Automation Engineer

OAL is growing, and we’re 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 doingDeveloping, maintaining and testing PLC and machine-control software using Beckhoff TwinCAT 3Programming using IEC 61131-3 Structured Text and structured/object-oriented programming principlesDeveloping reusable, readable and maintainable automation softwareIntegrating PLCs, robots, drives, vision systems, sensors, safety systems and other industrial equipmentDeveloping and supporting HMI and Web Visualisation solutionsTaking part in factory acceptance testing, system integration and validationCommissioning, troubleshooting and optimising systems at customer sitesWorking collaboratively on design reviews, software reviews and technical problem solvingContributing to reusable software libraries, code reviews and automation standardsProducing clear technical, testing and commissioning documentationSupporting continuous improvement and knowledge sharing across OAL’s automation capabilityThe role includes travel to customer sites for installation, commissioning and support when required. OAL_Automation_Engineer_JD_MOSWhat we’re looking forWe’re looking for someone with a strong industrial automation background who is comfortable getting involved across the full lifecycle of an automation project.Proven experience developing automation software using Beckhoff TwinCAT 3Strong IEC 61131-3 Structured Text programming capabilityExperience using structured and object-oriented programming techniquesPractical experience working with robotics and/or automated machineryExperience integrating PLC control with drives, sensors, actuators and other field equipmentHMI and/or Web Visualisation development experienceStrong commissioning, fault-finding and problem-solving skillsExperience working within multi-disciplined engineering teamsGood communication skills and the confidence to work with colleagues, suppliers and customersA willingness to travel to customer sites when requiredA full UK driving licence OAL_Automation_Engineer_JD_MOSExperience 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 informationThis is an office-based role at our Peterborough site, so applicants must be able to commute to Peterborough on a regular basis.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.