintainable systems that deliver measurable improvements in performance.
You will also support Junior and Mid level engineers, review technical work and help maintain consistent automation standards across the business.
Why Work With Us?
The Environment:
Our Blackwood based team provides a technically focused and collaborative environment where engineers are trusted to solve complex problems and take ownership of project outcomes.
Engineering Standards:
You will not need to convince us that reliability and structured development matter.
We value well organised software, accurate documentation, thorough testing and practical engineering decisions that support long term system performance.
Modern Automation Technology:
You will work with current PLC, HMI, SCADA, robotics, motion control and industrial communication technologies.
Varied Projects:
You will have the opportunity to work across manufacturing, processing, packaging, materials handling and industrial equipment projects.
Cross Functional Collaboration:
You will work closely with electrical engineers, mechanical designers, software specialists, commissioning engineers and production stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle.
Growth:
You will receive support for relevant technical training, professional certifications and continued development in automation architecture, robotics and industrial control systems.
Key Responsibilities:
Automation System Design:
Develop automation concepts, control architectures, hardware specifications and functional descriptions based on project requirements.
End to End Project Delivery:
Manage automation activities from requirements gathering and technical design through development, testing, commissioning and handover.
PLC Programming:
Develop, test and maintain structured PLC software using recognised programming practices and appropriate platform standards.
HMI and SCADA Development:
Create clear operator interfaces and supervisory systems for equipment control, alarm management, production monitoring and performance reporting.
Robotics Integration:
Configure and integrate industrial robots, safety systems, sensors and supporting equipment where required.
Electrical Coordination:
Work with electrical engineers to review schematics, control panels, input and output schedules and component specifications.
Engineering Mentoring:
Support Junior and Mid level automation engineers.
Review software, technical documents and test results while providing constructive feedback that improves engineering quality and team capability.
System Testing:
Do not rely on assumptions.
Develop and complete simulation, factory acceptance testing and site acceptance testing procedures before equipment enters full production.
Commissioning:
Configure equipment, verify field devices, test sequences and optimise system performance during installation and commissioning.
Fault Investigation:
Diagnose control, electrical, communication and process issues while implementing practical solutions that minimise downtime.
Technical Documentation:
Prepare functional design specifications, software descriptions, test records, operating instructions and handover documentation.
Stakeholder Management:
Present technical recommendations and project updates to clients, suppliers and internal stakeholders.
You can explain why a particular automation approach is appropriate, not simply describe how it will be programmed.
Industrial Networking:
Configure and troubleshoot industrial networks and communication protocols such as Profinet, Profibus, Modbus TCP, EtherNet IP or similar technologies.
Safety and Compliance:
Ensure automation systems meet project requirements, internal procedures and applicable machinery and electrical safety standards.
Performance Improvement:
Review existing systems and identify opportunities to improve cycle time, availability, energy use and production consistency.
Project Control:
Monitor engineering hours, technical scope, programme commitments and changes to agreed project requirements.
What We Are Looking For:
Experience:
At least 6 years of professional automation, controls or electrical engineering experience, including responsibility for complex industrial projects.
Qualifications:
A degree, higher national diploma or recognised professional qualification in automation, electrical engineering, electronic engineering, mechatronics or a related discipline is required.
PLC Knowledge:
Strong programming experience with platforms such as Siemens, Rockwell Automation, Schneider Electric, Mitsubishi or comparable control systems.
HMI and SCADA Knowledge:
Practical experience developing systems using Siemens WinCC, Rockwell FactoryTalk, Ignition, Wonderware or similar technologies.
Robotics Experience:
Experience programming or integrating industrial robots from manufacturers such as ABB, FANUC, KUKA, Yaskawa or similar providers is desirable.
Electrical Knowledge:
Strong understanding of electrical schematics, control panels, sensors, actuators, variable speed drives, servo systems and industrial instrumentation.
Automation Design:
Experience developing functional specifications, input and output schedules, control philosophies and industrial network architectures.
Testing and Commissioning:
Proven experience completing factory acceptance testing, site acceptance testing and commissioning activities in industrial environments.
Safety Knowledge:
Familiarity with machinery safety, risk assessments, emergency stop systems, safety PLCs and relevant UK engineering standards is preferred.
Project Management:
You can manage technical scope, engineering time, project priorities and client expectations across multiple assignments.
Communication Skills:
Strong professional English is required for technical documentation, client meetings, operator training and multidisciplinary coordination.
Technical Skills:
Confident using automation development software, electrical design tools, industrial diagnostic equipment and structured fault finding methods.
Site Requirements:
You must be comfortable attending customer facilities and commissioning sites when required and hold a valid driving licence suitable for travel between project locations.
Mindset:
You are analytical, practical and safety focused.
You know when an existing automation system should be improved, when a technical risk must be escalated and when a dependable solution is more valuable than unnecessary complexity.
Pay: £4,250.00-£5,000.00 per month
Benefits:
- Free parking
- On-site parking
- Private medical insurance
Work Location: In person
