Industrial Automation Jobs in the UK

The industrial automation sector in the UK covers a broad spectrum of positions and sub domains including;

• SCADA Engineers
• PLC Programmers
• Control and Instrumentation (C&I) Engineers
• Controls Engineers
• Robotics & Motion Control Engineers
• Instrumentation and Electrical (E&I) Technicians
• Instrumentation and Control (I&C) Technicians
• Industrial Networking Specialists
• DCS Engineers
• ICS Cyber Security
• Sales Engineers

SCADA Engineers

SCADA engineers design, implement, and manage the integration of automation systems used to monitor and control industrial processes across a wide variety of UK industry sectors, such as manufacturing, energy, and water management. 

Different Engineering roles within the SCADA domain may focus on SCADA product development, SCADA configuration, and SCADA network design. 

Key Skills: Knowledge of SCADA platforms (Wonderware, Ignition, etc.), network protocols (Modbus, OPC), database management, HMI (Human-Machine Interface) development, databases management and package integration. 

PLC Programmers

PLC Programmers develop specialist industrial software programs used to control automated machines and processes in manufacturing and industrial facilities. Unlike software developers in other domains, PLCs utilize a type of industrial software that is part of the IEC61131-3 programming languages, such as FBD, LAD, and SFC. 

In the UK and Europe, Siemens PLCs are the most prolific type of PLC used. 

These professionals typically work with major platforms like Siemens, Allen Bradley, and Rockwell Automation using tools like TIA Portal or RSLogix to write logic for automation processes.

Key Skills: Develop IEC61131-3 application logic and troubleshoot with major PLC models such as Schneider Electric, Siemens, Allen-Bradley, and Mitsubishi. 

Control and Instrumentation (C&I) Engineers

In the UK, it is common for organizations to assign the responsibility for both control and instrumentation (C&I) to an individual or department, making the term “C&I” ubiquitous in the industry. C&I Engineers typically participate in the design and commissioning of automation systems, such as SCADA and DCS. 

They are fully responsible for all components, including network infrastructure, field instruments, control panels, cabling, and routing. 

Additionally, they are involved in testing and developing application logic within PLCs, DCS, or SCADA systems.

Key Skills: Instrumentation design, control system design, process automation, and knowledge of standards like IEC and ISO for instrumentation and safety.

Controls Engineers

Controls Engineers optimize industrial automation systems by fine-tuning control loops and improving control system design based on process dynamics and operating cases. 

Their role is to optimize plant performance of key metrics, such as quality, production, safety, and efficiency. 

These engineers focus more on process control and optimization rather than software configuration or instrumentation, although, as with other automation roles, there will always be some overlapping skillsets. 

Key Skills: Control theory, alarm management, simulation and modelling, and advanced process control (APC). 

Robotics & Motion Control Engineers

Robotics engineers design and develop robotic systems used in manufacturing, such as automotive assembly and packaging. 

Their responsibilities include programming PLCs and servo controllers for robotic systems that perform complex tasks such as welding, material handling, or assembly.

Key Skills: Robotics programming, motion control, knowledge of industrial robot brands (e.g., ABB, Fanuc, KUKA), and integrating robots into broader automation systems.

Instrumentation and Electrical Technicians (E&I)

E&I Technicians work to support the commissioning and maintenance of the electrical and instrumentation components that are part of a facilities automation system. 

They are responsible for installing, testing, and maintaining these components, ensuring they function correctly and integrate with control systems. Additionally they may support other disciplines and by implementing electrical isolations to allow for maintenance work to be carried out safely. 

They may be required to with power management systems for commissioning and integrating these systems into the facility. 

Key Skills: Drive and Motors, Isolations and lockout, instrumentation, and understanding of safety standards in electrical installations.

Instrumentation and Control Technicians (I&C)

I&C technicians are responsible for instrument and control system maintenance, commissioning, and validating the function of field instrumentation. 

They will also be responsible for static and dynamic testing of instruments, packages, and other equipment controlled by automation systems such as PLC or SCADA. 

In addition, they may undertake inspection tasks such as ex-inspection and inspection of control system panels. 

Key Skills: Calibration, commissioning,  Ex inspection, and basic control system knowledge for troubleshooting and communication.

Industrial Networking Specialists

Industrial Networking Specialists manage the communication networks that enable automation systems to function, a role that has evolved from the broader C&I function due to increasing network complexity and IT/OT convergence. 

They design, install, and maintain networks connecting control systems, PLCs, SCADA systems, and field devices, ensuring reliable data communication for real-time monitoring and control. 

Key responsibilities include cyber security, access control, network architecture design, configuring and troubleshooting Layer 2 and Layer 3 devices, and diagnosing issues using tools like Wireshark. 

Key Skills: Expertise in industrial communication protocols (Modbus, Ethernet/IP, PROFIBUS), cyber security, switches, routers, and diagnostics.

DCS Engineers

DCS Engineers design, configure, and maintain Distributed Control Systems (DCS) commonly used in the process industries to manage complex industrial operations. Similar to PLC programming, DCS often involves the use of IEC 61131-3 languages; however, it requires additional skills due to the inherent complexity of DCS, 

which typically includes intricate networks of servers, operating stations, and database management. Furthermore, DCS packages often encompass historians and other advanced applications that enhance data analysis and process optimization.

Key Skills: DCS architecture, process control strategies, system integration, troubleshooting, and proficiency in industrial networks. Expertise in integrating DCS with leading market solutions such as Honeywell Experion/TDC, Emerson DeltaV DCS/SIS, Yokogawa CENTUM DCS/ProSafe, and ABB 800xA is essential.

ICS Cyber Security

In the UK, cybersecurity for Industrial Control Systems (ICS) has become a vital standalone discipline due to increasing cyber threats targeting automation systems.

ICS Cybersecurity Specialists focus on ensuring a strong security posture by integrating cybersecurity best practices into network design. 

They design and implement firewalls, DMZs, and secure architectures in line with UK and international standards such as ISA 99/IEC 62443. Key tasks include managing penetration testing, system hardening, and overseeing vulnerability management and patching.

Key Skills: Expertise in ICS network security design, firewall and DMZ implementation, vulnerability management, access control, and penetration testing.

The following sectors are actively recruiting industrial automation talent:

• Manufacturing
• Automotive
• Pharmaceuticals
• Food and Beverage
• Energy and Utilities
• Aerospace

Major industrial automation companies in the UK include:

• Schneider Electric SE
• Rockwell Automation Inc.
• Emerson Electric Company
• ABB Ltd
• Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
• Siemens UK
• Omron Corporation
• Honeywell International
• Yokogawa UK
• Fanuc UK Ltd