Title:  Automation Engineer

Automation Engineer

Function: Supply Chain

Location: Hereford

Salary: £45,000- 50,000 dependant on experience, plus benefits listed below!

Contract: Permanent

Latest closing date: 30th May 2025. Please note, that we may close vacancies early when we receive significant numbers of applications, so don’t delay!

HEINEKEN UK is the nation’s leading pub, cider and beer company and the name behind a host of brilliant brands, from Inch’s to Birra Moretti and many more.  Are you looking for your next chapter? At HEINEKEN UK, we make great beers and ciders, however, we also offer exciting and dynamic careers. Take a look at our open roles to find out if we’ve got the opportunity for you. We’re looking for people to help us evolve for the future. If you’re ready to brew a better career, apply today.

What’s the role?

As an Automation Engineer, you will be working within a team directly reporting to the Engineering Manager, supporting on automation and electrical activities within the Packaging line of production. This role is responsible for maintaining the site’s automation systems, both hardware and software, to improve plant efficiency, reliability, and cost.

At the Hereford site, automation systems cover Utilities, Cider Production, and Packaging, using Rockwell and Siemens PLCs with SCADA systems including ProLeit BrewMaxx and AVEVA InTouch, alongside various OEM HMIs. The automation network is fully resilient and includes over 100 PLCs ranging from older Allen Bradley models to modern Rockwell ControlLogix and Siemens S7-300/400/1500 systems. Communication is primarily via EthernetIP or ProfiNet, with additional networks such as ASi, Profibus DP, DeviceNet, and ControlNet.

Key Responsibilities include:

• Monitoring, updating control systems and optimising PLC code
• Providing technical support and mentoring to maintenance technicians to strengthen automation knowledge across the site.

• Programme and troubleshoot PLC systems; conduct root cause analysis on equipment issues.

• Support and upskill packaging technicians through technical guidance.

• Use structured problem-solving techniques (e.g., 5 Whys, Kaizen) to drive improvements.

• Maintain PLC backups and keep automation documentation up to date.

• Lead automation aspects of equipment integration and commissioning.

• Uphold automation standards and manage critical spares.

About you

We would expect a minimum of a recognised Electrical Engineering qualification such as an NVQ Level 3 or equivalent to a HNC/HND level; mechanical experience is beneficial but having an electrical base knowledge is extremely advantageous. Alongside formal qualifications, you should be able demonstrate good communication skills with the ability to support and train others effectively with the following:

• Prior experience in a packaging automation or fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) environment is highly desirable.
• Strong working knowledge of PLC systems, particularly Rockwell and Siemens platforms.
• Network architecture standards and ideally have a understanding of ISA-95 automation standard
• Familiarity with SCADA systems; ability to interpret and work with automation interfaces.
• Practical experience in PLC programming, diagnostics, and fault finding.
• Awareness of Process Control Design (PCD) and cybersecurity practices in an industrial setting.
• Ability to apply structured problem-solving and cyber-safe techniques in automation systems.

Our benefits:

As part of the team, along with your salary you’ll also receive.

• an annual bonus,
• double matched pension (up to 10%),
• 35 days holiday
• A monthly case of our delicious ciders and beers!
• Comprehensive Opportunities to develop.

The application

If you like what you’ve read and want to explore this opportunity further, please apply before the closing date listed at the top of the advert.  Please note, we may close vacancies early where we receive significant numbers of applications, so don’t delay!

If you need any adjustments made to support your application, for example if you require information in different formats, or if you have any accessibility issues, then we’re more than happy to review our processes – please feel free to get in touch with us as recruitment@heineken.co.uk.

In all likelihood the ideal candidate for this role won’t meet every single requirement in this advert, in fact we all need the opportunity to grow and develop in role. We understand some applicants are less likely to apply to jobs unless they feel they meet every single qualification. The team at HEINEKEN would encourage you to submit an application if the advert has peaked your interest rather than ruling yourself out based on any self-limiting beliefs. You never know, you may be exactly what we’re looking for!

Who We Are:

We’ve 150 years of brewing history and are proud of this legacy. Yet we’re sure our best days are ahead of us. Every one of our colleagues has a role to play as we dream big, set bold ambitions and push the boundaries. We support colleagues on this journey with development opportunities and unique experiences to help them reach their full potential.

Apply today to discover Your Future, Untapped.