Automation Engineer (Contract)
Location: Brixworth, Northants Contract Length: 12 Months Rate: £490 per day (Inside IR35) Start Date: ASAP IR35 Status: Inside IR35
Overview
We are seeking an experienced Automation Engineer for a 12-month contract role, working on a high-profile manufacturing programme in the automotive sector. This position is inside IR35 and offers £490 per day. The successful candidate will bring strong experience with legacy machinery and, ideally, exposure to KUKA robotics.
You’ll be responsible for supporting and implementing robust automation and control systems, with a focus on legacy integration, system availability, and process stability.
Key Responsibilities
Analyse, design, simulate, and test procedures for automated machinery and processes
Implement and support automation technology systems, controls architecture and manufacturing standards
Collaborate with suppliers and internal teams to deliver automation solutions from concept through to production
Monitor project performance and timelines, ensuring delivery to scope and budget
Support shop equipment specification, RfQ processes, and commissioning activities
Work with PLCs (preferably Siemens S7, TIA Portal) and automation systems
Translate technical language between programming and engineering disciplines
Drive continuous improvement in manufacturing efficiency and process optimisation
Support adherence to environmental protection standards and legal compliance
Participate in team meetings and cross-functional collaboration
Essential Skills & Experience
Experience working with legacy machinery and automation systems
Ideally experience with KUKA robotics
Solid understanding of PLC programming and automation software development
Previous use of Siemens S7 and TIA Portal
Strong problem-solving skills using programming, data analysis, and controls systems
Familiarity with lean manufacturing principles and process engineering
Excellent communication and documentation skills
Ability to work independently and manage small-scale projects
Comfortable in a fast-paced, change-driven manufacturing environment
Qualifications
Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Automation, or similar field – or equivalent experience
Relevant experience in a similar role
Proven ability to deliver technical solutions in a production or industrial setting
If this role is of interest, please apply with your CV.
If you have no heard back within 7 days, please assume that your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.....Read more...
Assist in the maintenance, repair, and servicing of machinery, equipment, and facilities
Support planned preventative maintenance (PPM) activities to minimise downtime
Learn how to diagnose faults and carry out repairs under supervision
Work with mechanical and electrical systems, developing technical expertise
Assist with breakdowns and troubleshooting to restore operations quickly
Maintain accurate records of work carried out using maintenance logs
Follow health and safety guidelines, ensuring a safe working environment
Work closely with engineers, production teams, and external contractors
Contribute to continuous improvement projects to enhance reliability and efficiency
Attend training courses and complete all necessary assessments as part of the apprenticeship programme
Training:Mechatronics Maintenance Technician Level 3.
As part of the training programme, you will have 1-day where you attend college, and the other working days will be spent with your employer. Training Outcome:
Maintenance Engineer
Maintenance Supervisor
Employer Description:Pentaxia Ltd is a leading UK-based advanced engineering company, specialising in the design and manufacture of high-performance composite tooling and components. Founded in 2008, the company has grown rapidly and now operates from a state-of-the-art 70,000 sq ft facility on a six-acre site on Alfreton Road in Derby, Derbyshire.
Privately owned and family-run, Pentaxia combines cutting-edge technology with a dynamic and supportive working environment. The company serves a wide range of high-tech industries including aerospace, defence, luxury automotive, and motorsport. With a strong focus on innovation, Pentaxia is known for its expertise in 5-axis machining and advanced composite manufacturing, supported by a team of over 140 skilled professionals.
Pentaxia is proud of its collaborative culture, continual investment in people and equipment, and its commitment to delivering high-quality, dependable engineering solutions. Apprentices joining the team will benefit from hands-on experience in a fast-paced, forward-thinking environment that values learning, precision, and teamwork.Working Hours :7.30am - 4.00pm Monday to Thursday, 7.30am - 12.30pm Fridays.
If appropriate, determined by age and experience, may be eligible to complete overtime.Skills: Communication skills,Attention to detail,Organisation skills,Problem solving skills,Logical,Team working,Initiative,Patience,Physical fitness,Willingness to learn....Read more...
Our apprenticeship programme combines college-based training with work-based learning, under the mentorship of our highly skilled engineering team. From September 2025, the first four weeks of your apprenticeship will consist of intensive training at The Grimsby Institute, Nuns Corner, DN34 5BQ. You will then work three days per week at Polypipe, Holmes Way, Horncastle, LN9 6JW, and return to The Grimsby Institute for two full days each week. In Year 2, you will attend college one day per week, spending the majority of your time at our Horncastle site, learning and being mentored by our team of experts. Supported by your training and our team, your tasks will include:
Mechanical and electrical maintenance, installation, fault-finding and repair
Reading and interpreting engineering drawings
Learning pneumatic and hydraulic systems
Working with programmable logic controllers (PLCs)
Responding to production machinery breakdowns
Assisting with the completion of maintenance documents/worksheets
Supporting engineering projects and improvement works
Servicing and maintaining machinery - TPM/PPM
Providing support to all departments across the site
Contributing to new working methods and participating in continuous improvement projects
Carrying out any other associated duties as required
Training:
Our apprenticeship programme combines college-based training, with work-based learning, under the mentorship of our highly skilled engineering team
From September 2025, the first 4 weeks of your apprenticeship will cover intensive training at The Grimsby Institute, Nuns Corner, DN34 5BQ. You will then work 3 days per week from Polypipe, Holmes Way, Horncastle, LN9 6JW, and return to The Grimsby Institute for 2 full days each week
In year 2, you will only attend college for 1 day each week, spending the majority of your time at our Horncastle site, learning and being mentored by our team of experts
You will complete a mixture of on and off the job training, including workshops, face to face training and working towards creating a portfolio of relevant practical evidence
You will have a review every 8-12 weeks with your Manager and Trainer to discuss your progress
Training Outcome:
The Polypipe Apprentice Programme provides a fantastic opportunity for apprentices to build a strong foundation of capability that will lead to a permanent job role, and possible internal progression
Employer Description:Polypipe Civils and Green Urbanisation is a UK leader in the design, development and manufacture of thermoplastic piping systems for major infrastructure and water management projects. From our dedicated site in Horncastle, we support a wide range of sectors including highways, rail, water, residential, commercial and agriculture.
We specialise in sustainable, engineered drainage and water management solutions, with in-house fabrication facilities and a skilled team delivering bespoke systems to meet the evolving needs of the built environment. Our expert teams work with advanced materials and innovative technologies to drive efficient, long-lasting solutions across the UK’s infrastructure network.
As an apprentice maintenance engineer, you’ll play a key role in supporting the equipment and systems that underpin our high-quality manufacturing processes.Working Hours :Monday - Friday, 08:00 - 16:30, whilst in apprenticeship training.Skills: Communication skills,Attention to detail,Organisation skills,Customer care skills,Problem solving skills,Presentation skills,Analytical skills,Logical,Team working,Creative,Initiative,Positive 'can-do' attitude,Not afraid to ask questions,Highly driven individual,Self-starter....Read more...
