Automation Engineer

Company: Trant Engineering
Location: Southampton, Hampshire
Type: hybrid
Posted: Aug 19, 2026
Views: 3

✨ AI Summary

Trant Engineering, a leading EPC contractor with over 1,000 employees and £150m turnover, is hiring an Automation Engineer in Southampton, Hampshire. The role involves designing, programming, testing, and commissioning PLC, HMI/SCADA, telemetry, and network systems across complex UK and international projects. Requires hands-on experience with multi-platform PLCs (Siemens, Allen-Bradley, Schneider), HMI/SCADA configuration, and testing/commissioning, plus an ECS/CSCS card. Offers competitive salary, company car/car allowance, hybrid working, 24 days holiday plus bank holidays, and mentored support toward chartership.

Join Trant Engineering and help shape the delivery of complex, high-impact projects.

Trant Engineering is a leading EPC contractor with a strong reputation for delivering innovative engineering solutions across the UK and internationally. With over 1,000 employees and a £150m turnover, we’re growing—and now looking for an experienced Automation Engineer to play a key role in our project delivery teams.

The Role
As an Automation Engineer you'll be responsible for the design, programming, testing, and commissioning of automation and control systems across multiple projects. This role ensures automation solutions meet client requirements, comply with relevant standards and integrate seamlessly with electrical and mechanical systems.
1) Technical Responsibilities - Automation Design & Programming
  • Design and configure PLC programs, HMI/SCADA interfaces, I/O schemes, telemetry systems and network architectures for control panels, MCCs and plant-wide solutions.
  • Collaborate with design engineers to ensure seamless integration with electrical schematics and mechanical assemblies.
  • Develop automation software that meets client specifications and project requirements.
  • Identify opportunities to improve automation processes, build efficiency, and system reliability.
  • Support the selection of hardware, instrumentation, and control devices.
  • Attend site for surveys and commissioning activities often requiring staying away from home for short periods.
2) Technical Support & Collaboration
  • Work closely with the Engineering, Workshop, Wiring and Testing teams to ensure smooth delivery of automation systems.
  • Support the Automation Lead in multi-project planning and execution.
  • Provide technical support to production teams regarding automation queries and build issues.
  • Perform functional and operational testing of automation systems.
  • Support Factory Acceptance Tests (FATs) and site commissioning of software (SATs).
  • Troubleshoot and resolve faults in PLC, HMI, and control systems.
3) SHE&Q and Compliance
  • Ensure all automation solutions conform to industrial standards and client-specific requirements.
  • Maintain traceability of design changes, software versions, and documentation in accordance with company policies and procedures.
  • Support internal and external audits related to automation systems.
  • Promote continuous improvement in automation design and delivery.
  • Ensure all automation activities are performed safely in accordance with company and statutory H&S requirements.
  • Maintain accurate project documentation, including automation systems (PLC / HMI / SCADA / Telemetry etc), test records, and commissioning reports.
  • Support risk assessments and method statements for automation works.

4) Key Interfaces, Internal Interfaces:
  • Automation Lead / Technical Manager / Production Manager
  • Design & Engineering Teams (Electrical, automation and production) / Production Manager / Technical Manager / Quality Team
  • Workshop Wiring and Test engineering Teams
External Interfaces:
  • Clients / Consultants
  • Suppliers
  • Contractors / Installation Teams (where applicable)

5) Core Values
  • Uphold and promote the Company’s Core Values – Care, Trust, Respect and Sustainability.
You may be required to undertake additional duties, consistent with the responsibilities and level of this role, beyond those specified above.
Essential
  • Hands-on experience in PLC programming, HMI/SCADA design, and automation system implementation.
  • Experience in testing, commissioning, and fault-finding of control panels and automation systems.
  • Experience working from schematics, wiring diagrams, and BOMs to implement automation solutions.
  • Experience collaborating with multi-disciplinary teams to deliver electrical and automation projects.
  • Proven knowledge of PLC programming and HMI/SCADA configuration.
  • Multi-platform PLC experience (e.g., Siemens, Allen-Bradley, Schneider).
  • ECS/CSCS card or equivalent site access certification.
Desirable
  • Experience with Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and client site commissioning.
  • Previous work in custom-built panels, MCCs, and automation systems.
  • Experience in municipal, industrial process, or water sector automation projects.
  • Experience liaising with clients, consultants, or third-party integrators on technical automation solutions.
  • HNC/HND or Degree in Electrical, Control, Automation, Mechatronics, or Instrumentation Engineering.
  • Understanding of BS EN 61439-2:2021 and relevant electrical standards.
  • Electrical safety awareness and training (e.g., safe isolation, workshop H&S).
  • Experience with intelligent MCCs from Form 1 to Form 4 systems.
  • Knowledge of networked industrial automation, IIoT, or remote monitoring systems.
  • Professional development or certification in project management, leadership, or automation engineering.
At Trant, we offer the opportunity for career development and progression within a professional working environment, and we strongly encourage employees to gain professional qualifications and fully support individuals on their journeys towards chartership.
  • Work on complex, meaningful engineering projects
  • Be part of a collaborative, multi-disciplinary team
  • Strong pipeline of secured work and career progression opportunities
  • Innovative environment with in-house design and manufacturing capability
  • Long-term secured framework work
  • Clear career development opportunities
  • Strong safety and wellbeing culture
  • Competitive salary and benefits package

Our company benefits package includes.
  • Competitive salary
  • Company car or car allowance (some levels)
  • Mentored support within our ‘Career Development Association’, to work towards chartership
  • 24 days holiday (increasing with service) + 8 bank holidays
  • Options to buy additional holiday via salary sacrifice
  • Company Pension Scheme
  • Flexible working based on a ‘core hours’ system
  • 1 x Professional Membership paid annually
  • Hybrid working
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Free onsite parking
  • Bike to Work Scheme
  • Discretionary annual bonus

Ready to take the next step in your planning career? Apply now and be part of something bigger.




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About the Company

Name: Trant Engineering
Website: https://www.trant.co.uk

At Trant Engineering, we deliver complex, high-value engineering and construction projects across the UK. From process and water treatment to energy infrastructure upgrades, we play a key role in delivering and protecting critical national infrastructure – shaping the systems that communities and industries rely on every day. With over 1,000 people and a strong, growing pipeline of work, it’s an exciting time to join Trant. Whether you’re starting out or looking to take your next career step, Trant offers the chance to develop, progress and make a real difference. Join us and be part of something bigger.

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