Automation Systems Engineer – PLC, HMI & SCADA
Salary:£48,000 per annum
About us:
Join one of Europe’s fastest-growing nutrition success stories.
Kendal Nutricare creates world-class nutrition for every stage of life — from Kendamil infant and toddler formula to Kendalife adult nutrition. We’re a family-owned, purpose-driven business with big global ambitions.
In 2025, we were ranked the UK’s fastest-growing food and drink company, with Kendamil now one of the fastest-growing baby brands in the world, the No.1 Organic formula in both the UK and USA, and available in 40+ countries (and counting).
As the only British infant formula manufacturer, we’re proud to produce our award-winning products here in the UK using British full-cream milk, with no palm oil or unnecessary additives — trusted by families worldwide.
We’re on an exciting path – join us!
The role:
Join our Engineering team at the Kendal site as an Automation Systems Engineer and play a key role in shaping and improving our manufacturing operations. We’re looking for an experienced engineer with strong expertise in Siemens PLC systems who is passionate about automation, continuous improvement, and delivering reliable engineering solutions.
In this role, you’ll support a range of exciting capital investment projects while helping to ensure our automation systems remain efficient, robust, and easy to maintain. You’ll be involved in the design, development, support, and optimisation of PLC software solutions, with a particular focus on Siemens platforms within a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
Working closely with teams across Quality, Operations, and Site Management, as well as external project partners and contractors, you’ll have the opportunity to make a real impact on site performance and future growth. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys problem-solving, collaboration, and driving engineering excellence in a modern production environment.
What you’ll be doing:
- Develop, maintain, and optimise Siemens PLC software (S7 / TIA Portal) across manufacturing systems.
- Support integration and communication between PLCs, HMIs, SCADA, and site-wide automation systems.
- Troubleshoot and resolve automation and control system issues to support reliable production.
- Contribute to continuous improvement and automation upgrade projects.
- Work closely with internal teams and external contractors on capital investment and commissioning projects.
- Provide ongoing support and ownership of PLC systems following project completion.
- Collaborate with Quality, Operations, and Maintenance teams to ensure systems meet operational and compliance requirements.
- Maintain accurate technical documentation, software records, and version control standards.
What you’ll need:
- Proven experience working with Siemens PLC systems, including S7, Step 7, and TIA Portal.
- Strong understanding of PLC integration, industrial networks, HMIs, SCADA, and communication protocols.
- Previous experience within a manufacturing or industrial automation environment.
- Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills with a proactive, hands-on approach.
- Able to manage multiple priorities and work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
- Confident communicator who can work across Engineering, Operations, Quality, and external contractors.
- Experience supporting capital projects, commissioning activities, or advanced automation initiatives would be an advantage.
Why Join Us?
Our Kendal site is experiencing major growth and investment, offering an exciting opportunity to be involved in high-profile automation and capital projects within a modern manufacturing environment. You’ll have the chance to make a real impact by supporting operational improvements and contributing to the future development of our automation systems.
This is also an opportunity to join one of Europe’s fastest-growing infant milk brands, working alongside a talented and ambitious team committed to delivering the highest standards for thousands of loyal customers.
We offer to all our employees:
- 25 days holiday (plus bank holidays)
- A pension scheme
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Life Assurance at 2 x basic salary*
- Free parking*
- Subsidised breakfast
- Free gym membership*
- Health Cash Plan
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: Up to £48,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Canteen
- Casual dress
- Enhanced maternity leave
- Health & wellbeing programme
- On-site parking
- Referral programme
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Kendal LA9 6NL: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Application question(s):
- How many years of experience do you have working with Siemens PLC systems (S7, Step 7, or TIA Portal)?
- Have you worked within a manufacturing or industrial automation environment?
Experience:
- Siemens PLC systems: 3 years (preferred)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
