Automation Engineer

Automation Engineer

Department: Commissioning

Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time

Location: Southampton

Reporting To: Rob Brooks

Description

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.

What You’ll Be Doing

1) Technical Responsibilities - Automation Design & Programming

• 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.

What We’re Looking For

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.
• Multi‑platform PLC experience (e.g., Siemens, Allen‑Bradley, Schneider).
• ECS/CSCS card or equivalent site access certification.

Desirable

• Experience with Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and client site commissioning.
• Previous work in 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 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 (e.g., safe isolation, workshop H&S).
• 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.

Why Join Trant?

At Trant Engineering, we deliver complex, high‑value engineering and construction projects across the UK. From process and water treatment to energy infrastructure upgrades, we play a key role in delivering and protecting critical national infrastructure - shaping the systems that communities and industries rely on every day.

Our teams design and deliver full EPC solutions, combining technical excellence with practical, hands‑on delivery. We offer end‑to‑end capabilities - from concept and design through to manufacturing, construction and commissioning utilising a continually evolving in‑house expertise. This means you'll work on projects that are varied, challenging and genuinely impactful.

Our multi‑disciplinary teams bring together specialists in civil, mechanical, electrical, process, instrumentation, and control & automation engineering, alongside our in‑house manufacturing of control panels, MCCs, PLCs and SCADA systems. With over 1,000 people and a strong, growing pipeline of work, it's an exciting time to join Trant. We are committed to helping our people succeed through our Career Development Association, providing structured support, mentoring and clear pathways to help you reach your full potential.

Whether you're starting out or looking to take your next career step, Trant offers the chance to develop, progress and make a real difference

Our company benefits package includes.

• Competitive salary.
• Company car or car allowance (some levels).
• Mentored support within our 'Career Development Association', to work towards chartership.
• 24 days holiday (increasing with service) + 8 bank holidays.
• Options to buy additional holiday via salary sacrifice.
• Company Pension Scheme.
• Flexible working based on a 'core hours' system.
• 1 x Professional Membership paid annually.
• Hybrid working.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Free onsite parking.
• Bike to Work Scheme.
• Discretionary annual bonus.

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