Automation Engineer
Location: Peterborough I Salary: Dependant on experience
We are looking for an experienced Automation Engineer to join our Technology team in Peterborough.
This is a hands-on engineering role where you’ll design, develop, test and commission the control software behind our robotic and automated machinery solutions.
You’ll work primarily with Beckhoff TwinCAT 3 and Structured Text, developing robust, maintainable machine-control software and integrating PLCs with robotics, drives, vision systems, sensors, safety systems and other industrial equipment.
You won’t be working in isolation. You’ll be part of a multi-disciplined engineering environment, working alongside Project, Electrical, Mechanical, Robotics, Vision and Software Engineers to take automation solutions from development and testing through to commissioning on customer sites.
As OAL continues to grow, there will also be the opportunity to take increasing ownership of automation delivery and develop your capability through collaboration and knowledge sharing across the engineering team.
What you’ll be doing
Your role will include:
Developing, maintaining and testing PLC and machine-control software using Beckhoff TwinCAT 3
Programming using IEC 61131-3 Structured Text and structured/object-oriented programming principles
Developing reusable, readable and maintainable automation software
Integrating PLCs, robots, drives, vision systems, sensors, safety systems and other industrial equipment
Developing and supporting HMI and Web Visualisation solutions
Taking part in factory acceptance testing, system integration and validation
Commissioning, troubleshooting and optimising systems at customer sites
Working collaboratively on design reviews, software reviews and technical problem solving
Contributing to reusable software libraries, code reviews and automation standards
Producing clear technical, testing and commissioning documentation
Supporting continuous improvement and knowledge sharing across OAL’s automation capability
The role includes travel to customer sites for installation, commissioning and support when required.
What we’re looking for
We’re looking for someone with a strong industrial automation background who is comfortable getting involved across the full lifecycle of an automation project.
You’ll ideally have:
Proven experience developing automation software using Beckhoff TwinCAT 3
Strong IEC 61131-3 Structured Text programming capability
Experience using structured and object-oriented programming techniques
Practical experience working with robotics and/or automated machinery
Experience integrating PLC control with drives, sensors, actuators and other field equipment
HMI and/or Web Visualisation development experience
Strong commissioning, fault-finding and problem-solving skills
Experience working within multi-disciplined engineering teams
Good communication skills and the confidence to work with colleagues, suppliers and customers
A willingness to travel to customer sites when required
A full UK driving licence
Experience with KUKA robotics, Beckhoff TwinSAFE, EtherCAT, PROFINET, EtherNet/IP, OPC UA, Azure DevOps or Git would be an advantage, as would experience within food, beverage, packaging, palletising or other high-throughput automated production environments.
Why OAL?
At OAL, you’ll be working on real-world automation projects where the software you develop directly controls complex robotic and automated machinery.
We’re continuing to grow our engineering capability, which means this is an opportunity to join a business where you can contribute technically, share ideas and help shape how we develop and standardise our automation platforms.
We’re looking for engineers who enjoy solving problems, working collaboratively and taking ownership – people who want to build automation that works reliably in the real world, not just on a test bench.
Interested? Apply now to join the OAL team in Peterborough.
Important information
This is an office-based role so applicants must be able to commute to our offices in Peterborough.
Applicants must have the right to work in the UK without requiring employer sponsorship. Unfortunately, OAL is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.
OAL is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates.