Automation Engineer (Projects)

• Comprehensive pension scheme - up to 12% employer contribution
• Potential, discretionary annual bonus
• A focus on professional development and growth
• Generous annual leave allowance plus 12 additional flex days
• Private medical health cover

Location: Dalston, Cumbria

Salary: £50,000 - £55,000 depending on experience

Nestlé Beverage brings some of the UK and Ireland's best-known drinks brands to consumers. Our Dalston factory is home to NESCAFÉ and produces a range of Cappuccino, AERO and COFFEE-MATE products through highly automated, PLC-controlled processing, filling and packing operations.

As Automation Engineer (Projects), you will help deliver capital investment and digitalisation projects across the site. You will support the design, installation, commissioning and start-up of automation solutions, ensuring projects meet agreed safety, quality, cost and timing requirements.

You will turn automation requirements into safe, reliable and effective engineering solutions. Working with project, operations and technical stakeholders, you will help ensure new and upgraded systems are ready for successful start-up and long-term performance.

• Project Delivery: Support automation elements of capital projects from design through installation, commissioning and handover.
• Technical Assurance: Help ensure controls, equipment and supporting infrastructure meet user requirements, engineering standards and intended operational outcomes.
• Commissioning and Start-up: Partner with the start-up lead to test solutions, resolve issues and achieve a safe, stable transition into operation.
• Safety and Compliance: Apply relevant health, safety and project legislation so automation work is delivered responsibly and compliantly.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Build effective relationships across engineering, operations, suppliers and project teams to maintain alignment and remove delivery barriers.
• Digitalisation and Improvement: Contribute to the site's digitalisation plans by identifying practical opportunities to improve capability, reliability and performance.

You will bring practical automation capability and the confidence to apply it within a project and manufacturing environment.

• Qualifications: A degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation or a related discipline, or completion of a recognised engineering apprenticeship.
• Automation Experience: Experience of working as an Automation Engineer or in a closely related automation role.
• Project Experience: Experience of managing or contributing to capital investment projects, including installation, commissioning or start-up activities.
• PLC Programming: Practical experience of PLC programming and fault finding within automated systems.
• Safety Knowledge: Knowledge of relevant health and safety requirements, including practical application of PUWER and CDM principles.
• Stakeholder Management: Ability to work effectively with technical and non-technical stakeholders, suppliers and project partners.
• Change and Improvement: Ability to adapt to change, manage priorities and apply a continuous improvement mindset.

Closing date: Friday 20/11/2026.

We will be considering candidates as they apply and may close the advert early should sufficient applications be received. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

At Nestlé, our values are rooted in respect. We believe that embracing diversity and creating an inclusive environment enables everyone to reach their full potential and drives innovation. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds.

We know that not everyone will meet every requirement listed in this advert. If you're excited about the opportunity and can demonstrate relevant skills, experience or potential, we'd encourage you to apply.

At Nestlé, we're committed to creating an inclusive and supportive recruitment experience where everyone can perform at their best.

If you require any adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process, please let us know. We'll work with you to understand your needs and make appropriate arrangements. Any information you share with us will be treated in the strictest confidence and used only to support you throughout the recruitment process.

To find out more about Nestlé's commitment to DE&I: Nestlé's Commitment to a Diverse and Inclusive Workplace

To find out more about your recruitment journey with Nestlé: Recruitment Journey | Nestlé UK & Ireland