Job Description

Overview:

The Control Systems & Automation Engineer role is an exciting and excellent opportunity for an experienced Controls and Automation Engineer to join our Team at an exciting period of change and business growth.

We are introducing cutting-edge technology into our existing factory and have plans underway to build a new world class regenerative food manufacturing factory in Trowbridge.
We are looking for talented and enthusiastic Engineers to join us in this new chapter.
You will work within a team of 25 engineers in our factory as well as the wider project team for our second factory (also in Trowbridge.)
The role is key in supporting the wider manufacturing operation and is a unique opportunity to be involved in our exciting expansion.

You will have an in-depth knowledge and hands on experience working with Siemens, Omron and Allen-Bradly PLC systems. This role is crucial in ensuring the reliability, efficiency and optimization of our manufacturing process through effective control systems management.

Your experience of planning and managing OT change improvement activity, as well as liaising with key stakeholders will enable you to ensure standards of OT are linked to a common strategy.
Who we are:

apetito is the UK's leading food supplier to the health and social care sectors serving more than 1,300 care homes, health care and education settings.
Our meals are expertly crafted by our dieticians and chefs, and then frozen to lock in the goodness.
Wiltshire Farm Foods, our sister company, is the UK's largest ready meal supplier cooking and delivering over 330 different delicious frozen ready meals across the UK.


Responsibilities:
Provide technical support and troubleshooting for control systems and automation issues to minimise downtime. Collaborate with production teams to ensure seamless operations and resolve equipment challenges promptly. Develop the Engineering team in control systems fault finding and understanding Collaborate with the wider organisation to develop common control systems strategies Monitor control systems for performance, identifying areas for improvement and implement solutions Develop and execute preventative maintenance schedules for PLC, HMIs and associated automation hardware Conduct regular system health checks, backups and updates to ensure long-term reliability PLC programming and configuration Maintain, modify and optimise PLC programs for Siemens, Omron and Allen-Bradly systems to meet production requirements Design and integrate new control system solutions to improve process and flexibility Lead the implementation of upgrades or expansions to control systems in line with evolving operational needs Evaluate and recommend new technologies to enhance plant productivity Ensure compliance and documentation is maintained and developed Ensure all control systems adhere to relevant safety standards and regulations Maintain detailed documentation, including electrical schematics, software backups and maintenance records
About you:

Essential:

Relevant and recognised Engineering Qualification Recognised Control systems Engineering experience Good understanding of Health & Safety Regulations, including safety systems and relevant standards (SIL, ISO 13849) Demonstrated experience in PLC programming, fault finding and control Demonstrated experience in HMI & SCADA systems.

Desirable:

Specific training in specific PLC platforms, with experience of setting up connected systems and hierachy. Food Maunfacturing experience Familiarity with robotics, motion control and advanced automation technologies. Relevant Engineering degree level qualifications

Company Benefits:
Competitive salary - accredited Living Wage employer 25 days holiday per year, plus bank holidays Option to purchase up to 5 additional days holiday per year Discretionary annual bonus scheme Pension scheme - employer matched contributions up to 4% Life assurance scheme worth at least 1x annual salary Subsidised canteen Free parking Free turkey or voucher at Christmas apetito perks scheme including salary sacrifice options and retail discounts

Our Values:

As a family-owned business, we take great pride in being a company that makes a real difference and is dedicated to creating outstanding meals to be proud of.

We develop a range of products designed to enhance health and well-being for all our customers.

We are driven by a passion for service and dedicated to feeding some of the UK's most vulnerable people.

We proudly support British food and farming, focusing on using the best ethical and sustainable produce in alignment with our goal to reach Net Zero by 2040.
Our ethical standards are recognised by the ETI and we are an accredited Living Wage employer.

Learn more about apetito's commitment to a more sustainable future.

We embrace inclusion, empowering individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Our commitment to making a real difference extends to customers, communities, and staff and we're on a mission to build an inclusive workplace where everyone reaches their full potential.