Industrial automation recruitment for manufacturers, since 2005
TL;DR:
Sigma Recruitment is an automation recruitment agency for UK manufacturers: we place permanent automation, controls, PLC and robotics engineers with automotive, food, pharmaceutical, packaging and electronics sites, and we have done so since 2005. Industrial automation recruiters are judged on one thing, whether the engineer can commission and keep a line running, so every shortlist we send has been screened on real projects, not keywords. This guide covers what an automation engineer does, what to pay, how long a search takes and what to ask at interview, and why it matters when recruiting during an engineering talent shortage.
What does an automation engineer do?
They play a pivotal role in reducing the need for human intervention in manufacturing and other industrial processes. By implementing and optimising automated solutions, they ensure systems are reliable, safe, and support the technological growth of the business, making them a key part of any modern engineering team.
What are the key responsibilities of an automation engineer?
An automation engineer is responsible for the full lifecycle of a project, from initial concept and design to testing, commissioning, and ongoing maintenance. They create technical documentation, conduct safety audits, analyse system data to make improvements, and provide technical support to staff. Their work is crucial for minimising downtime and ensuring peak operational performance.
What qualifications should you look for in an automation engineer?
Beyond academic qualifications, practical experience gained through apprenticeships or industry certifications in specific PLC systems or robotics is highly valuable. When hiring, it is important to match a candidate’s industry background with your own, whether that’s in process manufacturing or special-purpose machinery. We find the most successful hires often have a blend of theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience, a factor we assess using proven interviewing techniques for engineers.
What is the typical salary for an automation engineer in the UK?
More experienced engineers can expect to earn between £45,000 and £60,000 per year. Senior or principal automation engineers, particularly those in high-demand sectors like manufacturing or robotics, can command salaries upwards of £65,000. For precise figures tailored to your location and specific needs, consider our free salary benchmarking service.
Why is professional development important for automation engineers?
Top automation engineers actively seek roles that offer opportunities for growth and skill enhancement. Companies that invest in employee development plans, provide access to new certifications, and involve their teams in high-impact projects are far more attractive to ambitious candidates. This commitment to development not only helps in attracting talent but is also key to retaining it.
Which industries commonly hire automation engineers?
Key industries include Automotive, Pharmaceutical, Heavy Industrial, Medical Device, Life Sciences, Chemical, Semiconductor, Aerospace, Food Manufacturing, FMCG, Packaging, Plastics and other roles requiring STEM skills. Finding a candidate with experience in your specific field is a challenge that a specialist agency is well-equipped to handle.
Where can Sigma find automation engineers?
Our extensive network covers major engineering hubs including London, Birmingham, Manchester, and Leeds, as well as technology centres like Cambridge and Oxford. We also have strong talent pools in Bristol, Reading, and Swindon, and provide comprehensive coverage across South Wales, from Cardiff to Swansea.
Why should we use a specialist recruitment agency?
Partnering with an expert saves you time and resources by handling the complex task of sourcing manufacturing and engineering talent. At Sigma, we use a refined process to identify and present only the most suitable candidates who align with your technical and cultural needs. Understanding how to choose the right agency is the first step towards building a high-performing team.
Example Automation Engineer Profiles
23558 – Automation Engineer – £50K+
- HND qualified engineer with over 10 years of industrial experience gained working in heavy industry and the water sector.
- Strong project background, comfortable taking control of budgets, timelines and staffing requirements.
- Proficient with both Allen Bradley and Siemens PLC systems, programming from scratch and completing advanced-level interrogation.
- Holds good knowledge of instrumentation like pressure, flow, level and temperature.
- Adept at supervising small teams, planning and delegating tasks and taking control of safety requirements.
74335 – Instrumentation Engineer – £55K+
- HND-qualified instrumentation engineer with over 20 years of experience gained working in heavy industry.
- IOSH trained, well-versed, taking control of safety in a hazardous environment.
- Adept at maintaining instruments like temperature, flow, pressure and level.
- Has experience in supervising small engineering teams of around 5, planning and delegating work and managing performance.
- Holds good knowledge of Delta V distributed control system.
- Available for an immediate start.
Why Use Sigma As Your Automation Engineer Recruitment Agency?
Since 2005, Sigma Recruitment has specialised in connecting businesses with highly skilled automation engineers. Our two decades of focused experience have allowed us to build an extensive network of professionals who are experts in designing, implementing, and optimising automated systems. We understand the specific demands of industries from manufacturing to life sciences and provide a tailored service that aligns with your strategic goals. Our proven approach to recruitment ensures we find candidates who not only have the right technical skills but also fit your company culture, driving long-term efficiency and innovation.
Ready to Hire an Automation Engineer?
If you are looking to add a talented automation engineer to your team, we are here to help. You can call us on 02920 450 100 or email Rhys Williams to discuss your requirements. Alternatively, please feel free to submit your vacancy or book a discussion directly in Rhys’s calendar below.
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